GNP moves away from Lee’s ultra-hardline N.Korea policy

Posted on : 2011-08-31 10:01 KST Modified on : 2019-10-19 20:29 KST
Eying next year’s elections, the GNP has looked to adopt a more mainstream stance

By Hwang Joon-bum

   

Grand National Party Chairman (GNP) Hong Joon-pyo stated Tuesday, “The time has come to show a more forward-thinking approach on inter-Korean relations.”

Speaking at a special talk in Incheon for the Hannara Incheon Forum and party member workshop for Hongcheon, Gangwon Province, Hong said, “Why did South Koreans not vote for the Grand National Party in last year’s local election even after the Cheonan situation occurred? The Grand National Party keeps getting painted as being anti-reunification.”

Regarding a South Korea-North Korea-Russia gas pipeline currently being pushed by the government, Hong said, “My understanding is that the three parties, South Korea, North Korea, and Russia, are going to hold negotiations some time around November.” 

“The gas pipeline project was agreed upon by South Korea and Russia and between North Korea and Russia, so the inter-Korean pipeline project will be going ahead once working officials for the three countries get together and reach an agreement,” Hong added.

Hong also said, “President Lee Myung-bak has been quietly pushing the inter-Korean gas pipeline project since early on in his term, and the accomplishment is entirely the president’s.”

“With the inter-Korean gas pipeline project, we are readying a new turning point,” he added.

Hong went on to say that the GNP would be examining the Kaesong Industrial Complex issue in an effort to encourage activity there, noting that his chief secretary Lee Beom-rae met with representatives of tenant businesses last week to hear their complaints.

Analysts said Hong’s calls for a shift in inter-Korean relations appear to have the goal of securing victories in April’s general elections and the December 2012 presidential election.

During the talk Tuesday, Hong said, “If we conduct inter-Korean relations in this way, the problem arises of us once again making South Koreans feel anxious during next year’s general elections.”

Hong expressed the view that a thaw in inter-Korean relations should be pursued and that there should be a change in the Lee administration’s foreign affairs and national security line and policy to achieve this, a view he has expressed repeatedly to the Cheong Wa Dae since taking over a GNP chairman in July.

    

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]