Lee Do-hoon: "A Good Foundation Has Been Established for the Declaration of the End of the War"

"Overall Process of Creating the Big Picture"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Lee Do-hoon, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Office for Peace and Security on the Korean Peninsula, evaluated that a better foundation related to the Korean Peninsula's end-of-war declaration was established through his visit to the United States.

On the 30th (local time), on his way back home, Lee met with correspondents and, when asked whether the "constructive measures" mentioned by Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun in discussions with him were related to the end-of-war declaration, he said, "The end-of-war declaration is indeed an important issue, but please understand it as part of the overall process of creating a bigger picture."

When asked "To what extent was it discussed?" he explained, "We had very broad and meaningful discussions, so I believe a better foundation has been continuously established for the future."

Regarding the possibility of a "October surprise" between North Korea and the U.S. ahead of the U.S. presidential election, Lee said, "I have heard various things," but added, "Our job is to respond to the given situation."

About the "North Korea's engagement" mentioned by Representative Biegun, he said, "It seems to be about resuming dialogue," but did not respond to the remark about "creative ideas." Regarding the South Korea-U.S. cooperation measures related to the shooting of South Korean officials by North Korea, he only mentioned, "We discussed various matters broadly."