Democratic Party: "We Will Accelerate the Korean Peninsula Peace Process Again"

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 26th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The Democratic Party of Korea has expressed optimism that the restoration of the inter-Korean communication hotline will "accelerate the peace process on the Korean Peninsula once again."

Lee So-young, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, stated in a briefing on the 27th, "Today marks the 68th anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement," adding, "At 10 a.m. today, the communication hotline between South and North Korea, which had been severed, was restored, and a test call was immediately made. The Democratic Party sincerely welcomes the news of the restoration of the inter-Korean communication line."

She continued, "The restoration of the hotline between the two Koreas has turned on a green light for the previously tense inter-Korean relations. The peace process on the Korean Peninsula can now regain momentum."

She pointed out that the communication line of the Inter-Korean Joint Liaison Office was connected in September 2018 following the agreement to establish the liaison office during the 3rd Inter-Korean Summit on April 27, 2018, and the Panmunjom Declaration. The spokesperson said, "It is a symbol of communication between the two Koreas following the Panmunjom Declaration and also represents the strong will of both Koreas to establish permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula, which is currently in an armistice situation."

Furthermore, she stated, "The Democratic Party hopes that the restoration of the inter-Korean communication line after more than a year will become a turning point for peace on the Korean Peninsula. Beyond just reconnecting the hotline, we will make every effort at the party level to facilitate inter-Korean talks and to bring forward the day when the history of confrontation finally comes to an end."

Lee also said, "The Democratic Party is actively discussing ways to restart the peace process on the Korean Peninsula," emphasizing, "'Peace on the Korean Peninsula' has been one of the five core tasks emphasized since Song Young-gil took office as party leader. We are also firmly preparing at the party level by establishing the 'Special Committee on Korean Peninsula Peace.' Moving forward, we will continuously consult with related authorities such as the Ministry of Unification and prepare all possible measures and implementation plans that the ruling party can support."