"History and Territorial Issues Must Be Firm... Clear Position Needed to Protect National Interests"
Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is answering reporters' questions on the afternoon of the 24th at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, regarding the collective resignation of key party officials. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seohyun] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, said regarding the controversy surrounding the Korean Peninsula end-of-war declaration, "The declaration itself cannot and should not be blocked for any political reason."
On the 25th, at the Korea Daily CorAsia Forum held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, Lee stated, "The state of war on the Korean Peninsula continues. Regardless of the reasons, this state of war must end quickly."
This was a subtle rebuttal to Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, who recently expressed opposition at a foreign press conference, saying, "Separating the end-of-war declaration as a political declaration would cause significant side effects."
Lee said, "I think the Japanese political circles can make such claims (opposing the Korean Peninsula end-of-war declaration) because it aligns with Japan's national interests," adding, "However, from our standpoint, we must clearly change the armistice status to an end-of-war status and go beyond a peace agreement to develop a relationship of mutual coexistence and joint prosperity that benefits each other."
He continued, "Regarding the opposition from Japanese political circles to the end-of-war declaration, we must clearly express and point out our position in terms of protecting the national interests of the Republic of Korea," and added, "However, efforts to communicate and cooperate to ensure this does not fundamentally worsen Korea-Japan relations must also continue relentlessly."
Regarding Korea-Japan relations, Lee said, "Issues such as history and territorial disputes must be dealt with firmly. These are matters of national sovereignty and areas that must be strictly handled for the future of both countries," and added, "On the other hand, social and economic exchanges and cooperation should continue to expand and strengthen as they benefit the people and nations of both countries."
He further emphasized, "Currently, there is a change of real power surrounding the Korean Peninsula worldwide," and said, "For the nation's interests and the better lives of the people, current political powers must make more concessions and acknowledge what needs to be acknowledged to establish a new relationship on that foundation."
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