"Winning by Fighting Is the Worst Strategy"
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, described the current inter-Korean relations as seemingly having returned to the Cold War era, stating that "the spirit of June 15 is more urgently needed than ever."
On the morning of the 15th, Lee Jae-myung posted on his Facebook, "The spirit of the 'June 15 Joint Declaration' left by President Kim Dae-jung is more desperately needed than ever," expressing this view.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 14th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@
Regarding the significance of June 15, he said, "It was the day that ended an era of hostility lasting over half a century and opened a new path for peace on the Korean Peninsula," adding, "The seed of the June 15 Joint Declaration, sown by the giant Kim Dae-jung 24 years ago, became the cornerstone and root of inter-Korean relations development."
About the current situation, he assessed, "The peace that was painstakingly built is shaking endlessly," noting, "Trash balloons and leaflets have been exchanged between the North and South, the September 19 military agreement, which was a safety device for peace on the Korean Peninsula, has been suspended, and even loudspeaker broadcasts toward the North have resumed."
He then urged both the South Korean government and North Korea to restore the spirit of June 15. Lee said, "North Korea should stop reckless provocations that only bring about international isolation and reclaim the spirit of the June 15 Joint Declaration," adding, "In a situation where communication channels between the North and South are cut off and even the safety pin has been pulled, if (our government) insists only on a hardline response of 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,' the resulting damage will fall entirely on the residents of border areas and the people."
Lee stated, "Winning by fighting is the worst strategy. Creating a state where fighting is unnecessary is difficult but the strongest and most competent security," and said, "Reflecting on the noble decision shown by President Kim Dae-jung, although it is difficult, let us resume dialogue and communication and move steadily on the path of peace."
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