Moon Urges North Korea-U.S. Talks: "Kim Jongun and Trump Should Meet Again for Peace"

"Restoring the September 19 Agreement:
A Starting Point for Improving Inter-Korean Relations"

Former President Moon Jae-in stated on September 18, "I welcome U.S. President Donald Trump's willingness for North Korea-U.S. dialogue and his desire to meet with North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un within this year, and I hope this will be realized as soon as possible." He added, "Now is the time for President Trump to show his commitment to peace and leadership to the entire world."

On the day before the 7th anniversary ceremony of the September 19 Pyongyang Joint Declaration and the Inter-Korean Military Agreement, Moon released a commemorative message, saying, "It is time for the two leaders to meet again and achieve the peace that could not be realized back then."

Moon also addressed Chairman Kim, emphasizing, "Your decision, Chairman Kim, can still be the key to peace at this moment," and added, "I hope you will once again demonstrate a courageous decision."

Regarding the new administration's North Korea policy, Moon said, "Above all, the most urgent and important task is the restoration of the September 19 Inter-Korean Military Agreement," and added, "Restoring the Inter-Korean Military Agreement will serve as a starting point for managing the situation on the Korean Peninsula in a stable manner and improving inter-Korean relations."

Reflecting on inter-Korean relations under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, Moon remarked, "Inter-Korean relations have been damaged to the point where recovery is difficult. The September 19 Military Agreement was scrapped, and mutual hostile acts, such as trash balloons and loudspeaker broadcasts, escalated tensions, pushing the situation to the brink of war." He continued, "There were even indications that provocations against North Korea were orchestrated to create a pretext for martial law. If true, this is truly shocking and an atrocious act that must be thoroughly investigated and brought to light."

He went on to say, "Easing military tensions and building trust are prerequisites for any peace process, and are essential for the smooth progress of North Korea-U.S. dialogue." He added, "If it is difficult to immediately resume comprehensive dialogue between the two Koreas, I hope that discussions will at least begin with the restoration of the September 19 Inter-Korean Military Agreement."