South Korea’s Lee urges peace talks with North Korea
Photo: REUTERS
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung proposed negotiations with North Korea on Saturday to foster peaceful coexistence.
During his address on the anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule, he emphasized that Seoul intends to establish safeguards to stop conflicts and transition from the current armistice to a “peace regime”.
Lee said the two nations must conduct a sit-down session focused on coexistence. He further advocated for dialogue between North Korea and relevant stakeholders to officially conclude the 1950-53 Korean War, which ended in a ceasefire rather than a peace treaty.
These discussions could also address practical ways to limit the nuclear capabilities of Pyongyang.
Lee committed that Seoul will implement preemptive and continuous measures to lower hostility and create multi-layered defenses against escalation. This initiative follows his previous promise to honor the political system of North Korea while pursuing peaceful relations.
Diplomatic ties between the two sides remain frozen. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has recently scrapped the reunification policy, designated the South as its most hostile state, and fortified frontline positions.
Pyongyang continues to reject Lee’s engagement offers, criticizing Seoul’s plan for nuclear-powered submarines and condemning joint US-South Korean military exercises as provocations.
Regarding Japan, Lee suggested acknowledging the past while looking toward the future. He expressed his desire to initiate a new 60 years of peace and prosperity with Japan, whom he characterized as a “close neighbour”.
Source: Reuters (adapted)
