Ahn Cheol-soo: "The Main Principle of Inter-Korean Relations is Dialogue... Should Promote Dispatching a Special Envoy to Pyongyang"

President Moon asked, "Why are you silent?"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, stated on the 15th, “Given North Korea’s current attitude, it won’t be easy, but we must mobilize all diplomatic and inter-Korean channels to push for the dispatch of a special envoy to Pyongyang,” adding, “I am also willing to go as a member of the special envoy team if the government requests.”

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Ahn said, “The fundamental principle of inter-Korean relations is dialogue,” and emphasized, “Under any circumstances, we must not let go of the thread of dialogue and should resolve issues through dialogue.”

Ahn pointed out, “Today marks the 20th anniversary of the June 15th North-South Joint Declaration. Unfortunately, the precious communication channel between the two Koreas has been closed again, and political and military tensions on the Korean Peninsula are rising,” and asked, “What is the government’s basic stance on North Korea’s excessive criticism and threats, and what measures will be taken if provocations materialize?”

Ahn repeatedly demanded, “I urge the convening of the National Security Council (NSC) chaired by the President, not the National Security Office chief,” and stressed, “It is difficult to understand why the President remains silent at this critical moment. The President must show a strong will to sincerely maintain the tone of dialogue and cooperation with North Korea while never tolerating provocations and hostile acts.”

Ahn criticized, “The government should issue an official warning to North Korea and order the entire military to strengthen its alert posture,” adding, “This is not a matter to be handled with bland statements and comments from the Ministry of National Defense or the Ministry of Unification.”

Ahn said, “We must activate hotlines with the leaders of the United States, China, Russia, and Japan,” and explained, “Through direct calls between leaders, we should express concerns about North Korea’s current attitude and gain understanding for our measures, making North Korea recognize through international solidarity that its actions lack both justification and practical benefit.”

Ahn urged, “We call on the North Korean authorities to immediately cease their criticism and hostile acts against the Republic of Korea and actively engage in denuclearization measures,” and said, “North Korea’s current attitude will only make everything more difficult, including its regime, power structure, and economic situation. We ask them to come to the table for dialogue and compromise.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.