Song Young-gil: "This is not a matter to be swayed by emotions... The National Assembly should push for ratification of the Panmunjom Declaration"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Song Young-gil, chairman of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, announced that he will push for the National Assembly's ratification of the April 27 Declaration despite North Korea's demolition of the liaison office.

On the morning of the 17th, in an interview with CBS Radio, Chairman Song responded to the question, "What measures do you think are possible at the National Assembly level regarding this situation?" by saying, "I think it is necessary to obtain the National Assembly's ratification of the April 27 Panmunjom Declaration."

When asked, "There is public opinion questioning whether it is appropriate to ratify the Panmunjom Declaration and urge a resolution for a declaration of the end of the war under these circumstances," he said, "I think these must be pursued simultaneously." He added, "It is an issue we cannot give up on, and peace cooperation is something we must continue to pursue with patience; it is not a matter to be swayed by every incident."

Regarding whether the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee plans to push both the ratification of the Panmunjom Declaration and the resolution urging the declaration of the end of the war, he said, "The resolution urging the declaration of the end of the war has not yet been submitted, so it will be reviewed once submitted, and our party's position is to push for the ratification of the Panmunjom Declaration."

When asked if he expects the demolition to extend to the Kaesong Industrial Complex facilities, Chairman Song said, "I hope that does not become a prophecy," and added, "We are strongly criticizing the use of force and demanding its cessation." He also said, "It is being announced that military units will be stationed in the Kaesong Industrial Complex."

In response to the question, "If there is a military provocation, will our military respond accordingly?" he replied, "Of course, we will." However, he added, "At times like this, actions that provoke emotions and escalate the situation are not helpful," and said, "In any case, it is necessary to calmly de-escalate this matter."

Meanwhile, regarding the controversy over his previous remark, "Where else have they not demolished?" Chairman Song said, "I think it is inappropriate to report such content when it was not an official press conference." He explained, "For example, when a traffic accident occurs, saying it is a blessing in disguise does not mean the accident was good; similarly, there were great concerns about the intensification of severe military tensions."

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