The Democratic Party convenes the Foreign Affairs, Security, and Unification Advisory Council... "Must respond firmly to North Korea crossing the line"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Kang Nahum and Won Dara] On the 18th, the Democratic Party of Korea urgently convened the 'Foreign Affairs, Security, and Unification Advisory Council' to discuss party-level response measures to North Korea's provocations, including the demolition of the Kaesong Inter-Korean Joint Liaison Office.

At the meeting, Democratic Party leader Lee Hae-chan stated, "The North has demolished the Kaesong Joint Liaison Office and deployed troops in Kaesong and the Demilitarized Zone, which is a direct denial of the spirit of the Panmunjom Declaration and the September 19 Military Agreement." He added, "Unilaterally disclosing diplomatic matters and continuing threatening remarks are also actions that have crossed the line."

He continued, "There is nothing to gain from such provocations, and what is lost affects our entire nation," urging, "The North must stop provocations that are of no help to either side."

He further emphasized, "Resolving issues through dialogue is difficult, but it remains the only first step toward peace on the Korean Peninsula," and urged, "Our government must firmly respond to North Korea's provocations that cross the line, while not letting go of the thread of dialogue."

The meeting was attended by party leadership, including Song Young-gil, Chairman of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee; Min Hong-chul, Chairman of the Defense Committee; Kang Kyung-wha, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Jeong Kyeong-doo, Minister of National Defense. From the Ministry of Unification, Deputy Minister Seo Ho attended in place of Minister Kim Yeon-chul, who tendered his resignation on the 17th.

Following the meeting, Democratic Party chief spokesperson Kang Hoon-sik told reporters, "There were reports from government officials on the current situation assessment, major countries' reactions, the government's response to North Korean leaflets, directions for improving inter-Korean relations, and military readiness," adding, "Detailed meeting contents are difficult to disclose."

Regarding whether the Panmunjom Declaration will be pushed for ratification in the National Assembly, he said, "Once the government sets its position and brings it to the National Assembly, discussions will begin," adding, "Since this issue is also linked to the organization of the National Assembly, the government’s proposal must come first for discussions to proceed."

When asked if the party will proceed with the Special Act to Ban the Distribution of Leaflets to North Korea as previously stated, he replied, "There was no separate discussion on the special law related to North Korean leaflets," but added, "I believe the legislation is necessary for now."

Regarding whether the party expressed any disappointment with the government’s foreign affairs and security response, he said, "There was no such discussion at all."

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