9.19 평양공동선언 2주년...이인영 "남북의 시계, 2년 전으로 다시 돌려야"
Tomorrow, September 19th, marks two years since the 2018 Inter Korean Summit and the Pyeongyang Joint Declaration where President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had vowed to implement a wide range of inter-Korean projects, including lowering military tensions.
But, two years later, cross border ties remain deadlocked.
On the eve of the anniversary, the South Korean leader vowed to continue talks with Pyeongyang.
Kim Dami reports.
Two years after the 2018 Pyeongyang Joint Declaration,... the two Koreas remain deadlocked.
And their ties are frostier than ever after the North blew up their joint liaison office in June in retaliation for anti-Pyeongyang leaflets sent to the North by South Korean activist groups.
In fact, inter-Korean relations have been on pause since the Pyeongyang-Washington Hanoi Summit in February 2019, which ended with no deal.
Marking the second anniversary of the pact, South Korean President on Friday once again underlined the importance of dialogue and encounters.
"In 2018, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and I pledged to our 80 million people and to the world that we would lead the Peninsula to peace. As long as we have hope for meetings and dialogue, we will continue on the road toward peace and unification."
Seoul has also vowed to bring back the achievements of two years ago by taking small steps and is calling on Pyeongyang to stick to the agreements they've made.
"We pledge to achieve mutual progress for the two Koreas, especially in healthcare, disease prevention and climate change, and to bring warmth to inter-Korean relations through talks."
Such efforts also include Lee's recent proposal to upgrade the DMZ into a so called International Peace Zone.
And watchers note that improved inter-Korean ties greatly depend on the relationship between Pyeongyang and Washington.
"Whatever gesture North Korea may offer in the coming months, it should be a function of what's going to happen in the United States especially with November presidential election."
Despite the lack of progress, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hinted this week that talks with Pyeongyang are ongoing behind scenes.
"The North has not mentioned the summit anniversary, but South Korea's Unification Ministry is urging the North to make a decision and return to open-minded dialogue.
The ministry also voiced hopes of holding reunions for separated families whenever the North is ready and reopening tours to the DMZ once the pandemic calms down.
Kim Dami, Arirang News."
