AJA donates to Tongil Nanum Fund

Screenshot of the article reported in Chosun Ilbo

On 26th September, Chosun Ilbo, one of the major newspapers in Korea, reported that 36 journalists from 27 countries at Asia Journalist Association (AJA) have agreed to a contract with the Tongil Nanum fund, a monthly donor fund.

They already dispatched 70 dollars to the fund for the first donation. The 70 dollars imply the 70th anniversary of the division of Korean peninsula.

When it comes to the amount of a regular donation, one dollar will be increased annually. In other words, unless Korea peninsula is reunified, the monthly donation would be 71 dollars.

Ivan Lim (67) president, a former journalist at The Strait Times, Singapore, said AJA was established to encourage human rights, peace, press freedom around the world. This is why we willingly decide to donate for Korean reunification.”

Lee Sang-ki (57), the publisher of the Asia N said “Every journalist at AJA agreed to contribute in the Tongil Nanum Fund. This is what AJA has to do as a matter of fact.”

Ashraf Aboul-Yazid (Dali), the president of the Asia Journalist Association (AJA) Middle East chapter and editor-in-chief of Kuwait magazine Al-Arabi, said, “Kuwait government suggested cooperation with Korea in establishing DMZ Peace and Nature Park when President Park Geun-hye visited Kuwait.”

Journalist Rahul Aijaz (24) at the AsiaN said, “I looked down DMZ area at the front line in the last April and hoped the North and South would be reunified and the DMZ be removed in the way of permanent peace.”

Journalist Ashraf Aboeul-yazid (25) at the Tahrir newspaper from Egypt, said, “I hope the fund would contribute to Korean reunification.”

Pooneh Nedai (41), the publisher of Iranian cultural Magazine Shokaran, said, “I dream that one day, people can travel from Seoul to Pyongyang by land or sky routes.”

Asia Journalist Association was founded in 2004, aiming for fair journalism and promote freedom of press with 300 journalists from 52 countries including East Asia and Middle East. They work under the motto of devoting blood and sweat to uncover the truth.