“Improved South-North relation crucial for peace in Asia”

Most of the candidates running for the 19th general election, scheduled to take place on Apr. 11, said Friday (Apr. 6, 2012) that the improvement of relationship between South and North Korea is crucial to the peace and stability of Asia.  

They made the remarks in answer to the questions, lodged by The AsiaN, about the role of Korean politics for peace and development of Asia. The AsiaN in cooperation with the Asia Journalist Association (AJA) sent written questionnaire to the candidates earlier this week.

Kim Sung-jin, a candidate from the Democratic United Party, said the improvement of South-North relations is more important than any other things for peace and stability in Asia because any confrontation on the Korean peninsula is geared to the security instabilities in other Asian nations.  

Bang Yong-seung of The Unified Progressive Party(UPP) indicated that “mutual military reduction and conclusion of South-North peace agreement are needed for the improvement of relationship between the two sides.” 

Chun Ho-sun of UPP also said that “South Korea is needed to play a pivotal role for the development of six-party talks because it is crucial for safeguarding Asian peace and stability. Meanwhile, Noh Hoe-chan from the same party emphasized the necessity of strengthening security cooperation among the East Asian nations through the development of six-party talks. Further deepening of confrontation between the United States and China is also necessary for peace and stability in Asia, Noh said.  

Some other candicates asked South Korea to play a role of intermediary and keep a balance in its diplomatic activities. Park Sun-hee of the Saenuri Party said that South Korea is needed to play an intensive role in solving various conflict and confrontation and correcting economic imbalance rampant among the nations in the region.

Wang Xuan news@theasian.asia