Former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung Emphasizes the Need for Dialogue and Negotiation
The relations between North and South Korea have been strained for several decades. The most significant contribution made toward the stability and peace in the peninsula was by former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, who promoted reconciliation and co-operation between the two countries through his “sunshine” policy. In 2000, he was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his efforts toward peace and stability of the peninsula.
On April 23, 2008 The Fletcher School organized a luncheon in honor of former President Kim Dae-jung. In his remarks, he acknowledged the support he received from President Clinton and Ambassador Bosworth (currently Dean of The Fletcher School) during his presidency in pushing forward the sunshine policy of dialogue and co-operation with North Korea. He mentioned that the change in US administration occurred at a pivotal point in the dialogue between North and South Korea. Before President Clinton could formalize the progress on nuclear issues as well as over North-South Korean relations, he left office.
“President Bush retracted almost every advance made during the previous administration,” commented Kim. It was only after North Korea conducted nuclear tests and the resulting economic sanctions failed, that the Bush administration decided to change its approach. “I wholeheartedly welcome President Bush’s shift in policy. I hope North Korea abandons its nuclear weapons and in turn, the US is able to provide security assurance and economic incentives to North Korea along with improving diplomatic ties,” said Kim.
Commenting on the success of the 2007 North-South Korea summit, Kim mentioned that the tension in the peninsula has greatly decreased. This has led to open movement of people across the Korean border and enabled the reunion of separated families. He also mentioned South Korea’s increased effort in creating economic opportunities for the people of North Korea as well as in providing humanitarian aid. This effort, he stated, was designed to challenge South Korean stereotypes held by North Koreans due to decades of state-sponsored propaganda.
On Feb 13, 2007, the six-nation talks (among Japan, South Korea, Russia, China, North Korea and the US) led to a deal where North Korea agreed to take the first steps toward nuclear disarmament. Kim suggested that the six nations should build on this success and transform into a peace-promoting body for Northeast Asia. Highlighting the fact that the Korean peninsula is surrounded by superpowers such as China, Russia and Japan, who have either invaded or attempted to invade the peninsula in the past, he stressed the need for US participation in the regional discussion. “Because the US is not in the region, it does not pose any territorial threat. Therefore, the US should serve as a balancer,” Kim said.
While the situation in the Korean peninsula continues to be urgent, the presence of peacemakers such as President Kim Dae-jung who stress dialogue and negotiation as a way forward, offers some hope for peace in the future. As Dean Bosworth concluded, “Mr. President, it has been a long six years since I felt as modestly optimistic about the affairs in the Korean peninsula as I do now.”