Unification Vice Minister Eom Jong-sik says the regularization of inter-Korean family reunions could result in the South Korean public adopting a positive attitude on the sending of aid to North Korea.

Eom made the comment on a Thursday morning radio show, adding that he does not believe that the issue of food provisions for North Korea and reunions between families divided by the Korean War should be linked.

On the likelihood of an inter-Korean presidential summit, the vice minister said that although such a meeting could be helpful in resolving ongoing disputes between the two Koreas, a number of other issues must first be resolved.
He stressed that before such a meeting can take place, North Korea must demonstrate a changed attitude, including admitting responsibility for the sinking of South Korea’s “Cheonan” naval vessel.