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Political Circles Split on Restoration of Inter-Korean Communication Line

News2018-01-03
Political Circles Split on Restoration of Inter-Korean Communication Line

Political circles in South Korea are split over the restoration of an inter-Korean communication line at the truce village of Panmunjeom. 

Democratic Party spokeswoman Back Hye-ryun released a written statement on Wednesday that noted North Korea’s quick response to the South’s proposal for high-level talks, saying the South is bearing the fruit of its sincere efforts toward the North. 

She said it's meaningful that the telephone communication channel is up and running again after nearly two years and there is hope it will become a turning point for inter-Korean talks, leading to practical and steady communication to ease tensions and improve relations. 

The largest opposition Liberty Korea Party(LKP), on the other hand, warned the government in Seoul not to compromise national security by responding to the North’s sudden proposal for dialogue.

LKP spokesman Choung Tae-ok said talks should be held on the condition that it helps solve the North Korean nuclear issue, adding the Moon Jae-in administration is wrong to think it can suddenly open the door to peace. 

The minor opposition People’s Party spokeswoman Lee Haeng-ja said they hope the North’s participation in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics will help improve strained inter-Korean ties. 

However, she cautioned that Pyongyang's latest overture can be a disguised effort to buy time to complete its nuclear program, which is a tactic that's been used by the North for years.

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