DPRK, ROK Parliamentary Leaders Shake Hands

Home>>China

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, April 19, 2002

DPRK, ROK Parliamentary Leaders Shake Hands

Two parliamentary leaders of the Korean Peninsula shook hands Thursday in a historic move which is hailed as a symbol of hope for peace and reunification.

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Two parliamentary leaders of the Korean Peninsula shook hands Thursday in a historic move which is hailed as a symbol of hope for peace and reunification.

"I'm convinced, along with summit-level talks, inter-Korean parliamentary talks will open up a new chapter in the history of Korea," said Lee Man-Sup, speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea (ROK).

He was speaking to Kim Soo Hak, a parliamentary leader from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), who had already stood up to greet Lee, before they shook hands, smiles on their faces.

First hand-shaking, a milestone for both sides

The first hand-shaking between parliamentary leaders of DPRK and ROK took place Thursday morning during the third annual meeting of the Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace (AAPP), which is still going on in Chongqing, a mountainous city in southwest China.

The hand-shake was heatedly applauded by parliamentarians from 39 member and non-member states of the AAPP, rising to extend warm congratulations and believing that they were lucky to witness such a historic moment.

"Such a move is from the bottom of our hearts because we belong to one ethnic group," said Kim, head of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly delegation.

Observers believe that the "milestone moment" is another vital step for bilateral relations between the DPRK and ROK, following ROK presidential special envoy Lim Dong-Won's visit to the DPRK early this month.

"It is an encouraging sign, which symbolizes that the reunification and peace process on the Korean Peninsula is going forward in the right direction," said Artur Chilingarov, vice-chairman of the State Duma of Russia.

Chinese delegate Li Daoyu said it unveils a bright future for "peace and development" in Asia and the world at large.

Addressing the meeting, Kim said the reunification is the common wish of both the DPRK and ROK, and both sides have reached consensus on national reunification in a joint declaration issued by in June, 2000.

Two sides made a series of exchanges

The two sides have also made a series of exchanges and cooperated in the construction of railways and highways linking the two countries to boost the economy of both sides, Kim added.

Lee, on his part, said both parliaments represent the voices of the people of the DPRK and ROK and sincere exchanges between both parliaments will facilitate "genuine reconciliation between our people".

Delegates at the meeting agreed that the Korean Peninsula issue can only be solved through dialogue and reconciliation. The reunification of the peninsula will be finally realized with the efforts of the DPRK and ROK as well as the international community.

On April 6, the two sides jointly announced the full resumption of contact and dialogue.

During the AAPP session, Kim also expressed the hope that the parliaments of the two countries will call upon both governments to implement the joint declaration.

Lee, however, hopes that the two sides can take concrete measures to facilitate inter-Korean projects, so as to enhance trust between the people of the DPRK and ROK as well as the international community.

"It is most likely that the Korean Peninsula will realize reunification because the peninsula used to be one country for 5,000 years," Kim said.

Questions?Comments? Click here

DPRK Leader Meets South Korean Envoy

FM Spokeswoman: China to Continue Constructive Role in Korean Peninsula

Li Peng Meets DPRK Delegation Attending AAPP Meeting

>> Full Coverage

Ins and Outs of a Young American's Roguery on Bus in China ( 77 Messages)

Venezuelan Parliament Refuses to Recognize Interim President ( 9 Messages)

Chen Shui-bian Preaches Again "Taiwan Independence" ( 8 Messages)

China's Economy to Grow Above Six Percent ( 13 Messages)

Chinese Companies Required to Hold Sending More Workers to Israel ( 2 Messages)