October 02, 2018 11:54
The leader of the minor opposition Justice Party on Monday called for North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to deliver a speech at the National Assembly if he visits Seoul.
"I'm asking you to give positive thought to my proposal, so that we can give a reciprocal response to the boldness with which North Korea allowed President Moon Jae-in to address an audience of thousands in Pyongyang," Lee Jeong-mi said.
Bareun Mirae Party lawmaker Ha Tae-kyung expressed support. "The National Assembly too can play a role in changing North Korea," he said. "We should invite [Kim] to the National Assembly."
Liberty Korea Party spokesman Lee Yang-soo was more cautious in his support, pointing out that Kim's visit has not been decided but adding, "There's no reason to deny him a chance to speak here, but only if he takes substantial measures to denuclearize and dismantle his nuclear stockpile."
National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang had lunch with the leaders of five political parties that day, asking them to help with inter-Korean parliamentary talks. "We're thinking of holding the talks in November, with a South Korean parliamentary delegation of about 30," he said.
Meanwhile, Minjoo Party lawmaker Lee Hae-chan said he will travel to Pyongyang on Thursday for a three-day visit to attend an event commemorating the Oct. 4, 2007 Joint Declaration on behalf of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, which he chairs.
The declaration was signed by then-President Roh and former North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.
- Copyright © Chosunilbo & Chosun.com