On September 8, Unification Minister Kwon Youngse proposed holding high-level inter-Korean talks to address the issue of separated families.

 

Minister Kwon mentioned that differences in system and ideology cannot divide families apart and ensured that fundamental measures are needed using all means possible.

 

Good Morning.

 

We are just about two days away from the national holiday, Chuseok(Korean Thanksgiving). A number of separated families will spend the holiday filled with a sense of loneliness, yearning for their families and hometowns. I feel the weight of responsibility as the unification minister.

 

Differences in political system and ideology should not be the cause for tearing families apart. Nonetheless, 70 years have passed without knowing the whereabouts of parents and siblings. There is not much time left. About 400 people of separated families pass away just in one month, leaving the surviving 40,000 people in their 80s and 90s.

 

The South and the North should confront the painful parts of the reality. We must solve the matter before the term “separated families” disappears. Holding a one-off reunion with a small number of people as in the past is not enough. We need to use all possible means immediately to come up with quick and fundamental measures. The Government is ready to make every effort to alleviate the pain of division any time, anywhere, in any way possible.

 

Today, the ROK Government publicly proposes to hold talks with the North to discuss the issue of separated families.

 

The Government hopes that responsible officials of the two sides will meet in person as soon as possible for a candid discussion on humanitarian matters including the issue of separated families. We will approach this dialogue with an open mind, and make sure to take into account the preferences of the North including the date, venue, agenda and format of the talks in a positive manner.

 

The ROKG strongly urges the North to respond to our request at the earliest possible date. We ask the people of Korea to support our efforts.

 

Thank you.