9.19 평양공동선언 2주년...이인영 "합의는 이행을 통해 완성된다"<br /><br />This Saturday September 19th the two Koreas mark two years since the 2018 Inter Korean Summit in Pyeongyang and the Pyeongyang Joint Declaration.<br />In the North Korean capital, the two Koreas vowed to implement a wide range of inter-Korean projects, including lowering military tensions and fostering economic cooperation.<br />However, the early optimism of those days has largely fizzled out.<br />Kim Dami reports.<br />Two years after the 2018 Pyeongyang Joint Declaration,... the two Koreas remain deadlocked.<br />And their ties are frostier than ever after the North blew up their joint liaison office in June in retaliation for anti-Pyeongyang leaflets sent to the North by South Korean activist groups.<br />In fact, inter-Korean relations have been on pause since the Pyeongyang-Washington Hanoi Summit in February 2019, which ended with no deal.<br />Still, Seoul called on Pyeongyang to stick to the agreements they'd made.<br />"In order to carry out what was envisioned by the leaders of the two sides and start fresh, joint efforts, the South and the North should continue to move things forward."<br />Such efforts include Lee's recent proposal to upgrade the DMZ into a so called International Peace Zone as well as building trust among the two Koreas and the U.S.<br />"Inter-Korean cooperation on humanitarian areas, including healthcare and climate change, should be pursued throughout the year based on communication with Washington...regardless of what the current situation is."<br />As highlighted by the minister, watchers note that improved inter-Korean ties greatly depend on the relationship between Pyeongyang and Washington.<br />"Whatever gesture North Korea may offer in the coming months, it should be a function of what's going to happen in the United States especially with November presidential election."<br />Despite the lack of progress, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hinted this week that talks with Pyeongyang are ongoing behind scenes.<br />"The North has not mentioned the summit anniversary, but South Korea's Unification Ministry is urging the North to make a decision and return to open-minded dialogue.<br />The ministry also voiced hopes of holding reunions for separated families whenever the North is ready and reopening tours to the DMZ once the pandemic calms down.<br />Kim Dami, Arirang News."<br />
