베를린 소녀상 철거 일단 보류... 당국 "절충안 마련 원해"<br /><br />Hundreds of people rallied in Berlin Tuesday to protest a removal order of a statue symbolizing the Korean victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery.<br />Facing pressure, a local city council reversed the earlier removal order, deciding to allow the installation to stay for the time being.<br />Kim Jae-hee has the details.<br />Hundreds of activists and Berlin citizens gathered in front of the so-called "comfort women" statue on Tuesday, voicing their opposition to the statue's possible removal.<br />The statue memorializes the Korean women and girls who were sexually enslaved by Japanese Imperial Forces during World War Two.<br />The mayor of the German capital's Mitte district appeared during the rally, and said Berlin will withhold its removal order, and explore a way for Japan and South Korea to reach a compromise.<br />"We will once again review why we have approved the statue's installation, and how the statue could harm peace in the Mitte district in Berlin."<br />The district said it will wait for the court's ruling, as a Berlin-based civic group with South Korean ties Korea Verband filed a petition to suspend the removal order.<br />It also explained the district didn't order the statue be removed because of pressure from the Japanese government, but had received letters from Japanese residents in Berlin that oppose the statue.<br />The district insists it condemns all forms of sexual violence against women.<br />The recent developments come amid strong public opposition to any move to remove the statue.<br />"The statue was on the verge of being removed upon Japanese request. But many things happened during the war, and sexual slavery did happen. The statue shouldn't be removed."<br />Korea Verband welcomed the district's change of position.<br />"What we desire is the statue to be forever standing, after dialogue, and with local residents' consent."<br />Hopes are high for a compromise and enabling a peaceful coexistence, all while honoring the victims.<br />Kim Jae-hee, Arirang News.<br />
