South Korea proposes building an international park at the border.
In a move seen as an attempt to de-escalate current tensions on the Korean Peninsula, South Korean President Park Geun-Hye proposed on May 8th the construction of an international park in the border area between her country and North Korea.
Speaking before the U.S. Congress in Washington, President Park Geun Hye stated that the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) should live up to its name, as a zone that strengthens peace, not destroys it. Based on this idea, she expressed hope that all parties would build an international park within the DMZ, viewing it as a message of peace to the world.
President Park Geun Hye views this proposal as part of her idea of "stabilizing" inter-Korean relations in the process of seeking a solution towards peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, which she outlined during her recent presidential election campaign.
In her speech, the South Korean leader also stated that Seoul would not accept a Pyongyang "possessing nuclear weapons." However, she also affirmed that the country was ready to provide humanitarian aid and strive to build trust with North Korea as long as Pyongyang responded appropriately.
The South Korean president's proposal comes at a time when inter-Korean relations are deteriorating and tensions on the Korean Peninsula are rising following North Korea's third nuclear test and joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States.
The Kaesong Joint Industrial Complex, considered a symbol of inter-Korean cooperation, has been shut down since early April. Pyongyang has banned South Korean personnel from entering Kaesong and has withdrawn all of its workers from the site.
President Park Geun Hye is on a six-day visit to the United States, her first visit since taking office last February.
On May 7th, she held talks with US President Barack Obama regarding the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Both sides agreed to continue maintaining deterrence and prevention, rather than making concessions to what they consider "provocative" actions by North Korea, while leaving open the possibility of seeking a peaceful solution.
According to (VNA) - DT
