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There's no easy fix for North Korea, bishops told

With new president in power, Korean prelates discuss how national reconciliation can be achieved
There's no easy fix for North Korea, bishops told

Church officials discuss the future of the inter-Korea relationship at a meeting held on May 18 in Seoul. (Photo by The Catholic Times of Korea)

Published: May 26, 2017 04:06 AM GMT
Updated: May 26, 2017 04:06 AM GMT

At a meeting of the Korean bishops' Committee for the Reconciliation of the Korean People, church officials were optimistic about future relations between the two Koreas under President Moon Jae-in.

The bishops' committee held its national-level meeting on May 18 in Seoul where they discussed future activities for national reconciliation.

Bishop Peter Lee Ki-heon of Uijeongbu, president of the committee, said, "After the election of new President Moon Jae-in, the atmosphere of our society changed. I expect the inter-Korea relationship will improve."

However, Andrew Cho Myoung-kyun, a consultant to the committee, was cautious. "It is true that the situation is capable of improving under new President Moon but we should remain cool," Cho told the bishops.

"Although President Moon has a positive view on North Korea, there are many diplomatic problems entangled therein including issues with the U.S., China and Russia," he said. 

He stressed that ongoing disputes over nuclear weapons, missile development in North Korea and the deployment of THAAD are major adversities.

The committee will hold its annual symposium on June 1 to discuss how to solve Korea's division and create a peace agreement.

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