Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Saturday proposed that the two Koreas begin talks on ending their long-running war and discuss practical ways to halt the advancement of Pyongyang's nuclear program, pledging to seek a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. Lee made the proposal in his speech at a ceremony marking the 81st Liberation Day, which commemorates Korea's liberation from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee urged both nations to "put down our intentions to threaten each other and begin discussions to end the long-running war as the directly involved parties," suggesting that the talks could also cover "effective ways to halt the advancement of the North's nuclear capabilities." The Korean War, which lasted from 1950 to 1953, ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty, leaving the two Koreas technically still at war. President Lee expressed his commitment to ending the war and replacing the "unstable armistice system" with a peace regime.
Despite North Korea's lack of response to Seoul's repeated reconciliatory gestures since Lee took office in June last year, Lee's administration remains committed to dialogue. Last year, Lee promised to respect North Korea's current system and refrain from pursuing unification by absorption or engaging in hostile acts against the North. Lee reiterated the importance of mutual respect and the cessation of unnecessary confrontations, advocating for a reduction in hostility through changes in perceptions, norms, and systems.
In his speech, President Lee emphasized the importance of a "multilayered security system" to manage tensions and prevent crises, promising "preemptive and consistent measures for peace" aligned with the security situation in the region. He expressed hope to induce a positive response from North Korea, aiming to create stability on the Korean Peninsula and contribute to global efforts towards a world without nuclear weapons.
Lee also addressed South Korea-Japan relations, noting the positive impact of "shuttle diplomacy" on trust and cooperation between the two countries in areas such as supply chains, energy, and advanced technologies. He expressed a desire to expand bilateral cooperation for mutual interests and address shared challenges, envisioning a new era of peace and prosperity with Japan.
The Liberation Day event in Seoul was attended by around 3,000 participants, including patriots, families of independence fighters, government and party officials, foreign ambassadors, and citizens.