S. Korean lawmakers urge resumption of inter-Korean economic projects
  • 4 years ago
With the denuclearization talks stalled, South Korea's National Assembly is trying to get inter-Korean cooperation going again.
More than half of the country's lawmakers, from multiple parties, have submitted a resolution urging a resumption of business at the Gaeseong Industrial Complex and for tours to start again at Mount Geumgang.
Our Kim Mok-yeon reports from the National Assembly.
More than half of South Korea's sitting lawmakers, except those with the main opposition party, submitted a joint resolution calling for action to reopen the Gaeseong Industrial Complex and to resume tours to Mount Geumgang, both of which are located in North Korea.
Ruling Democratic Party lawmaker Woo Son-shik, who played a big role in bringing the resolution told reporters Wednesday that he hopes it'll be a breakthrough for economic cooperation.
"Many people are worried about the slow progress in inter-Korean dialogue. That's why we're submitting this joint resolution... in the hope that it might be a stepping stone to reopening the Gaeseong Industrial Complex and tours to Mount Geumgang."
Without the main opposition Liberty Korea Party, a total of 157 lawmakers from various parties jointly submitted the resolution, which mainly calls for the South Korean government to play an independent and leading role in the reopening of the Gaesong Industrial Complex and the tours to Mount Geumgang, and for the North to actively engage in dialogue on the matter.
These two projects were both shut down by the North the Gaeseong Industrial Complex in 2016... and the Mount Geumgang tours in 2008.
"The lawmakers plan to put the resolution up for a vote at the National Assembly's plenary session before the year ends.
They also promised parliamentary efforts to take part in various projects and meetings together with the Unification Ministry."
Kim Mok-yeon, Arirang News.
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