TOKYO, March 1 (NNN-KUNA) — South Korean President Lee Myung-bak on Monday called for North Korea to seek inter-Korean dialogue in a sincere manner and to discuss his “Grand Bargain” proposal to resolve the North’s nuclear issue, local media reported.
Lee made remarks in an address during a ceremony held in Cheonan, some 90km south of Seoul, to commemorate the 91st anniversary of the March 1 popular uprising for Korea’s independence from Japanese colonial rule, according to Yonhap News Agency.
“To open the bright future of South and North Korea, North Korea should change its mindset to regard South Korea only as a partner for economic cooperation,” the president was quoted as saying.
Lee has linked inter-Korean economic ties with progress in efforts to denuclearize the North.
“Now, North Korea should show its sincerity through action,” he said.
Lee also called for full-scale discussions on his “Grand Bargain” proposal, which is aimed at striking a comprehensive package deal with the North on its nuclear program.
The two Koreas remain technically at war as the 1950-53 Korean War ended without a formal peace treaty. — NNN-KUNA
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