Jung Chung-rae: If North Korea and the United States establish diplomatic ties under the Lee Jae-myung administration, peace on the Korean Peninsula will follow

News1 [Financial News] Jung Chung-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 22nd that if North Korea and the United States establish diplomatic ties, it could lead to a declaration ending the war on the Korean Peninsula. At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Jung said, "If the new North Korea–U. S. relationship promised at the North Korea–U. S.
summit, that is, diplomatic ties between North Korea and the United States, is achieved, South Korea will become America's old friend and North Korea will become America's new friend. " He added, "If that happens, a declaration ending the war will be made, and barriers of division and discord will be removed. " He also urged the Lee Jae-myung administration to take an active role, saying, "If we can make the stalled clock of peace on the Korean Peninsula, inter-Korean relations, and North Korea–U. S.
relations start moving again, that alone would be a major achievement for President Lee Jae-myung. " Earlier, during his 10-day, nine-night trip to Europe, President Lee met with Pope Leo XIV and asked him to consider visiting North Korea as well if he comes to South Korea next year for World Youth Day Seoul 2027. He was also reported to have asked U. S.
President Donald Trump to lead efforts for a peaceful resolution to the North Korea issue at the dinner for the G7 summit. Jung said, "The lingering impact of the April 27 Panmunjom Declaration and the September 19 Military Agreement during former President Moon Jae-in's term remains strong, and the overwhelming emotion from the historic North Korea–U. S. summit between President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un is still vivid.
" He added, "The essence of South Korea's diplomacy is to open new paths for South Korea–United States relations, North Korea–U. S. relations, and inter-Korean relations. " He went on to say, "I hope there will be major progress toward establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula based on President Lee Jae-myung's leadership.
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jiwon.song@fnnews.com Song Ji-won Reporter