(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Most people in South Korea are eager to engage in peace negotiations with their northern neighbours, according to a poll by JoongAng Ilbo. 61.9 per cent of respondents think representatives from both sides should begin talks without any pre-conditions as soon as possible.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Most people in South Korea are eager to engage in peace negotiations with their northern neighbours, according to a poll by JoongAng Ilbo. 61.9 per cent of respondents think representatives from both sides should begin talks without any pre-conditions as soon as possible.
Conversely, 36.5 per cent of the population says the two sides should meet only if there is progress regarding the containment of North Korea’s nuclear program.
Diplomatic relations between the North and South have been strained since the end of the Korean War. A one-mile demilitarized zone has separated the two countries since 1953.
Kim Jong-il has been the de-facto leader of North Korea since the death of his father, Kim Il Song, in 1994. North Korea was branded as part of an "axis of evil" by then United States president George W. Bush in January 2002. In February 2005, the government of North Korea admitted publicly for the first time that it possesses nuclear weapons.
In July 2006, North Korea launched seven missiles—including the Taepodong-2—which landed in the Sea of Japan close to Russian coastal areas. In October 2006, the country announced it had successfully carried out a test detonation of a nuclear weapon.
In April, North Korea launched its long-range rocket, claiming it was used to place a satellite into orbit which is broadcasting "immortal revolutionary songs" and anthems praising Kim.
Since 2003, six countries have been involved in talks seeking a resolution to the security concerns raised by North Korea’s nuclear program. They are South Korea, China, Japan, North Korea, Russia, and the United States.
On Aug. 22, South Korean minister of unification Hyun In Taek met with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yang Gon in Seoul. These were the first high-level talks between the two sides in almost two years. Kim declared just before the meeting started: "It is of utmost importance the relations between the two Koreas improve."
Polling Data
Do you think the two Koreas should meet to resolve long-pending issues without any condition, or should talks take place after there has been progress on the nuclear issue?
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Without any condition
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61.9%
|
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Only if there is progress on the nuclear issue
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36.5%
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Source: JoongAng Ilbo
Methodology: Interviews with 1,000 South Korean adults, conducted in August 2009. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.
