The Ministry of Unification is prioritizing a cautious approach in response to a landmine explosion incident in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along the western front, aiming not to provoke North Korea. Minister Jeong Dong-young described the incident as a "regrettable accident" but stated, "It cannot yet be specifically attributed to a landmine attack."
During a National Assembly audit on October 7, Jeong emphasized that the primary task is to end the long-standing war on the Korean Peninsula and establish a peace regime. Regarding the consideration of non-military countermeasures in response to the landmine explosion, he asserted, "Policies of peaceful coexistence and sanctions cannot coexist."
In response to a question from People Power Party lawmaker Park Chung-kwon about whether the DMZ landmine explosion was an unforeseen accident or a clear provocation from North Korea, Jeong replied, "The final announcement regarding intent has not yet been made, and we fundamentally categorize it as a landmine explosion accident." When independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon asked if the nature of landmines themselves symbolizes intent to kill, Jeong maintained, "It cannot yet be classified as an attack."
Critics argue that the Ministry of Unification is overly cautious in its dealings with North Korea. In a report submitted to the National Assembly on October 7, the ministry noted its expression of regret to North Korea regarding an incident in February where a South Korean civilian flew a drone into North Korean airspace, labeling it a "policy achievement." However, the report did not include any mention of the recent DMZ landmine explosion.
The Ministry of Unification has announced its intention to continue providing medical equipment support to North Korea. In relation to its work report, the ministry stated, "We will prepare four major peace exchange projects, including a 'healthcare cooperation package,'" and confirmed that it has completed the United Nations sanctions exemption process for 166 types of medical equipment intended for a pilot project to improve medical conditions at a hospital in Kangdong County, known as a key area for North Korea's military industry. In response, People Power Party floor leader Jeong Jeong-sik criticized the initiative as a "potential incitement to murder that endangers the lives of citizens."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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