Friday, June 14, 2019

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: President Moon to address Sweden's parliament, likely to urge N. Korea to denuclearize


South Korean President Moon Jae-in who is in his third and final stop in Northern Europe in Sweden will address to that country's parliament today—focusing on the denuclearization efforts.

This as President Moon reiterated his call for a fourth summit with North Korean leader before the end of the month.

The South Korean leader is continuing efforts to propel the peace process forward, starting with a possible fourth summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Speaking in Norway on Thursday, President Moon Jae-in said the timing, location and formality of his proposed summit does not matter to him, but he insisted it could be arranged before the end of June.

The South Korean leader will deliver a speech on inter-Korean peace to the European country's parliament.

He is likely to focus on the need for high-level dialogue to deal with the regime's denuclearization.

Key points of his speech are expected to include the importance of duty and responsibility among all the related parties.



The funeral for former first lady Lee Hee-ho is being held today with a memorial service taking place at Seoul National Cemetery.

Lee, the wife of late former President Kim Dae-jung, died on Monday at the age of 97.

Thousands of people have gathered to pay their respects, including top government officials, lawmakers and members of the public.

Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon delivered an eulogy, while National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang gave a memorial address.

The service will be followed by the burial, which will only be attended by family members and funeral organizers.

Lee is remembered for her work to improve women's rights as well as promoting inter-Korean reconciliation and democracy.

She was a supportive wife and an advisor to former President Kim, who led the country between 1998 and 2003.




The captain of the cruise ship accused of causing the sinking has been released on bail, nearly two weeks after the deadly incident.

Twenty-five people, mostly South Korean tourists, have been confirmed dead, while three are still unaccounted for.

The Ukrainian captain of the Viking Sigyn cruiser, identified as Yuriy Chaplinsky, was released from custody on Thursday, 
after a Hungarian court upheld its earlier decision to grant him bail, despite the prosecution's appeals for him to stay under lock and key.

The captain's lawyer said his client is very sorry, but the captain denies being responsible for the collision. Meanwhile, the search continues for the bodies of the missing.

The Hungarian and Korean crews were not able to find any additional bodies during their search of the boat so they are planning to focus on scouring the Danube, particularly downstream from Budapest. 

Seoul's foreign ministry announced that the two sides will search the river... and deploy more than 60 people for the search. 

It also plans to seek cooperation from neighboring countries.



Washington's team of officials for East Asia is finally complete as the Senate confirmed on Thursday former Air Force General David Stilwell's appointment as the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. 

The post had remained empty for more than two years despite major challenges in the region.

Source: Arirang News

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