Soekarnoputri Proposes North, South Korea Peace Dialog in Jeju

Jeju, S Korea, May 30 (Antara) - Former Indonesian president Megawati Soekarnoputri is willing to persuade North Korea to engage in a peace dialog with its southern neighbor within the reunification framework in Jeju Island.

Recalling the Jeju's governor's statement that Jeju is an island of peace, she views that a zone of peace is needed amid the rage, violence, and war occurring in several parts of the world.

"I think it would be nice if the (peace) meeting could be held in Jeju Island," Soekarnoputri noted during a dinner hosted by Jeju Governor Won Hee Ryon on Tuesday.

As requested by South Korean President Moon Jae-in to serve as a bridge to hold a reunification dialog between South and North Korea, Soekarnoputri expects a positive outcome of the efforts to improve relations between the two hostile nations.

She believes that all human beings, including the people of both Korean countries, have always longed for peace and unity.

However, she asserts that the reunification efforts depend on the will of the Korean people.

The South Korean government stated that Soekarnoputri has played an important role in the reunification process of both Korean countries.

She is viewed as having the same capability as her father, Soekarno, the first president and founding father of Indonesia, who had made all-out efforts in helping North and South Korea to unite in peace.

"(The late) president Soekarno had been helping to improve relations between South and North Korea, so we think Megawati is the most important person that can bridge (the dialog) between the two countries," Jeju Governor Ryon noted.

South Koreans, especially those living in Jeju Island, are fond of Soekarnoputri not only because she is a global figure but also since she has consistently made efforts to maintain sound relations with South Korea.

The new Korean government, led by President Moon Jae-in, needs strong support from other countries to maintain peace in the Korean peninsula.

Soekarnoputri, who has visited both Korean capitals Seoul and Pyongyang while pursuing peace in the Korean peninsula, is expected to be successful in helping the reunification process.

According to Ryon, over the past decade, Jeju Island, as the only special autonomous province in South Korea, has sought to serve as a bridge to unite North and South Korea.

With the help of Soekarnoputri, the Jeju government expects to hold in-depth discussions on the reunification efforts.(*)