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Press releases Archive |
LAST UPDATE
July 11, 2005
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| September 9, 2003 |
Peace Now Korea Japan's Human Message for Peace |
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Background
One year has passed since the signing of the Pyongyang Declaration between Japan and the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), an historic agreement promising to work towards peace and
stability in North East Asia. On September 17, 2002 Prime Minister Koizumi and Chairman Kim Jong-Il
pledged to work towards normalization of state diplomatic relations. On behalf of the two nations,
who have not had diplomatic relations since 1948, the leaders declared to establish "a fruitful
political, economic and cultural relationship between Japan and the DPRK.
But with continuing controversy over the issue of abductions and North Korea's possible nuclear
weapons capability, and with the Bush administration declaring the DPRK to be part of the "axis
of evil", little if any progress has been made towards realizing the stated goals in the
Pyongyang Declaration.
Instead, the Japanese government and the mass media have done much to politicize these issues
and inflame negative sentiment in Japanese society towards North Korean people. Discrimination
against Korean residents has escalated significantly in recent months. And an atmosphere of instability,
fear and suspicion has replaced the sense of hope and optimism that existed just one year ago
in the North-East Asian region.
Purpose
A coalition of community groups from South Korea and Japan wish to send a human message of
peace on September 17. This is to let the world know, and our governments in particular, that
we want peace and security in our region. We want this to be achieved through peaceful means.
We call on everyone to participate in this act of solidarity and goodwill.
Meaning
The word for friend, Okkendomn will be formed with four Hangeul letters and also with one kanji
character '—F'. The word Okkendomn is symbolic as it is used in both South and North Korea.
Possessing the will to form good relations is the most important requirement to solve any conflict
without resorting to violence.
Impact
Let us spread this appeal for peace to the 1.4 billion people living throughout East Asia, including
people living in Japan, China, Taiwan and the Korean peninsula. Our message will reach people
in North Korea through South Korean media outlets.
| Date: |
Wednesday September 17, 2003 |
| Time: |
6pm |
| Place: |
Meiji Park (JR Sobu Line, Sendagaya station
5 minutes on foot) |
| Organizer: |
PEACE
NOW KOREA JAPAN |
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