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October 20, 2009
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| The United States clarified an earlier remark by a senior defense official that North Korean leader Kim Jong-il had invited South Korean President Lee Myung-bak to visit Pyongyang, admitting that there was a misunderstanding in Washington regarding the possibility of an inter-Korean summit. While discussing his view with reporters, a Pentagon official said last week that “suddenly we reached a charm phase with [North Korea], with Kim Jong-il inviting Lee Myung-bak of the Republic of Korea to visit Pyongyang.” The remarks, however, were denied by the Blue House on Sunday. A senior presidential aide said no formal invitation has been extended from the North, adding that the U.S. official probably misunderstood the information Seoul has recently provided to Washington about inter-Korean affairs. The White House clarified Sunday that Pyongyang has made no specific proposal for an inter-Korean summit, although the two Koreas have discussed ways to improve their relations in general. A senior White House official said the discussion took place when a North Korean delegation paid a visit to President Lee during their trip to the South in August to mourn the former President Kim Dae-jung’s death. The official, however, clarified that “there was no specific invitation to President Lee.” The White House source said the earlier remarks by the Pentagon official stemmed from a “misunderstanding.” He said what Washington wanted to say was that the North has taken some peacemaking gestures, and the remarks were made in line with the context. The White House said the clarification was final and the Defense Department will not have a separate briefing to explain the situation. By Ser Myo-ja [myoja@joongang.co.kr] |
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