Asia-Pacific

S Korea's new vice unification minister takes office

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-03-23 15:09
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SEOUL - A government specialist on inter-Korean relations took the office Tuesday as a vice unification minister, pledging to continue the government policy of linking humanitarian aid to improvement in denuclearization process of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

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Um Jong-sik, 52, said in his inaugural address that the Republic of the Korea (ROK) should seek positive changes in the DPRK and better inter-Korean relations based on the principle of steering clear of giving unconditional aid to Pyongyang, according to local media.

The inauguration comes amid strained bilateral ties as the DPRK last week threatened to seize South Korean properties in the resort area in protest of the delayed resumption of suspended cross-border tours.

Um did not comment on the issue at the speech, local media said.
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