Published February 4, 2008  

By Katy Attanasi

It has been called the Cold War’s “final frontier,” but it looks like peace may finally be a possibility. Earlier this year North Korea agreed to close its nuclear program, and in a summit last month, South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun and Chairman Kim Jong-il of North Korea signed an agreement that could end hostilities on their peninsula after decades of suspicion, and turn the cease-fire that halted the Korean War into a peace treaty.

On October 4, leaders of North and South Korea jointly signed an eight-point declaration that called for a permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula. Not only did the leaders discuss strengthening economic ties, opening a cargo railway service, having regular summits, and creating a joint fishing zone, but they also talked about cooperating to exchange culture, history, language, and science and technology. One suggestion was for a “joint cheering squad” to travel to the Olympics in support of both North and South Koreans.

The relationship between North and South Korea has long been strained. In 1910, the Korean Peninsula was colonized by Japan. After World War II, it was divided in 1945 into a Soviet-backed North and U.S.-supported South. The 1950-1953 Korean War was halted by a cease-fire, which, following this agreement, would be replaced by a newly negotiated international peace treaty.

Tensions heightened in 1987 when North Korea bombed a South Korean plane, killing 115 people. During the 1990s, South Korea initiated the “Sunshine Policy” aimed at reconciling with North Korea. Kim’s nuclear ambition, though, has been a major source of dispute: last year North Korea tested a nuclear device.

Earlier this year, Kim agreed to close and seal the nuclear reactor in Yongbyon in return for aid and diplomatic concessions. North Korea has also agreed to close other sites and disclose details of its nuclear program. Set up in the 1960s, the Yongbyon facility is where North Korea produced its weapons-grade plutonium. It is believed to have been the source of the materials needed for last year’s test device.

Progress is being made toward closing the site. Over two months, U.S. personnel will remove the 8,000 fuel rods that power the reactor, disabling the plant. While the work is reversible, it would take about a year to reopen. Some question Kim’s sincerity in giving up his nuclear ambition. His government is still cited for being repressive and violating human rights. Still, the recent developments seem to be steps in the right direction. Let us continue to pray for the governments and citizens of both Koreas, for a lasting peace and safety.

Reprinted by permission of FYI e-newsletter 2008
from the National Women¹s Ministries Department, General Council
Assemblies of God. www.womensministries.ag.org.