TOKYO (AFP) North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong-il has agreed to allow U.S. troops to keep the peace in Korea even after reunification, Japan s Ashahi Shimbun newspaper said Aug. 9
Kim Jong-il made the statement during the historic, first-ever summit with South Korean President Kim Dae-jung in Pyongyang, said the newspaper, quoting senior South Korean officials.
"The U.S. forces need not withdraw now. The U.S. forces had better stay on to maintain peace even after the two Koreas are unified," the North Korean leader was quoted as saying.
If true, it would mark a massive concession after decades of fierce North Korean opposition to the 37,000 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea to guard the worlds last Cold War border.
South Korea s president broached the subject on the afternoon of June 14 in the summit talks at the Baekwhawon State Guest House in Pyongyang, the Asahi Shimbun said.
"The U.S. forces stationed in South Korea are playing a key role in maintaining regional peace and stability in Asia. What will become of the regional balance of power if U.S. forces withdraw," the South Korean president was quoted as saying.
Kim Yong-sun, secretary of North Koreas Workers Party of Korea, quickly responded by saying U.S. troops must withdraw from the peninsula, the newspaper said.
But North Korean leader Kim Jong-il reportedly stepped in, asking the party secretary what problems he envisaged and telling him to stop repeating the demand for withdrawal.
"Like this, the men under me oppose whatever I try to do. Our military probably thinks the same as Secretary Kim," the Norths leader was quoted as telling South Korean President Kim Dae-jung.
"The U.S. forces must not attack us. I agree with some aspects f President Kim s explanation," he reportedly said, then adding that U.S. forces could remain after a future reunification.
Kim Jong-ils remark reflected concern over a possible attack by the South, as well as over Japan s and Chinas military build-up, according to a South Korean senior official quoted by the newspaper.