First steps of Korean Reconciliation Forum
Seoul (AsiaNews ) - The " East-West
Reconciliation Forum" took its first steps in South Korea, a democratic
country but divided by an exasperated regionalism that seems to worsen with each
passing election . An
official delegation of the Forum, composed of members of the Democratic Party
and the conservative Saenuri, made an official visit to the tomb of Kim Dae-
jung , considered the "noble father " of the progressives . A
similar visit to the grave of former President (and military dictator ) Park
Chung -hee , father of the current president, is scheduled for March.
Since
the end of the Korean War (1950-1953) , the southern part of the peninsula is
divided into two political and economic sectors . The
east, known as Yeongnam,is of a purely conservative mold and has a greater
population density (and therefore a greater number of votes) but is less
industrialized. On
the other hand there is the western area, the Honam: home to a smaller, more
liberal population , but with a greater presence of universities, major
population centers and industries. In
elections the Saenuri candidate always wins in Yeongnam, while the democrat
candidate always wins in Honam.
It
is the first time that Saenuri politicians have paid homage to Kim, the creator
of the "Sunshine Policy" (the policy of a thaw in relations with
North Korea) and the noble father of the Democrats of the country. Similarly,
in March it will be the first time that a progressive delegation will present
its respects to former dictator Park. The
two are considered symbols not only of the two parties, but also of the two
macro - regions.