May 19, 2009
Dear Mr. President,
We are very worried about the current situation in Korea, namely with the raiding of the office of the South Korean branch, Pan-Korean Alliance for Reunification (PKAR) and the arrest of 3 activists.
We understand that Pan-Korean Alliance for Reunification (PKAR) was founded in 1991 as a part of the efforts for reconciliation and solidarity among the South Koreans, North Koreans and Korean residents in the foreign countries.
Together, they have openly worked for the self-determined, peaceful reunification of Korea , openly publicizing all of the results of the meetings with the North Korea by fax. Furthermore, it is said that the PKAR has helped to facilitate communication with North Korean on the request of the South Korean government when the relationship between the SK and NK was blocked.
We think that peace and the reunification of the Korean peninsula is very important for world peace. In addition, we believe that the Seoul branch of the PKAR efforts to exchange and communicate with North Koreans is contributing to peace on the Korean peninsula.
We are very shocked to hear that PKAR activists were arrested for violating the National Security Law. We understand that the National Security Law does not guarantee basic human rights such as the right to political thought, freedom of speech and so on, and the abolishment of the law has been one of crucial demands of civil society. Also, we know that according the law, NK is stipulated as an enemy, even though NK should be a partner of reunification. We think an undemocratic law such as the South Korean National Security Law, used to suppress civil society in name of national security, has to be abolished. Therefore the arrest due to the National Security Law cannot be justified.
We think the PKAR activities are right and should be encouraged, not punished.
We urge the South Korean government to release 3 activists of PKAR and stop all repression of the peaceful movement.
For the reunification of two Koreas !
Sincerely,
Danilo Ramos
Secretary-General
Asian Peasant Coalition (APC)