Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - “Today in Korean society there is particular anger over the attack suffered. The shrinking space for dialogue, words like reconciliation and peace seem more remote. Even among Christians there is disappointment and indignation. Now we need to calm the waters and gradually return to forms of mediation and dialogue”. This was revealed to Fides by a South Korean priest, who wished to remain anonymous, commenting on the current tense situation on the Korean peninsula, in the aftermath of the North Korean bombing of the island of Yeonpyeong (see Fides 24/11/2010).
On the reasons for the attack, the priest told Fides: “The attack is linked to the current succession of power in North Korea; the designated successor Kim Jong-un (third son of Kim Jong Il) appointed general, even without a military career behind him, perhaps he meant to say, so violent, in his leadership in Korea and on the world stage. But I do not think there will be a war, which would be in nobody's interest.”
“Of course” - continued the Fides source - “now we have to wait. The government in Seoul is also very angry, and it will be difficult to cooperate or keep open the channels of humanitarian aid to the North. The unfortunate effect of this crisis is the further isolation of North Korea and the suffering of the North Korean population affected by famine and by a very serious humanitarian crisis. In the North there are no human rights, justice, or care for human life and the people suffer from a lack of these values.”
“To the Christians” - he concluded - “falls the task of praying and keeping alive the hope of peace and a better tomorrow, despite the present crisis.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 25/11/2010)
