Dec. 18 (Asia Today) -- South Korea's Unification Ministry is seeking a larger role in shaping North Korea policy, but critics and officials say the push may be unrealistic as Pyongyang moves to define inter-Korean relations as "hostile two states" and as policy coordination with the United States remains central.
The debate has sharpened as expectations grow that North Korea will formalize the "hostile two-state" line in amendments to its party charter and constitution at a party congress expected next year.
In recent weeks, the Unification Ministry said it would not participate in follow-up consultations led by the Foreign Ministry on the South Korea-U.S. summit joint fact sheet, viewing the talks as tied to denuclearization and sanctions policy, according to the report.
The ministry has also pushed back against the U.N. Command's opposition to proposed legislation that would expand Seoul's authority over civilian access to parts of the Demilitarized Zone, saying the Armistice Agreement does not prohibit the peaceful use of the DMZ and backing the bill.
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