Yonhap Interview) S. Korea capable of overcoming challenges posed by unification: German president

By Kim Kyong-suk, Tony Chang

BERLIN, Feb. 1 (Yonhap) -- German President Horst Kohler said Monday that the
reunification of the divided Koreas could come "earlier than expected" and
expressed confidence in South Korea's ability to overcome the cost burden and
other challenges that would stem from such an occurrence.

"Looking back on Germany's experience, historical incidents can occur earlier
than expected. In such cases, these events tend to have a dynamic of their own
and therefore preparations will be insufficient," Kohler said in a
German-language written interview with Yonhap News Agency.
Kohler, who plans to visit Seoul from Feb. 7-10 to hold a summit with South
Korean President Lee Myung-bak, also said there is no need for Seoul to worry in
advance over the possibility of an abrupt unification or about the costs that may
arise from it.
"Considering South Korea's capability and creativity, I'm sure that Seoul can
overcome the political and economical challenges on its way to unification."
The two Koreas remain technically at war as the 1950-1953 Korean War ended in a
truce, not a peace treaty.
Regarding bilateral economic ties, the president predicted that the pending
ratification of a free trade deal between Seoul and the European Union (EU) this
year would ultimately bolster economic activity between the two countries.
Germany is a leading economic power in the 27-member European Union.
After two years of protracted negotiations, South Korea and the EU initialed the
final text of the trade deal in October of last year. The deal still needs to be
approved by South Korea's National Assembly and the heads of the EU's member
states.
Referring to the economic crisis that hit global markets last year, the former
head of the International Monetary Fund noted the need to streamline the
effectiveness of financial regulation as well as crossborder accountability.
"There needs to be more effective regulation and oversight of the financial
market ... we can tell how dependent countries are on each other when we look at
such problems as the financial crisis and climate change."
Today's political leaders must recognize their responsibilities not only to their
own countries but to the entire international community and make efforts to
enhance global cooperation, the president said.
Kohler, former chief of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, was
elected as German president in 2004. He has visited South Korea twice -- in June
2000 and February 2004 -- as IMF Managing Director.
kskim@yna.co.kr
odissy@yna.co.kr
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