South Korean president suggest DMZ be replaced by a peace zone.

South Korean president Moon Jae-in suggested that the international community commit to a peace process that would provide guarantees for North Korean security and replace the present demilitarized zone (DMZ) with an international peace area.

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The peace zone replacing the DMZ

A recent article notes: "Exactly what the practical difference would be is unclear, but Moon said it would be a peace zone “in name as well as substance,” and would evolve into its own “bridge nation that connects the continent and the ocean and facilitates peace and prosperity.”"

The peace zone would replace the 250 kilometer (155 mile) demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that has split the two Koreas for more than 60 years now. Moon claimed that the zone would provide an additional incentive for northern leader Kim Jong-un to give up nuclear weapons. Denuclearizing of the peninsula has been the focus of on-again off-again talks between the US and North Korea.

The function of the peace zone

Moon said: "The establishment of an international peace zone will provide an institutional and realistic guarantee for North Korea's security. At the same time South Korea will be able to gain permanent peace." Moon said that the new zone could provide an incentive to get the stalled peace talks active again.

Kim Jong-Un could visit South Korea

A recent article reports: "South Korea expects there is a "good possibility" Kim Jong Un could visit Busan in November, according to multiple press reports on Wednesday.Sources at the presidential Blue House expressed optimism about a Kim visit to the South, despite a lack of inter-Korea dialogue in recent months, Yonhap reported."

The visit might be related to another Trump-Kim summit later this year. Even a Kim visit to the south would indicate progress in diplomacy.

Moon's remarks were made to the UN General Assembly as reported on the appended video.

Previously published in the Digital Journal

Koreas: DMZ zone refuge for endangered species

An entirely unexpected collateral good that arises from the DMZ zone between North and South Korea is a refugee zone for endangered species. It is as an article in Al Jazeera puts it a green ribbon of hope.

The DMZ is home to many species that are either entirely extinct or endangered in the rest of the peninsula. The zone has become the center of attention for those on both sides of the DMZ and even overseas who are intent on preserving the Korean natural heritage.

The Korean natural heritage has been destroyed by over a century of occupation, conflict, and economic development. The Japanese occupation between 1905 and 1945 led to massive deforestation, pollution and a general environmental decline. THe 1950-53 Korean war added to the environmental mess. However, rapid economic development since has also degraded the environment.

Created in 1953 the DMZ has provided sanctuary for many species for half a century now. Almost 100 species of fish, 45 types of amphibians and reptiles and more than 1000 insect species are thought to inhabit the zone. There are constant reports of rare species being spotted in the zone.

Many worry about the future of the zone should the Koreas reunify. Moves are being made to ensure that the zone remains a nature preserve.

Already a crane preservation area is being developed along the Han River estuary. The South Korean government has designated an area a national monument in 1976. A second conservation area has been the result of international cooperation by scientists in Japan, North Korea, and elsewhere and has been approved by the North Korean government.

Many groups are trying to have the DMZ recognised as a permanent reserve and cultural site. Scientists from North and South Korea, Japan and the U.S. have all worked together to help preserve the DMZ so that many animal species can live safely in the area. Surely it should be possible to humans to live in the areain safety as well. For much more detail see the entire article here.