 
The
unification of our fatherland is the greatest task for our
people today for recovering the true identity and securing
free and prosperous life for the Korean people. Moreover,
the ongoing rapid changes surrounding Korean unification
and the current crisis facing the North Korean system make
it impossible for anyone to anticipate when and how the
unification will take place, highlighting the importance
of careful preparation for the eventual unification.
We have learned the lesson, from the unification processes
in Germany and Yemen, that national unification requires
thorough preparation and enormous efforts. In particular,
it should be noted that the German unification was made
possible by the undivided support of the German people for
the German government's unification policy throughout the
process.
Our determination for democratic and peaceful unification
is reflected in the Foreword and major articles of the
Constitution of the Republic of Korea. In its Foreword, the
Korean Constitution makes it clear that "democratic reform and
peaceful unification of the fatherland" is a mission of her
people. In addition, article 4 of the Constitution specifies,
"The Republic of Korea shall seek unification by establishing
and pursuing a peaceful unification policy founded upon the
basic principles of liberal democracy," followed by article
92 specifying the foundation of establishing ACDPU.
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-The Constitution of the Republic of Korea: Article 92-
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"The Advisory Council on Democratic and Peaceful |
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Unification may be established to advise the President |
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on the formulation of peaceful unification policy."
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The Constitution endows the President with the authority
and responsibility regarding unification and ACDPU was established
as a structure necessary for fulfilling the presidential duties
of establishing and implementing the unification policy. In
particular, for the sake of pursuing a consistent unification
policy based upon the consensus of the people, it is crucial
for a supra-partisan, pan-national organization such as ACDPU
to make efforts to reflect the collective wisdom of the society's
diverse sectors in establishing and implementing the unification
policy.
In summary, ACDPU was established, as an active effort of
preparation for unification, in response to the need for the
establishment and implementation of a supra-partisan, pan-national
unification policy by merging the powerful will and capacity for
unification among the domestic and overseas Koreans through its
13,000 plus members.
For Questions and Information
E-MAIL: rheem@pdx.edu
Last updated: Dec. 6, 1997
Copyright ©1997. All rights reserved.
URL: http://odin.cc.pdx.edu/~psu05693/uniore.html
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