[PEN-L:5866] Re: 'Civilian' Regime Going Beserk

[Rosser Jr, John Barkley]

On Wed, 28 Aug 1996 19:46:05 -0700 (PDT) SHAWGI TELL 
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


> 
> 'Civilian' Regime Going Beserk
> This is the title of an article in the August 3 edition of The
> Pyongyang Times by staff reporter Song Myong Chol. The article
> reviews the developments in South Korea during the month of July
> pointing to attempts to strengthen north-south confrontation and
> war moves and the suppression of the people in an attempt to find
> a way out of the crisis facing that country.
>      During a meeting with members of the New Korea Party,
> President Kim Young Sam said that the "easy-going attitude" of the
> south korean people according to which "the people in the north are
> our fellow Koreans" must be eliminated. 
>      During an inspection of the areas along the Military
> Demarcation Line (DMZ), Kim praised the presence of American troops
> in south Korea and the arms build-up. He repeatedly called on the
> troops to be ready for any "emergency" and used language intended
> to provoke the north.
>      Several joint south Korean-U.S. military exercises were held
> during the month: On July 8, a joint five-day combat ready exercise
> in and around Seoul; on July 11, a model exercise for the use of
> tank barriers in the mideastern part of the frontline; on July 15,
> a large-scale north-targeted joint landing exercise along the east
> coast, with the mobilization of massive air and naval forces. From
> July 23 to 25, huge armed forces were brought right into densely
> populated Seoul. A frantic war exercise was staged which involved
> shooting guns and throwing hand grenades night and day.
>      Youth and students were imprisoned throughout the month,
> including Kim Jon Un, the chairman of the National Federation of
> Student Associations and a university student, Kim Jong Du, on
> charges that they "discussed" the matter of forming a joint
> organization of the general student councils of more than 60
> universities throughout south Korea, and that they read, printed
> and distributed "seditious books." Ryo Song U, chairman of the
> National Students League, was imprisoned on the charge of leading
> a student demonstration.
>      Workers were also arrested. On July 4, 54 members of a joint
> worker-student demonstration were arrested for demanding the
> reinstatement of dismissed workers and a raise in wages.
>      While students throughout the country demanded an end to the
> "security-oriented rule" and the abolition of the "National
> Security Law", public sector workers and workers under the Hyundai
> federation of unions also went on strike. 
>      In conclusion, the article points out that "In this way people
> from all parts of south Korean society put up a dynamic struggle in
> demand of their right to live. All the facts show that the Kim
> Young Sam group cursed and forsaken by the people, cannot remain
> long in power."
> 
> 
> Shawgi Tell
> University at Buffalo
> Graduate School of Education
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> 
> 
     Shawgi,
     Do you have any comment on the death sentence having 
been imposed on Chun Doo Hwan?  Do you see no change in the 
ROK at all?
-- 
Rosser Jr, John Barkley
[EMAIL PROTECTED]