Never said bye: 7 decades of Korea separation World leaders pay homage to statesman Vajpayee
SEOUL: When Kim Kwang-ho fled advancing North Korean forces he expected to return home within days, so did not bother with a proper goodbye to his mother and brother.
On Monday he meets his sibling for the first time in 68 years.
Now 81, Kim is one of a handful of Southerners to travel to the North's scenic Mount Kumgang resort next week for three-day reunions with family members separated by the turmoil of the Korean War.
Millions of Koreans were separated from their relatives by the 1950-53 conflict, which left the peninsula divided and all civilian communication banned between the two sides.
Since 2000, the Koreas have held 20 rounds of reunions, but time is running out for many ageing family members. WASHINGTON/MOSCOW: Leaders from a number of countries including the US and Russia have expressed grief over the death of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and recalled his contributions in strengthening bilateral relations and maintaining regional peace.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message of condolences to President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the demise of Vajpayee.
Putin termed the former prime minister as "outstanding statesman".
"Atal Bihari Vajpayee rightly commanded great respect around the world. He will be remembered as a politician who made a major personal contribution to the friendly relations and privileged strategic partnership between our countries.
"The President of Russia conveyed words of sincere sympathy and support to the family of the deceased, the Government and the people of India," the message reads.
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said Vajpayee recognised early on that the USIndia partnership would contribute to the world's economic prosperity and security and the two democracies continue to benefit from his vision.
"On behalf of the people of the United States of America, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the people of India on the recent passing of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee," Pompeo said in a statement on Thursday.
He recalled Vajpayee's address to the Congress in 2000, when he had famously characterised Us-india ties as a "natural partnership of shared endeavours".
"On Friday, our two countries and our bilateral relationship continue to benefit from Prime Minister Vajpayee's vision, which helped promote expanded cooperation," Pompeo said. He said the American people stand with the people of India "as we mourn Prime Minister Vajpayee's passing".
Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli took to Twitter to express his grief and said: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace!"
In his message to Modi, Oli said: "Late Vajpayee was a visionary statesman with impeccable integrity and dedication. He will be remembered for his sagacity and exemplary selfless service to the people of India.
"In his demise, India and the world lost a towering political figure and Nepal a true friend and well-wisher. His contribution to strengthening Nepal-india relations will be remembered forever".
May the departed soul rest in eternal peace! Oli said.
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe have condoled the death of Vajpayee and said he played a vital role in ensuring stability of the island nation.