베를린 소녀상 철거 일단 보류... 당국 "절충안 마련 원해"

Hundreds of people rallied in Berlin Tuesday to protest a removal order of a statue symbolizing the Korean victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery.
Facing pressure, a local city council reversed the earlier removal order, deciding to allow the installation to stay for the time being.
Kim Jae-hee has the details.
Hundreds of activists and Berlin citizens gathered in front of the so-called "comfort women" statue on Tuesday, voicing their opposition to the statue's possible removal.
The statue memorializes the Korean women and girls who were sexually enslaved by Japanese Imperial Forces during World War Two.
The mayor of the German capital's Mitte district appeared during the rally, and said Berlin will withhold its removal order, and explore a way for Japan and South Korea to reach a compromise.
"We will once again review why we have approved the statue's installation, and how the statue could harm peace in the Mitte district in Berlin."
The district said it will wait for the court's ruling, as a Berlin-based civic group with South Korean ties Korea Verband filed a petition to suspend the removal order.
It also explained the district didn't order the statue be removed because of pressure from the Japanese government, but had received letters from Japanese residents in Berlin that oppose the statue.
The district insists it condemns all forms of sexual violence against women.
The recent developments come amid strong public opposition to any move to remove the statue.
"The statue was on the verge of being removed upon Japanese request. But many things happened during the war, and sexual slavery did happen. The statue shouldn't be removed."
Korea Verband welcomed the district's change of position.
"What we desire is the statue to be forever standing, after dialogue, and with local residents' consent."
Hopes are high for a compromise and enabling a peaceful coexistence, all while honoring the victims.
Kim Jae-hee, Arirang News.