The statement accused the Lee regime of unreasonably arresting the reverend while incriminating his righteous action for the reunification of nation, far from welcoming him.

It went on to say:

It is natural that compatriots in the south and the north meet with each other, talk about the country's reunification and discuss the ways for the reconciliation and unity of the nation. His visit to the DPRK with the conscience of religionist aspiring after the peaceful reunification deserves appraisal, not suppression.

Traitor Lee is a special class criminal who should be put under restraint as he mercilessly suppressed the reunification champion who conducted the just and righteous activities for the reunification of the nation.

The Lee regime is sadly mistaken if it calculates it can stay in power and dampen the desire of the nation for reconciliation and reunification through the frantic fascist crackdown, the statement warned, urging it to stop at once the suppression of the reunification champion and immediately release him.