By Sohn JiAe

The Korean government has proposed inter-Korean military talks, as well as meetings of family members separated during the Korean War.

On July 17, Vice Minister of National Defense Suh Choo-suk said at a press briefing that, “The ministry suggests to North Korea that inter-Korean military talks be held at the Tongil-gak (통일각), a North Korean building at the truce village of Panmunjom, on July 21, where we can discuss stopping the North from carrying out any further provocations that could increase military tensions along the border.”

The vice minister then called for the Pyongyang regime to “respond to the offer positively through the western region's inter-Korean military communication line upon its restoration.”



The Korea Red Cross has also made an offer to hold inter-Korean talks.

Acting President Kim Sun-hyang said to the press on July 17 that, “We propose an inter-Korean Red Cross meeting at the Peace House, a Panmunjom building controlled by the South, on Aug. 1, in order to resolve pending humanitarian issues, such as resuming reunions of separated families during the upcoming Chuseok national holidays.”

She went on to say that, “Our side will send a delegation of three representatives led by Secretary General Kim Gunn-joong,” while asking the Red Cross of North Korea to reply through its liaison office at Panmunjom.

jiae5853@korea.kr