Published on Oct 6, 2014
Provided by cnnnext.com
We begin with signs of a potential thaw in inter-Korean relations...
after a high-ranking North Korean delegation′s visit to Seoul over the weekend.
And now...
South Korea is calling for regular inter-Korean talks.
But what are the chances for additional dialogue?
Our Hwang Sung-hee reports on the prospects.
As the two Koreas prepare for a fresh round of high-level talks, President Park Geun-hye on Monday called on the need for regular, inter-Korean dialogue.
"Efforts should be made to turn the upcoming high-level talks into regular inter-Korean talks rather than a one-time event to lay the groundwork for a peaceful reunification."
Sending a high-level delegation to Seoul on Saturday, Pyongyang said it was ready to hold a second round of high-level talks with Seoul, sometime later this month or in early November.
South Korea said reuniting families separated by the Korean War will be on top of the agenda.
"The issue of separated families certainly needs to be brought to the table by us.
We are hoping to discuss a wide range of issues that are of interest to South and North Korea."
The surprise one-day visit has raised hopes of a new dynamic in inter-Korean ties.
In Seoul for talks with senior officials and Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se, U.S.
Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel extended Washington′s support on the latest developments.
"I made clear that as a consistent element of the U.S.
policy, the U.S.
supports the efforts on the part of the ROK to promote and enhance inter-Korean relations."
But President Park noted that inter-Korean ties have sometimes worsened following dialogue, implying it may be too early to judge North Korea′s intentions.
Hwang Sung-hee, Arirang News.
