The first high-level
inter-Korean talks since President Park Geun Hye took power in South Korea
early last year began shortly after 10am this morning. Today’s meeting at Peace House on the southern side of Panmunjom was agreed
following a round of secret discussions. These stemmed from a North Korean
notice proposing dialogue on the 8th.
South Korea’s chief delegate, Kim Kyu Hyun of the
secretariat of the National Security Council, declared as he departed for the
truce village earlier today that
he would lead the talks with “an open heart and attitude to explore
the opportunity of opening up a new Korean Peninsula.”
Kim, who is in charge of the impending February separated family
reunions, went on to add that he plans particular emphasis on that issue. “For
me, I’m going to stress that the separated family reunions must go ahead as per
the agreement,” he explained.
