N. Korea seeks computers for reunions

In connection to the confirmation of surviving members of separated families as agreed to during the inter-Korean summit, North Korea suggested a gradual expansion of scope of reunions through a trial period.

Accordingly, at the inter-Korean Red Cross talks taking place at Mt. Geumgang, a conflict has arisen between the South's suggestion of exchanging a full list of applicants requesting family reunions and the North's suggestion of a trial-period for a small percentage of the cases.

Also in connection to the second and third reunions originally hoped for in October and November, the North has suggested postponing the reunions about one month because officials there are having difficulties in preparing.

"The labor shortage in the North makes confirmation of surviving family members very difficult," one of the North's delegates said during the dinner meeting Sept. 20 between the participants of the talks. "If the South was willing to donate 1,000 computers, it would make it much easier."