N.K. proposes early fisheries talks

Radio Pyongyang reported Saturday that the North Korean Ministry of Fisheries proposed an early start to working-level negotiations on fisheries, as agreed at the fourth ministerial talks at Mt. Kumgang on Dec. 12.

In the report, a ministry spokesman said fisheries cooperation between the two Koreas would enable rational utilization of valuable maritime resources for the common prosperity of the nation, and serve to help greatly improve the livelihoods of South Korean fishermen.

During the 2001 convention to "open the gate to unification by our fellow countrymen," which was held in Pyongyang on Jan. 10, North Korea also said the proposed granting to Southerners of access to East Sea fishing grounds would materialize in the near future.

Cooperation in fisheries should be initiated without delay in accordance with the June 15 inter-Korean statement and aimed at achieving a balanced development of national economy and vigorous economic exchanges.

Ha Tae-Won scooop@donga.com