Inter-Korean Talks to Focus on Linking Railway

South and North Korea will hold the 7th round of ministerial talks between Aug. 12th and 14th at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul to discuss ways to materialize a variety of agreements including a meeting of military officials.

In the upcoming ministerial talks, the government is expected to focus on the envisioned reconnection of an inter-Korean railway linking Seoul and Shinuiju. The government will also propose a meeting of military authorities and the 2nd economic cooperation talks to settle military issues as they are prerequisite for removing hurdles to the railway connection.

Lee Bong-jo, spokesman of the ministerial talks said on the 11th, "The 7nd ministerial talks will decide detailed schedules for the 2nd economic cooperation talks, inter-Korean talks to promote the Mt. Geumgang tour project and the resumption of the meeting of military authorities. He added, "Delegates from the two Korea will discuss setting up a meeting place for separated family members in order to fundamentally solve the separated family issue."

He also said that South Korean delegates will clearly make an issue of the West Sea battle in the upcoming talks, and will focus on holding a meeting of military officials in a bid to prevent such an incident from recurring.

The two Koreas will also explore ways to support a series of events including the inter-Korean football games and the Busan Asian Games.

Meanwhile, the North Korean delegation comprising 29 officials is expected to leave the Sunan Airport in Pyeongyang at 9 am on the 12th and arrive the Incheon International Airport at 10 am.

Young-Sik Kim Dong-Ki Sung spear@donga.com esprit@donga.com