DATE=5/3/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=KOREA / TALKS (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-261920
BYLINE=HYUN SUNG KHANG
DATELINE=SEOUL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: North and South Korea moved a step closer
Wednesday to reaching an agreement for procedures
on their long awaited summit. Hyun-Sung Khang
reports from Seoul that talks ended before final
agreement on all points, but the two sides
decided to meet again early next week.
TEXT: A spokesman for South Korea's Minister of
Unification Park Jae-kyu says the North and South were
able to reach agreement on many issues, but still have
to discuss some remaining points.
There were widespread expectations that this, the
third round of meetings, would result in a signed
agreement. Both sides say progress has been made
and they will meet again Monday in the border
village, Panmunjom.
Seoul officials say the negotiators are close to a
deal on procedural matters, such as communications and
security. An agreement on what South Korean
President, Kim Dae Jung and the North's leader, Kim
Jong-Il will talk about is more difficult.
South Korea has proposed that the two leaders
discuss economic cooperation and the end of cold
war structures. Also on the South's proposed
agenda is the reunion of separated families and
the creation of a permanent channel of dialogue
between the two governments.
But North Korea is asking for a broadly worded
proposal committing the two sides to national
reunification. If Seoul agrees to this, it would
allow for sensitive issues, such as the presence
of the U-S military in the South and Seoul's
anti-Communist laws to be raised.
Other sticking points include communications and
news coverage. The South Korean news agency,
Yonhap, says Seoul is pressing for a delegation
of 130 people and 80 journalists, but it is
believed that the Pyongyang wants smaller groups.
There are also intensive discussions about the
use of satellite communications equipment in
reclusive North Korea.
Meanwhile, South Korea's main opposition leader,
Lee Hoi-chang, speaking to foreign journalists,
warned against excessive optimism about the
inter-Korea talks. He demanded that Seoul insist
on reciprocity in any deal reached with
Pyongyang. Lee Hoi Chang, whose party holds the
largest number of seats in the country's
assembly, urged South Korea's negotiators to
safeguard against any deal that might jeopardize
the country's security.
The summit is due to take place the North Korean
capital, Pyongyang, from June 12th to 14th.
NEB/HSK/GC/FC
03-May-2000 05:05 AM EDT (03-May-2000 0905 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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