DATE=8/29/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=KOREA TALKS (L)
NUMBER=2-265924
BYLINE=AMY BICKERS
DATELINE=TOKYO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Delegations from North and South Korea are
set to open a new round of ministerial talks in
the North Korean capital, Pyongyang. As
Correspondent Amy Bickers reports, they will
discuss the possible return of South Koreans
believed to be living in the North against their
will and further steps to reduce tensions on the
Korean Peninsula.
TEXT: Tuesday marks the opening of the second
round of ministerial talks between North and
South Korea since the two countries' June summit.
Officials from the South Korean Unification
Ministry say the two sides will use the three-day
meeting to discuss economic issues, as well as
ways to ease tensions on the peninsula.
Among the most sensitive items on the agenda is
the repatriation of up to 300 South Koreans Seoul
says are living in North Korea against their
will. South Korea believes them to be the
remaining survivors of tens of thousands of South
Korean prisoners of war.
The government in Seoul also says North Korea has
abducted nearly 38 hundred South Koreans since
the end of the Korean War in 1953. Pyongyang
denies the allegation.
For its part, Seoul plans to return 63 people it
says were North Korean spies. They have been held
in South Korea for decades.
On the economic front, South Korean newspapers
say Seoul hopes to sign accords on investment
guarantees with Pyongyang. The South Korean
Commerce Minister said Monday his government is
considering establishing a China-based research
institute for inter-Korean economic cooperation.
The South Korean government says it hopes the
talks will also establish a military hot line
between the two countries and establish regular
meetings between their defense ministers.
At earlier ministerial talks in July, the two
Korea's agreed to open rail links. Earlier this
month, they reopened offices along their border
for official communications.
In mid-August, a series of reunions of families
separated for more than half a century were held
in the capitals of both countries.
The two Korea's technically remain at war. They
signed a truce at the end of the Korean War in
1953 but no formal peace treaty was ever signed.
(SIGNED)
NEB/HK/AB/GC/WD
29-Aug-2000 01:28 AM LOC (29-Aug-2000 0528 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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