5th Inter-Korean Economic Talks Open Monday
2003-05-19
The two Koreas are to hold the first meeting after the South Korea-United States summit last week at the 5th Inter-Korean Economic Cooperation Promotion Committee Meeting starting Monday in Pyongyang.
A five-member team of South Korean negotiators, led by Vice Finance-Economy Minister Kim Gwang-lim, are scheduled to fly to the North Korean capital this morning.
During the four-day run, they are expected to discuss economic issues with their North Korean counterparts, led by Pak Chang-ryon, at the Yanggakdo Hotel.
Likely items on the agenda include the completion of the inter-Korean rail and road reconnection project, breaking the ground for the Gaeseong Industrial Complex and normalizing the Mt. Geumgang tours.
In addition, the two sides are expected to deal with humanitarian assistance including Seoul's provision of rice to Pyongyang.
North Korea gave a last-minute confirmation to convene the meeting as scheduled through liaison officers Saturday morning.
The talks come just after President Roh Moo-hyun's U.S. visit, where he indicated taking a more stern approach toward the Pyongyang regime during meetings with President George W. Bush and others in Washington.
After holding their first summit May 14, Roh and Bush said in a joint statement that "future inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation will be conducted in light of developments on the North Korean nuclear issue."
Seoul officials forecast the two sides to struggle during today's economic talks, with Pyongyang officials likely to protest against what it could perceive as Seoul's changed position shown during the summit.
"It may be a chance to hear the North's assessment of the South Korea-U.S. summit," a government official said yesterday.
Source : www.korea.net
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