Koreas Near Agreements on Economic Issues
2003-05-23
PYONGYANG -- Delegates from the two Koreas are close to drafting an agreement on further economic cooperation after "overcoming" the impasse triggered by the threatening remarks made by the North's chief delegate at the fifth round of cross-border economic talks Friday.
South Korean delegates in Pyongyang said they expected to reach broad understanding on economic cooperation issues in the afternoon if discussions went smoothly and will be able to release a press statement detailing progress made in this round of talks around 6 o'clock.
South Korean spokesman Cho Myoung-gyun said after the fifth mediation meeting at the Yanggakdo International Hotel in Pyongyang, that despite some complications on how to resolve the "threatening" remark made by the North's chief negotiator Tuesday,the two sides were able to close the gap on their differences.
Sources privy to the negotiations said the South was expected to accept a broad explanation on the "meaning" of the remarks about the "catastrophe" befalling the South and an understanding the North would adhere to media coverage limits for closed door sessions.
They also said considerable progress was made on agenda-items like inter-Korean rail links, restarting Mount Geumgang tours, construction of the Kaesong industrial complex and talks to prevent flooding along the Imjin River.
The North is also said to have concurred with the South on the need for enhanced monitoring of rice aid so the South can verify the food goes to the needy.
Source : www.korea.net
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