Koreas to discuss family reunions

The two Koreas will hold working-level talks on Monday at Panmunjeom to figure out when and how to hold the reunions of separated families as a follow-up to the high-level inter-Korean agreement last month.

Red Cross officials will be discussing the exact date and scope of the reunions, with the Seoul side also planning to suggest making the event regular.

The Unification Ministry said its priority will be to hold the event as soon as possible.

Sources said it is most likely for the upcoming reunions to involve 200 South and North Korean family members at Mount Geumgang reception house in the North. It is most likely to be held early or mid-October.

Mount Geumgang area had hosted a number of past reunions and is considered the most convenient choice compared to other accommodations in Seoul or Pyeongyang.

The last round of reunions in February last year was also held at the reception house.

Observers said Seoul appears to be set on speeding up the process so as not to be influenced by North Korea’s 70th anniversary of the launch of the ruling Workers’ Party on Oct. 10., when Pyongyang is widely anticipated to take a provocative step such as the launch of a long-range missile.

The Seoul government for the time being plans to bring to the table issues such as a comprehensive identifications of all registered separated families on both sides, exchange of letters and video reunions and the families’ visit to their hometowns in the opposite side.



From news reports