Seoul (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Officials from the two Koreas met today to discuss ways to revive the imploding economy of North Korea. Cross-border tours by South Koreans are seen as one possible way.
Tours, especially to famous Mount Kumgang, had become a major source of revenue for Pyongyang until Seoul suspended them two years ago after a South Korean woman was killed by a North Korean soldier.
Chun Hae-sung, spokesman for Seoul's Unification Ministry, said his side demanded at the meeting in Kaesong that North Korea allow South Korea to conduct an on-site investigation into the death.
"The North Korean side responded by reiterating its earlier stance on the matter," he said, suggesting the North repeated its argument that its own probe has already given an account. The meeting began after a minute of silence in tribute to the victim.
In order to revive tourism, Seoul asked North Korea to provide real guarantees for its citizens. At the same time, Unification Minister Hyun In-taek gave his delegation instruction to negotiate firmly.
Talks lasted only 45 minutes but the two governments expressed their intention to get back as soon as possible.
The United Nations has called on Seoul to negotiate with Pyongyang but only if the North agrees to discuss its nuclear programme in a concrete manner.
