EU backs Seoul's proposal to restart inter-Korean dialogue

The Council of the European Union (EU) on Monday adopted conclusions that support South Korea's proposal to restart inter-Korean dialogue on humanitarian affairs.

The documents, issued after a meeting of foreign ministers of EU member states, also slammed the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Despite the fact that the EU's sanctions against the DPRK are "among the most restrictive in operation," the conclusions said the EU will consider "further appropriate responses in close consultation with key partners and in line with UN Security Council deliberations."

Earlier on Monday, South Korea proposed holding inter-Korean military talks on Friday at Tongilgak, a building on the DPRK side of the truce village of Panmunjom, to ease military tensions along the border.

Separately, the South Korean Red Cross suggested holding dialogue on the reunion of families separated by the 1950-1953 Korean War, on Aug. 1 in Peace House, a building on the ROK side of Panmunjom.

Applauding the proposal, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said China hopes the two sides would work together towards a positive direction and pave the way for resuming dialogue.

"We also hope all parties concerned in the international community would give understanding and support for it, and play constructive roles in properly settling the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue," he added.

source: xinhua