R.O.K. Government’s Proposal
to hold Inter-Korean Government Talks
January 2, 2018
□ North Korea, through Kim Jong Un’s
New Year Address yesterday(1.1), raised the need to improve
inter-Korean relations. It further expressed its willingness to take
necessary measures including the dispatch of a delegation to the
PyeongChang Winter Olympics, and to immediately hold talks to
discuss such matters.
□ The R.O.K. Government proposes to
hold inter-Korean high-level government talks at Panmunjeom 「Peace
House」 on January 9 to discuss issues including the North’s
participation in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, considering that
it is a month away from now.
o We hope South and North Korea can
sit face to face and candidly discuss on issues of mutual interest
concerning the improvement of inter-Korean ties, along with the
North’s participation to the Winter Olympics.
o Furthermore, the R.O.K.
Government reiterates its willingness to talk with North Korea
regardless of time, place, or formality.
□ In order to discuss matters on
holding inter-Korean talks, South-North communications channel at
Panmunjeom must be normalized immediately. We suggest that detailed
procedures including the agenda and formation of delegation be
discussed through the Panmunjeom communications channel.
□ We look forward to receiving a
positive response from the North.
* Unofficial translation