Korea: Landmark pact reduces border tensions as standoff ends

South Korean soldiers stand guard at a checkpoint on the Grand Unification Bridge which leads to the truce village of Panmunjom. Hopes of a new agreement have risen. Reuters

South Korea is willing to discuss North Korea's demand for an end to sanctions imposed over a 2010 naval attack, the South said on Wednesday, a day after the rivals struck a landmark pact that defused a standoff between their forces.

South Korea is preparing to open a new channel of dialogue with the North after the Tuesday accord, in which North Korea expressed regret over a landmine incident that wounded South Korean soldiers and the South agreed to stop anti-North Korea propaganda being broadcast over border loudspeakers.

article,article,article,article Related

"When talks get under way, we think the May 24 issue will be raised by the North which has an interest in it, and I think it can be handled through dialogue," South Korea's Unification Ministry spokesman Jeong Joon-hee told a briefing.

Jeong was referring to May 24, 2010, when South Korea announced sanctions that cut off most exchanges with the North, including tourism, trade and private aid, after it accused the North of a torpedo attack on a navy ship that killed 46 sailors.

North Korea denied any role in the attack and had called for the lifting of the sanctions before any talks could begin.

South Korea had demanded an apology from the North as a precondition for lifting the sanctions, but has appeared to relax its stance since late last year amid rising domestic sentiment in favour of re-engaging with the North.

In their agreement reached just after midnight on Tuesday, the two sides pledged to hold talks to discuss a range of issues on improving ties.

related articles
Defector reveals life in North Korea, \'the most dangerous place to be a Christian\'
Defector reveals life in North Korea, 'the most dangerous place to be a Christian'

Defector reveals life in North Korea, 'the most dangerous place to be a Christian'

North Korea ready for war after exchange of artillery fire
North Korea ready for war after exchange of artillery fire

North Korea ready for war after exchange of artillery fire

North and South Korea hold crisis talks as confrontation escalates
North and South Korea hold crisis talks as confrontation escalates

North and South Korea hold crisis talks as confrontation escalates

Pope Francis\' call for \'peace and reconciliation\' is bearing fruit in Korea
Pope Francis' call for 'peace and reconciliation' is bearing fruit in Korea

Pope Francis' call for 'peace and reconciliation' is bearing fruit in Korea

News
Black smoke ends first day of papal conclave
Black smoke ends first day of papal conclave

A ballot has been held on the first day of the papal conclave but not yielded a new pope. 

‘Don’t forget the seafarers,’ says Christian mission agency
‘Don’t forget the seafarers,’ says Christian mission agency

A Christian mission agency has called for the welfare of nearly two million seafarers to be taken into consideration, as the global shipping fleet cuts costs by adopting new technologies.

Vicar goes medieval and celebrates church milestone as hermit
Vicar goes medieval and celebrates church milestone as hermit

A Yorkshire vicar is taking a step back in time - over 800 years, in fact - by living as a hermit as part of a unique celebration marking a major milestone in his parish's history.

Scots urged to reject ‘extreme’ assisted suicide legislation
Scots urged to reject ‘extreme’ assisted suicide legislation

Scottish voters are being urged to contact their MSPs ahead of a Stage One vote in Holyrood next week.