Koreas, UN wrap up 1st talks on disarming border

SEOUL — North and South Korea held their first three-way talks with the United Nations Command (UNC) on Tuesday to discuss ways to demilitarize the border as the neighbors push for peace, South Korea’s Defense ministry said.

Both Koreas agreed this week to start reconnecting railways and roads despite US concerns that a rapid thaw in ties could undermine efforts to press North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons.

Tuesday’s meeting followed a NorthSouth summit last month at which the Koreas agreed to hold talks with the USled UNC, which oversees affairs in the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas, to smooth the way to disarming one of the world’s most heavily fortified frontiers. The meeting at the border village of Panmunjom on Tuesday lasted about two hours and was led by military officials of the rank of colonel from the two sides and Burke Hamilton, secretary of the UNC Military Armistice Commission, the ministry said.

“They discussed practical issues regarding demilitarization steps to be conducted in the future,” the South Korean ministry said in a statement.

Steps they are considering include withdrawing firearms and guard posts, reducing personnel and adjusting surveillance equipment, the ministry said, adding that the three-way channel would be used for more talks. —