The Republic of Korea (RoK) on Feb. 8 proposed inter-Korean talks overpreserving disease-threatened pine trees at ancient tombs in theDemocratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
The DPRK authorities have not yet agreed to hold such a meeting, according to Xinhua News Agency of China.
However, the move comes after the DPRK asked RoK civic groups,including the Seoul-based Korean Council for Reconciliation andCooperation, for chemicals to combat tree diseases, the agency reported.
RoK Unification Minister Yu Woo-ik said that hisgovernment is considering providing assistance for pest control at theancient site, which was recognised as World Cultural Heritage by UNESCOin 2004.
The meeting, if held, will be the firstofficial inter-Korean talks since working-level military talks last yearfailed to narrow differences on two deadly border conflicts in 2010.
It would also be the first talks between the two Koreans since the death of DPRK leader Kim Jong Il on Dec. 17 last year.
Minister Yu Woo-ik said he could see opportunities to improverelations between the two Koreas after nearly two years oftension./.