North And South Korea: 'Family Reunions' Discussion Held In Panmujom

Both the Koreas have restarted debates at the border town of Panmunjom on Monday, regarding the reunion of families separated by the war.

In an agreement that helped to ease out the tensions that left them in a semi-war, the historic meeting between the competing Red Cross officials was made possible, reported The Guardian.

The talks had the North agreeing to apologize for the use of a landmine impacting Seoul troops, even as South Korea agreed to halt the broadcast of anti-Pyongyang speeches on their borders.

It was during the 1950-53 war that millions got separated and sealed the division between the two Koreas. Only today, many Koreans in their 70s are eager to reunite with their loved ones, though they do not know whether they are alive or not, as the governments did not permit the exchange of letters, emails and phone calls.

The reunions did begin in 2000, with the separated ones coming together annually. However, tensions forced them to cancel them five years ago in the final hour by North Korea.

However, rumours that North Korea may fire a "satellite" during its ruling party's 70th birthday next month is raising concern. South Korea and other neighbors are defensive, worried that the Pyongyang is silently testing a "long-range missile".

Hong Soon Jick, a senior fellow at the Hyandai Research Institute in Seoul, noted that for the two Koreas to improve relations, both need to show that they are sincere, according to Bloomberg.

"Both Koreas will need to assure one another of the sincerity of their intention to improve relations," Hong said, "For now they've clearly moved out of a crisis phase.according to hngn.