Two Koreas Agree On Cross-Border Train Security

Two Koreas Agree on Cross-Border Train Security, Stumble on Fishing Zone

The top defense officials from North and South Korea have agreed on security arrangements for cross border train service, but have failed to reach an accord on a joint fishing zone.

On the third and last day of talks in Pyongyang, Thursday, the Korean defense ministers agreed to provide a written security guarantee for cross-border freight train service, due to start December 11.

However, on the issue of a joint fishing area, the two sides only agreed to discuss the matter in the near future at a meeting of their generals.

In a joint statement, the two Koreas also said they will establish a military committee to find ways to avoid armed conflict in the Yellow (West) Sea.

North and South Korea agreed to establish a joint fishing zone during talks between their presidents last month.

The initiative is designed to reduce tensions along the disputed sea border where the two countries' navies clashed in 1999 and 2002.

Pyongyang rejects the boundary designated by the U.S.-led United Nations command at the end of the Korean War, which lasted from 1950 to 1953.

ENDS

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