N.Korea reopens communication channel with S.Korea (Lead)

Pyongyang/Seoul Jan 3 (IANS) North Korea on Wednesday opened its hotline to South Korea for the first time in almost two years a major diplomatic breakthrough that could pave the way for future talks following a year of escalating hostility.

The North opened the dialogue channel at the shared border village of Panmunjom at 3 p.m. reports CNN

"By upholding a decision by the leadership we will make close contact with South Korea in a sincere and faithful manner " Yonhap News Agency quoted Ri Son-gwon the head of North Korea s agency handling inter-Korean affairs as saying.

"We will discuss working-level issues over our potential dispatch of the delegation."

The announcement comes a day after Seoul proposed high-level inter-Korean talks on January 9 to discuss North Korea s possible participation in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics slated to be held from February 9 to 25 and ways to improve ties.

But Ri did not specify whether the country would accept Seoul s offer for the talks.

On New Year s Day North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said that Pyongyang was willing to send a delegation to the Olympics in South Korea and is open to inter-Korean talks over the matter.

The North cut off two inter-Korean communication channels -- a hotline installed at the liaison office at the truce village and a military channel -- in February 2016 in protest of Seoul s shutdown of a joint industrial complex.

According to Ri Kim "highly appreciated and welcomed" President Moon Jae-in s support of his peace offer.

"The leader stressed that whether inter-Korean ties can be improved totally depends on North and South Korea " the official said.

South Korea s Unification Ministry welcomed the North s restoration of the cross-border channel.

"We will consult with North Korea over working-level issues in connection to our dialogue offer through the hotline " the ministry added.

--IANS
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