EU backs Seoul s proposal to restart inter-Korean dialogue

Brussels July 17 (IANS) The Council of the European Union on Monday adopted conclusions that support South Korea s proposal to restart an inter-Korean dialogue on humanitarian affairs.

The documents issued after a meeting of foreign ministers of EU member states also slammed North Korea s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes Xinhua reported.

Despite the fact that the EU s sanctions against Pyongyang are "among the most restrictive in operation " the conclusions said the EU will consider "further appropriate responses in close consultation with key partners and in line with UN Security Council deliberations."

Earlier on Monday South Korea proposed holding inter-Korean military talks on Friday at Tongilgak a building on the North Korea side of the truce village of Panmunjom to ease military tensions along the border.

Separately the South Korean Red Cross suggested holding a dialogue on the reunion of families separated by the 1950-1953 Korean War on August 1 in Peace House a building on the South Korean side of Panmunjom.

--IANS
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