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AMN
South Korea’s Unification Ministry has expressed regret over North Korea’s decision to cancel high-level talks with the South that was scheduled on Wednesday.
Ministry spokesperson Baik Tae-hyun said in a statement that North Korea’s unilateral move to cancel the talks, citing the annual South Korea-United States joint drills, does not conform with the spirit and purpose of the agreement between the leaders of the 2 countries and is regrettable.
The statement said South Korea urges the North to return to the talks as soon as possible for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.
It then stressed that inter-Korean talks should continue to discuss issues proposed by Pyongyang.
The spokesperson indicated that the South Korean government will propose to the North by the end of the day to hold high-level talks.
Meanwhile, the South Korean Defense Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday morning that there are no differences in opinions of the South and the US that the exercise will proceed as planned.
The ministry said the drill is designed to enhance the capability of pilots.
It also stressed the participation of US F-22 stealth fighters in the exercise is nothing special as they have already participated in other joint drills.
