AUGUST 25 (Reuters) — South Koreans on Tuesday (August 25) welcomed the news that the two Koreas reached an agreement on Tuesday (August 25) to end a standoff involving an exchange of artillery fire.
Under the accord reached in the very early hours of Tuesday after more than two days of talks, North Korea expressed regret over the recent wounding of South Korean soldiers in landmine blasts and Seoul agreed to halt anti-Pyongyang propaganda broadcasts, both sides said.
North Korea also agreed to end the “semi” state of war it had declared. The two sides will hold follow-up talks to discuss a range of issues on improving ties, the joint statement said.
Under Tuesday’s deal, the two sides also agreed to arrange reunions of families separated by the Korean War during upcoming autumn holidays and in future.
South Koreans were please to hear an agreement had been reached.
“I am glad the South and North Korea settled the dispute without any armed conflicts. I think the South Korean government did carry out its role well and got the best results under the present circumstances,” said 21-year-old, Ha Tae-kyun, at Seoul train station after watching the news.
“As a result of the meeting, I think South and North Korea could create a peaceful atmosphere. And I believe this could be a good opportunity for the two Koreas to build peace on the Korean Peninsula and gain positive results in things such as reunions for separated families,” said 34-year-old Yang Hee-kyung.
Yang Hee-Kyung, 34, said even though her anxiety had been reduced but she was still worried about further provocations by North Korea.
“I was told that the war could have broken out, so I was so worried about it – staying at home with my children. I can now reduce my anxiety as the negotiations went well. Nevertheless, I am still afraid when I think it could happen again,” Yang said.
The standoff reached a crisis point on Thursday (August 20) when the North fired four shells into the South, according to Seoul, which responded with a barrage of artillery fire.
Pyongyang then made its ultimatum that Seoul halt the broadcasts by Saturday afternoon or face military action, but on that day the two sides agreed to hold talks between top level aides to the leaders of the two countries.
Even as talks were proceeding, North Korea deployed twice the usual artillery strength at the border and had around 50 submarines away from base, the South’s defense ministry said. South Korea had also increased its military readiness.
Washington and the United Nations welcomed the agreement, as did Beijing, Pyongyang’s main ally.
