As already reported, we issued a special statement on Thursday clarifying its crucial stand with the aim of providing a fresh and decisive phase in the north-south relations.

We appreciate the fact that the south side promptly and positively responded to the proposal made by us for holding talks between the authorities of both sides.

It is our view that working contact between the authorities of the north and the south is necessary prior to ministerial-level talks proposed by the south side in the light of the prevailing situation in which the bilateral relations have been stalemated for years and mistrust has reached the extremity.

So, we propose holding working contact between the authorities of the north and the south in Kaesong on June 9.

To this end, we will reopen the Panmunjom Red Cross liaison channel from 14:00 on June 7. We hope the south side will send its answer to our proposal through the channel.