Civilian organizations from the two Koreas met in Gaeseong, North Korea on Thursday to discuss holding joint events to commemorate Korea's liberation but failed to reach an agreement.
 
The South's preparatory committee said Thursday that it had asked the North to participate in an event to celebrate the 70th anniversary of liberation. The North is said to have responded that despite inter-Korea difficulties it would hold internal discussion on the matter.
 
During Thursday's meeting, the South Korean committee is said to have proposed that simultaneous events be held in Seoul and Pyongyang and that the two sides send delegations to each other’s events.
 
The North is said to have formally requested that the South Korean side participate in its events that will take place in Pyongyang and Mount Baekdu from August 13 through 15.
 
The South's preparatory committee plans to make a decision following internal discussions and consultations with the government.
 
A high-level South Korean government official confirmed Seoul's position that it would support the joint Liberation Day event if it is held, but that it shouldn't be a political event. 
 
The two sides, each represented by four delegates, will meet again next Friday.