The government said Friday that it will work toward establishing peace and joint prosperity on the Korean Peninsula calmly and orderly while respecting the framework of sanctions on North Korea. 

Unification Ministry Spokesman Baik Tae-hyun unveiled the stance on Friday in a news briefing after being asked what the government plans to do about some parts of the Pyongyang Declaration going against sanctions Seoul slapped on North Korea on May 24th in 2010. The sanctions, which fully ban inter-Korean trade, were imposed in response to the North’s sinking of South Korea’s Cheonan warship. 

When asked if the two Koreas’ agreement to hold ground-breaking ceremonies within the year on linking railways and roads along the East Sea and Yellow Sea means that they will start construction, Baik said that is what means. He said that the fact that the two Koreas set a timeline means that they formed a consensus on their intent to advance their relations.

On the Pyongyang Declaration mentioning an agreement on promptly opening a permanent reception house for separated families in Mount Geumgang, Baik said the government will first organize its stance on the matter before holding inter-Korean consultations and making plans.