Anchor: Many analysts say time is running out for Seoul and Pyongyang to strike a deal on the resumption of the Gaeseong Industrial Complex. They say Thursday’s talks could be the two Korea’s last shot to reach an agreement as Korean Peninsula tensions may increase in the coming weeks.
Kim Soyon reports.
Report: The two Koreas will meet for a sixth round of talks on Thursday following a series of failed meetings on the stalled Gaeseong Industrial Complex.
Analysts say this meeting is crucial to reaching a deal considering the schedule of events on both sides of the border that are likely to raise tensions.
On Saturday, North Korea is expected to hold its largest ever military parade to mark the 60th anniversary of the Korean War armistice.
North Korea says it won the war against the United States. So on this "victory day" Pyongyang is also expected to invite a large number of foreign dignitaries and media to the parade to emphasize its stance against the U.S.
In August, South Korea and the U.S. will hold their annual Ulchi Freedom Guardian military exercise. The North's Rodong Sinmun daily threatened Sunday that circumstances on the Korean Peninsula will fall into devastation if the drill is held.
Analysts say before the environment for dialogue grows anymore hostile, Seoul has to reach a breakthrough in Thursday's talks with North Korea, which already seems unlikely to accept responsibility for the shutdown of the Gaseong complex. They say Pyongyang is also unlikely to accept the South’s calls to draft measures to prevent a future shutdown.
Kim Soyon, KBS World Radio News.