S. Korea abiding by U.N. sanctions over economic ties with N. Korea: ministry

SEOUL, Oct. 16 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government reaffirmed its resolve Tuesday to comply with U.N. sanctions while pushing for economic cooperation with North Korea, particularly joint road and rail projects.

In their high-level talks on Monday, the two Koreas agreed to hold a groundbreaking ceremony sometime between late November and early December to connect their railways and roads.

They also plan to start a joint on-site inspection of cross-border railways late this month.

The accord, meant to follow up on two inter-Korean summit deals this year, came amid concern about the speed of renewed economic partnerships between the two sides.

The U.S. wants to keep a broad range of sanctions on Pyongyang intact until its complete denuclearization, while South Korea apparently hopes for a waiver of some sanctions in order to help accelerate the denuclearization process.

In principle the government is seeking to expand "inter-Korean exchanges including rail cooperation" within the framework of sanctions on Pyongyang, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

"(We) have consulted closely with the U.S. and will continue to do so," ministry spokesman Noh Kyu-duk said at a press briefing.

Noh would not confirm a news report of a government document on Washington's concern about a recent military agreement between Seoul and Pyongyang on a set of measures to reduce border tensions.

The deal was signed during the inter-Korean summit in late September.

In phone talks with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reportedly lodged a complaint about the lack of a prior, detailed briefing.

The Munhwa Ilbo, a Seoul-based daily, reported that a relevant government document exists.

lcd@yna.co.kr
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