Seoul, Nov 06: South and North Korea agreed today to build a permanent reunion center for families separated for more than half a century, raising hopes of more frequent inter-Korean family reunions. The two Koreas had agreed early this year to build the reunion center at North Korea's east coast diamond mountain resort, but have haggled over details including the facility's size. The north wanted a big facility, while the south wanted a smaller one.

Red Cross officials of the two sides agreed to build the centre with 20,000 square meters of space for meeting rooms, lodging facilities and other accommodations, according to a joint statement at the end of three-day talks at diamond mountain.

South Korea hopes the center would help reunite separated families more regularly and more frequently. But further negotiations and agreements are needed to work out details on how to operate the center.
The two Koreas have held eight rounds of brief family reunions since the inter-Korean summit in 2000

Bureau Report