South and North Korea Reaches a Deal to Ease Tension

After intensive talks at Panmunjom, the two Koreas have finally reached an agreement on easing heightened tensions that have ensued since last week. According to Kim Kwan-jin, the South's National Security Adviser, North Korea's resolutions were "very meaningful." It has apologized over the landmine attack that killed two soldiers. It has also pledged to lift the "quasi state of war" ordered on its military and to stop further provocations.

The high-level discussions have ended and a deal was made early Tuesday after President Park Geun-hye has warned that South Korea would keep on broadcasting propagandas, as well as take measures, unless North Korea apologizes and promises to avoid any actions that could affect peace.

The North has been adamant during the negotiation and it has kept on releasing infiltration forces from its base. The South, on the other hand, has been persistent with its demands. The other nation has finally backed down on Tuesday. In response to the apology, South Korea has agreed to halt anti-Pyongyang broadcasts unless an "abnormal" situation happens.

Meanwhile, the United States has praised the deal. John Kirby - State Department spokesperson - has commented during a briefing, "We support President Park's tireless efforts to improve inter-Korean relations, which support peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula."

Aside from stopping any provocations, both nations have also agreed to boost inter-Korean relations, according to Adviser Kim. North and South Korea will hold talks in Pyongyang or Seoul.

"We expect the two sides will implement the agreement in good faith and create trust through dialogue and cooperation," he says.

Another agreement reached is the organization of Red Cross talks in early September to arrange the reunion of families separated from their loved ones since the 1950-1953 Korean War. They hope that this event will happen around Chuseok, the equivalent of Thanksgiving Day. The North and South celebrate it on September 27.

"I highly appreciate the agreement to hold regular inter-Korean dialogue, and hope that this will serve as a mechanism to effectively manage any problems that may arise on the Korean Peninsula", stated United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon who welcomed the deal.

Millions of families have remained separated since the war ended and reunions have been a pressing issue considering that most of the family members wishing to see their long-lost loved ones are in their 70s and older. Seeing or communicating with their relatives has also been difficult because of the heavily fortified border and both nations' conflict.