(LEAD) N. Korea proposes talks with S. Korea on resuming joint tours

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout)
SEOUL, Jan. 14 (Yonhap) -- North Korea on Thursday proposed working-level talks
with South Korea on ways to resume joint tour programs at its scenic mountain
resort and a historic border town.

The tour to Mount Kumgang on the east coast was suspended in 2008 after a South
Korean tourist was fatally shot by a North Korean soldier at the resort. The tour
to the border town of Kaesong near the west coast was also suspended in November
of the same year.
South Korea's Unification Ministry spokesman Chun Hae-sung confirmed that the
North sent a message Thursday afternoon calling for talks on Jan. 26-27 at Mount
Kumgang.
Chun said his government is still considering the proposal.
North Korea said through its official media that the Chosun Asia-Pacific Peace
Committee, its official body responsible for inter-Korean businesses, made the
proposal.
(END)

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