North, South Korea planning joint events for anniversary

SEOUL, May 1 (UPI) -- South Korea's unification ministry said Friday that civilian exchanges between North and South are to be increased to mark the 70th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule.

The latest development in Seoul is aimed at "restoring national unity and open[ing] channels for cooperation," reported Yonhap, and comes a week after the conclusion of the U.S.-South Korea joint military exercise Foal Eagle.

An unnamed unification ministry official was quoted as saying private groups have applied for North Korea-related exchange at the civic and philanthropic level.

On Monday, South Korea approved the delivery of 15 tons of fertilizer and other farming supplies to poverty-stricken North Korea – for the first time in five years, since South Korean sanctions against Pyongyang banned such aid projects.

The fertilizer will be transported by land in trucks along with $186,350 worth of vinyl, pipes and other equipment that could be used to build greenhouses in North Korea.

Seoul's unification ministry said North and South Korea are to jointly hold cultural, sporting events and celebrations that observe the anniversary, reported The Korea Times.

Planned events include a football match and a traditional Korean wrestling competition between North and South Korean athletes.

South Korean journalists also will be allowed to travel to North Korea to cover the events and report on South Korean humanitarian work in North Korea.

While restrictions have eased for South Korean private foundations and media outlets, Seoul said local, provincial governments would not be allowed to participate in exchanges that require the spending of taxpayer money.

The announcement comes two weeks after South Korean Unification Minister Hong Yong-pyo said strained inter-Korea relations will "begin to thaw in the near future."