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Seoul sends cable North to boost communication
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October 29, 2009
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In its latest package of assistance to North Korea, South Korea yesterday sent optical cables and other communication equipment north of the border to improve communication channels between the two Koreas.
The Unification Ministry announced yesterday the cables and conduit lines were worth 850 million won ($714,850). They are aimed at helping upgrade North Korea’s military communication lines, which are primarily used to issue authorization for South Koreans taking cross-border trips.
The ministry said outdated equipment had caused some miscommunication in September and led to several delays in daily border trips. According to the ministry, the South government on Oct. 19 offered to begin renovation work on communication lines and the North gave its consent the following day. The necessary work, which will largely be about changing copper cables to optical ones, will be complete by the end of this year.
In 2007, the two Koreas reached a tentative agreement to modernize the communication channels and the South had supplied some equipment. But the project was halted after conservative South Korean President Lee Myung-bak took office in early 2008.
By Yoo Jee-ho [jeeho@joongang.co.kr]
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