South Korea proposes military talks with North Korea

South Korea proposed military talks with North Korea on Friday to clarify the location of their border, restore military communication links and reduce the risk of accidental clashes, as tensions remain high after mine blasts injured three South Korean soldiers. Deputy Defense Minister for Policy Kim Hongcheol said the talks would focus on confirming the military demarcation line and discussing ways to prevent incidents in border areas. South Korea said the United Nations Command could join, and that dates and locations could be discussed through Panmunjom, the truce village between the two Koreas. The proposal follows blasts in the Demilitarized Zone that South Korean military officials concluded were caused by North Korean mines. North Korea has denied responsibility and rejected South Korean calls for an apology. The South Korean military said the blasts injured three soldiers; the source material places the incident in September, with one report specifying September 21. South Korea’s Defense Ministry said an earlier proposal for military talks last year received no response from Pyongyang. North Korea’s response to the latest offer was not reported. The proposal comes amid...