Blue House Rejects North Korea's Border Claims as Violations of Armistice Agreement

The Blue House emphasized that it cannot recognize the barbed wire and facilities North Korea is installing near the military demarcation line (MDL) as a border or a new MDL.
 
A senior official from the Blue House stated on October 30 during a meeting with reporters, "There is a demilitarized zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas, and within it lies the MDL, which is not a border." The official added that the facilities being arbitrarily constructed by North Korea violate the armistice agreement.
 
The official explained that due to the mixed criteria surrounding the MDL, it is necessary for both Koreas to establish a unified stance. However, they noted, "The outlook is not very promising," predicting that if the current situation continues, various MDL criteria and practical barbed wire lines may coexist.
 
Regarding inter-Korean military talks, the official remarked, "We believe North Korea will not respond easily, but we proposed dialogue as a necessary measure." They mentioned that the Ministry of National Defense has re-proposed military talks while awaiting a response from North Korea, which had previously not responded to earlier proposals.
 
On the matter of North Korea's announced resumption of loudspeaker broadcasts aimed at the South, the official stated that there has been no confirmation of actual operational developments yet.
 
The official noted, "It cannot be definitively concluded that North Korea will start broadcasting by the end of October based on the context of their statements," adding that they interpret it as entering a state where it could be operational.
 
They also mentioned that while there are reports of test broadcasts, the information is not confirmed, stating, "We will keep various possibilities open and assess our response as the situation develops."
 
Regarding Switzerland's announcement of readiness to advance political dialogue with North Korea, the official clarified that this refers to bilateral talks between Switzerland and North Korea, not inter-Korean dialogue. Switzerland is discussing the establishment of an office in North Korea, and the South Korean government is also communicating with Swiss officials.