Families divided by war may be reunited

South Korea yesterday began surveying South Koreans who would be willing to meet their war-separated relatives in North Korea for temporary reunions planned between the rivals as reconciliatory steps.

Seoul’s Unification Ministry says the surveys conducted through home visits, phone calls and letters will continue until August 10.

South Korea lobbied hard for the summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Seoul says improved inter-Korean relations are important because Pyongyang would not be willing to give up its nuclear weapons unless it feels its security has been assured. ‘‘We hope North Korea and the United States will be able to hold discussions based on mutual respect and understanding,’’ said Eugene Lee, the ministry’s spokeswoman. ‘‘Our government will continue to work closely with the international community and maintain sustained efforts to realise the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and to establish permanent peace.’’

The Koreas earlier this month agreed to establish a liaison office in the North Korean border town of Kaesong and hold military and Red Cross talks on reducing tensions and resuming reunions of families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War. The military talks are planned for the end of the week. – AP