channels, after an explosion in the DMZ further strained relations. The South Korean defense ministry "formally proposes holding military talks with North Korea to mutually confirm the precise location of the land Military Demarcation Line (MDL) and discuss ways to restore military communication lines and prevent accidental clashes in border areas", Kim Hong-cheol, deputy defense minister for policy, told reporters. "Three-way talks involving the United Nations Command would also be possible", the ministry said. "Specific dates and locations could be discussed through Panmunjom", said Kim, adding they "hope for a positive response from North Korea". Pyongyang has rejected claims it was behind an explosion that injured three South Korean soldiers last month inside the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), the heavily mined buffer area that has divided the two Koreas since their 1953 armistice, and mockingly dismissed calls for an apology. (Bssnews)