Korean ships exchange first radio messages since war

SEOUL, South Korea -- Warships from North and South Korea exchanged radio messages Monday for the first time since the end of the Korean War, following a landmark agreement aimed at easing hostilities.

Earlier this month, North and South Korea agreed to adopt a standard radio frequency and signaling system for their navies to avoid confusion that could lead to clashes at sea.

They also agreed to end propaganda along their land border. Loudspeaker broadcasts will be stopped, and signboards will be dismantled, beginning this week.

On Monday, warships near their poorly defined western maritime border successfully communicated using a standard radio frequency, a Defense Ministry official said on customary condition of anonymity.

It was the first time the two sides exchanged radio messages since the Korean War ended in 1953.

"With the successful communication today, I believe that the dangers of accidental clashes taking place along the western sea will be reduced," said Lt. Commander Yoo Jae-geun, who directed radio messaging from one of South Korea's ships.

Both Koreas want to avoid deadly naval clashes during the current crab-catching season, when fishing boats from the two countries operate near each other.

Meanwhile, about 100 North Koreans arrived in the South on Monday to mark the fourth anniversary of a historic meeting between the two countries' leaders. Some delegates will participate in a forum as part of activities commemorating the June 13-15, 2000, summit.

The Koreas were divided in 1945 and share the world's most heavily armed border.