The second round of general session has not convened as Seoul had originally hoped, according to reports from South Korea's joint press corps in the North Korean capital.

Instead, reports indicate that working-level officials from the two sides met for 30 minutes at 10 a.m. Thursday to carry on discussions from the previous day's general session and working-level contacts.

The two sides are said to be at odds over defense-related issues.

On Wednesday, Pyongyang demanded that Seoul scrap its joint military drills with the U.S. if South Korea wants to improve inter-Korean ties and said it would be willing to agree to a general-level military exchange if these joint exercises are stopped.

Other issues on the agenda include cross-border projects, another round of reunions for separated families, as well as Seoul's proposal to form a social-cultural committee that would help facilitate inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation.

VOA News