North, South Korea talks canceled

Planned talks between North and South Korea have come crashing down after both sides disagreed over the diplomatic ranks of the delegates who would have attended the meetings.

Workers began dismantling the the venue where the meeting was supposed to happen after each side felt the other should have sent higher ranking officials.

The South Korean Unification minister urged the North to be serious in forging a new relationship

(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) SOUTH KOREAN UNIFICATION MINISTER RYOO KIHL-JAE SAYING:

"We could not bring a result that our people were expecting. But I think it is one of the pains we have to go through for a new relationship between South and North Korea. North Korea should show sincerity for a new relationship between the two Koreas in the future."

Members of the public, upset the talks fell apart, held a demonstration to express their outrage over the North's choice of delegates.

It's not clear if the North will return to hostile tact