An unusual high-level dialogue between North and South Korea ended without an agreement on Wednesday, casting doubt on prospects for reunions of families separated in the Korean War that the two Koreas have planned to hold later this month. The meeting of senior officials, the highest-level government talks between the countries in seven years, was held at Panmunjom on their mutual border at the suggestion of the North, which has recently called for improved relations. The meeting stalled because of sharp differences over the terms of improving relations. North Korean delegates left Panmunjom without even exchanging handshakes with their southern counterparts, officials in Seoul said.

North Korea made several demands at the meeting, including that joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States scheduled to begin Feb. 24 be postponed until after the family reunions. South Korea refused, leaving questions about whether the get-togethers would happen. The family reunions have been scheduled for Feb. 20 to Feb. 25.