DPRK urges South Korea to start dialogue without making nuke issue as precondition

PYONGYANG -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has urged the Republic of Korea (ROK) to start dialogue without making Pyongyang stopping its nuclear and missile programs as a precondition.

The Consultative Council for National Reconciliation made the appeal on Friday, the Korean Central News Agency reported Saturday.

"Are you ready to come out for a dialogue with the DPRK, without raising 'the north's nuclear issue?'" said the DPRK official organ in charge of dealing with inter-Korean relations.

"ROK authorities do not hesitate to reveal their scheme for sanctions against and pressure on the DPRK, finding fault with its legitimate step for bolstering the nuclear force for self-defense," it said.

Other demands for working on national reconciliation include stopping military exercises with the United States, ending collaborations with foreign countries on inter-Korean issues, rejecting UN sanctions and releasing a dozen DPRK women allegedly kidnapped by the ROK intelligence services, said the council.

ROK President Moon Jae-in has said that he would start dialogue with Pyongyang if the latter stops its nuclear and missile programs.