South Korea says North’s statement “unhelpful” for better inter-Korean ties

SEOUL - South Korea has criticized a statement issued by North Korea, calling it a “propaganda offensive” that is “unhelpful” for mending strained ties between the two countries.

In a statement, North Korea’s Central Committee of the Democratic Front for the Reunification of the Fatherland said the government is blocking inter-Korean dialogues and civilian exchanges, and urged talks between legislators of the two sides.

Calling the committee’s claims “arbitrary”, South Korea’s Unification Ministry spokesman Chun Hae-sung said such claims would not help improve frayed inter-Korean relations, the Xinhua news agency reported.

“The government believes that the continuation of this kind of hackneyed propaganda offensive does not show sincerity on the part of the DPRK, as the two estranged Koreas are currently discussing holding a preliminary meeting to discuss high-level military talks,” Chun said. (ANI)