DPRK sends open letter to S. Korea urging detente

PYONGYANG - The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) repeated its call for South Korea's "positive response" to its "important proposals" on improving inter-Korean relations, the official KCNA news agency reported on Friday.

The letter, sent by the National Defense Commission (NDC) on Thursday under a special order from DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Un, urged Seoul to "stop all hostile military acts, the biggest hurdle stoking distrust and confrontation," according to the report.

It said Pyongyang has "already unilaterally opted for halting all acts of getting on the nerves" of South Korea, adding that the DPRK did not ask South Korean authorities to stop ordinary military drills.

"It is our determination to create an atmosphere of reconciliation and unity, completely halt hostile military acts, realize the reunion of separated families and relatives, resume the tour of Mt. Kumgang and re-energize multi-faceted north-south cooperation and exchanges," the letter added.

The move came after the South Korean government rejected the DPRK's dialogue offer earlier this month due to "unacceptable pre-conditions attached," which refers to Pyongyang's demand for cancellation of the annual US-South Korean military drills.

South Korea has confirmed that the joint exercises will be conducted as scheduled.