Seoul prepared to discuss lifting sanctions against DPRK - ministry

SEOUL, May 24. /TASS/. The Republic of Korea is prepared to discuss to Pyongyang a possible lifting of sanctions if the DPRK agrees to resume the inter-Korean dialogue, South Korea’s Ministry of Unification said in a statement published on Sunday. "South Korea is prepared to discuss any topics, including the sanctions, if the North responds to our suggestions on resuming the talks between the two Koreas," the document reads. Meanwhile, South Korea keeps the sanctions and will continue searching for new opportunities to settle the important bilateral issues, the ministry said. In December 2014, Seoul suggested to Pyongyang having summit talks, where the countries could discuss most vital issues, including another round of meetings for families separated by the Korean War of 1950-1953. The DPRK has not replied yet. On May 24, 2010, South Korea announced sanctions against the DPRK, banning any inter-Korean exchanges (with the exception for the Kaesong Industrial Region) and supplies of South Korean humanitarian assistance, mostly fertilisers. The sanctions were announced two months after sinking of the Cheonan corvette, where 46 navy were killed. The South claims the DPRK is responsible for the incident, but Pyongyang rejects the claims. Read more