N. Korea stresses dialogue in seeking nuclear-free Korean Peninsula

SEOUL, Jan. 1 (Yonhap) -- North Korea called for dialogue in improving relations
with the United States and reaffirmed its stance toward a nuclear-free Korean
Peninsula on Friday in a New Year's message scrutinized for hints into
Pyongyang's policy goals.
"The fundamental task for ensuring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula
and in the rest of Asia is to put an end to the hostile relationship between the
DPRK (North Korea) and the USA," it said in joint newspaper editorial released
through the official Korean Central News Agency.
"It is the consistent stand of the DPRK to establish a lasting peace system on
the Korean Peninsula and make it nuclear-free through dialogue and negotiations,
the editorial emphasizes," it said.
The call for dialogue comes as the communist state inches toward the resumption
of six-nation talks aimed at dismantling its nuclear weapons programs in return
for economic and diplomatic aid.
The talks were abandoned by the North in April last year following its long-range
rocket test, which drew U.N. condemnation. North Korea drew tougher sanctions in
May after it went ahead with its second nuclear test.
samkim@yna.co.kr
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