DHAKA: North Korea slammed South Korea on Sunday for dismissing a peace overture by leader Kim Jong Un, accusing Seoul of ‘pouring cold water’ on its attempt to mend ties.

During his New Year address last Wednesday, Kim hailed the execution last month of his once-powerful uncle, and accused the US and South Korea of manoeuvring for a nuclear war.

But he also called for a ‘favourable climate’ to ease tension with Seoul, saying it was ‘high time’ to improve ties that had been strained for years.

The South Korean government described the move as an empty gesture on Friday, however, urging the communist state to scrap its nuclear programmes to show it is committed to mending relations.

BDST: 1711 HRS, JAN 05, 2014
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor