Pyongyang Rejects US Approach to Reopening TalksPyongyang on Monday urged Washington to reopen its dialogue with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on equal footing, saying it rejected recent US overtures of "guiding" the talks with "a tough consultative manner."Pyongyang's stance on dealing with the DPRK-US relations through dialogue and consultations remains unchanged, said a commentary carried by the country's leading newspaper Rodong Sinmun. The Bush administration overturned the dialogue conducted during the previous U.S. government by introducing such an approach to the DPRK, the article said, adding that talks between the two sides were not rendered possible either by "mercy" or " favor" from any side. The Pyongyang-Washington talks should be carried out on the principles of justice, self-determination and equal footing in accordance with international norms and principles guiding international relations, said the commentary. The Bush administration practically refused dialogue with Pyongyang by setting such preconditions, it pointed out. Pyongyang will discuss the matter with Washington only after the latter adopts a correct attitude, the commentary said, adding that the ball is now in the U.S. court and the country will make its own decision in response to the U.S. position. |
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