North Korea is likely to decide on holding the second round of inter-Korean high-level talks after observing how Seoul deals with civic groups' anti-Pyongyang leaflet campaign at the border region.

In a statement announced Wednesday evening, the North’s delegation to inter-Korean high-level talks said that if the South takes responsible steps to block provocations, there would be no reason not to hold another round of high-level inter-Korean talks. 

It also threatened that a battle of terminating nature could occur if South Korean civic groups push forward with their plan to launch the leaflets on Saturday. The North added that the distribution of such leaflets is an act of war.

The statement also said the North cannot but question the South’s commitment to improving inter-Korean relations, mentioning the South Korean military fired at North Korean soldiers patrolling near the Military Demarcation Line last weekend.
 
The North's Committee For the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland also said Thursday that the inter-Korean relations will be irreparable and if the South's civic groups push ahead with their launch plans it would only aggravate the situation.

The committee said it is closely watching developments in South Korea, adding that whether the South Korean government blocks the civic groups' moves or not is an important test of its stance and attitude toward inter-Korean relations.

In response, Seoul has reaffirmed its stance that all inter-Korean issues should be addressed through dialogue and the government cannot stop the civic groups from flying the leaflets.

A unification ministry official told reporters that the North must stop unilateral claims aimed at justifying its provocative acts and honor the agreement reached at the high-level inter-Korean meeting on October 4.