North Korea's official media is continuing to focus its blame on the United States while refraining from criticizing South Korea.
 
Quoting a New Year's address by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the Rodong Sinmun said Monday that there is nothing that the two Koreas cannot achieve if they combine their strength. 

The paper, the mouthpiece of North Korea’s Workers’ Party, said the South and North must make headway to achieve unification this year, which marks the 70th anniversary of liberation and separation on the Korean Peninsula.
 
However, the newspaper went on to say that provocations by the United States since the new year may bring ordeals and difficulties.
 
It said if North Korea continues to pursue military-first politics and place dual emphasis on nuclear and economic development, it will be able to crush moves to squeeze out the North.
 
Meanwhile, the North hasn't responded to the South's proposal to hold inter-Korean minister-level talks this month.