The South Korean government said it is regretful North Korea has chosen to link reunions of families separated by the Korean War to sanctions imposed on the reclusive state.

The South Korean government said Friday lifting of the sanctions require a responsible response from the North and the two Koreas must find common ground on the matter though talks. Seoul's comments came earlier that day in response to Pyongyang's demands to lift economic sanctions imposed on the North after the 2010 attack on a South Korean naval corvette.

Seoul also said North Korea should respond to the South's offer for talks on a timely basis, rather than demand inappropriate prerequisites. The South pointed out that Pyongyang had previously said the family reunions were of an urgent, humanitarian matter.

The South Korean government reiterated that should talks be resumed with the North, it would be able to discuss a wide range of issues in addition to the family reunions, like sanctions.