North Korea says it is open to holding talks with South Korea.
 
A statement issued by the North Korean government on Monday said there is no reason not to hold dialogue and talks with the South, if the atmosphere for trust and reconciliation is created between both sides.
 
The statement claimed that Seoul missed good opportunities to improve cross-border relations by carrying out provocations such as the Key Resolve and Foal Eagle joint military drills with the United States.
 
The North then called for substantial measures to implement historic inter-Korean declarations, adding that the South should not pursue reunification through absorption of North Korea.
 
It is the first time in almost a year that the North has issued a government statement since July 7 last year, when it announced its decision to send a cheering squad to the Incheon Asian Games.