The government expressed regret Tuesday over Pyongyang's repeat of threatening comments, even after it explained the earlier statement was misunderstood.

A spokesman for the Unification Ministry said in a statement... North Korea must be aware that provocative remarks prone to misunderstanding are not conducive to progress in inter-Korean relations, and run counter to the spirit of the June 15th inter-Korean Joint Declaration.

The spokesman stressed, however, that the government would continue striving to improve inter-Korean ties based on mutual respect, principles and trust.

In last week's economic talks in Pyongyang, the North warned of "unspeakable disaster" for the South if it confronts the communist state over its nuclear weapons programs.

The North made a similar threat again on Monday, saying the South would face an "unimaginable disaster" if it resorts to confrontation.