A North Korean state-run newspaper has denounced South Korea's new policy on Pyongyang, labeling President Lee Myung-bak a traitor and suggesting that ties be frozen with the South.

In a commentary Tuesday, the Rodong Sinmun accused the Lee administration of trying to reverse the progress made between the two Koreas. In particular, it cited Seoul's efforts to strengthen ties with Washington and to push first for resolution of the nuclear issue.

The North Korean Workers' Party organ denounced Lee's "non-nuclear and open-door policy 3000," calling it a reactionary initiative. It said the policy does not support unification and instead is aimed at confrontation.

The report claimed that Seoul's plan to have the North first abandon its nuclear ambitions is a declaration of war, saying such a policy would not help resolve the nuclear standoff or lead to peaceful inter-Korean relations.

The paper also said the North has no choice but to react strongly, declaring that the Lee Myung-bak administration would be fully responsible for strained inter-Korean relations and any "catastrophic" incidents to follow.

It was the first time the North has mentioned the South Korean president's name in its official media. It was also the first time for the communist country to make detailed comments on specific policy toward North Korea.

The South Korean presidential office has reacted cautiously, saying it'll wait before commenting on North Korea's criticism.