North Korea says it will not agree to participate in general-level talks unless it is allowed to conduct its own investigation into the sinking of the “Cheonan” naval ship.

The North’s Korean Central News Agency said Saturday that the North made the proposal during the second round of working-level talks with the U.N. Command at the truce village of Panmunjeom on Friday.

During the talks, the North stressed that once it gets to carry out its own probe into the Cheonan incident, it will be able to open general-level talks with the U.N. Command to extensively discuss the sinking based on their respective probe results.

The North proposed sending a group of 20 to 30 inspectors to South Korea for its independent probe.

The North also demanded that during its investigation, it be allowed to inspect all sites, analyze evidence and hear testimonies as well as be provided with all the materials it requests from the U.S. military.

During Friday’s talks, the North denounced South Korea and the U.S. for their plans to hold naval drills in the East Sea and conduct Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercises next month, saying the moves are military provocations that go against efforts to create a mood for dialogue.

The Korean Central News Agency said the North and the U.N. Command will meet for a third round of working-level talks around next Thursday.