North Korea is proposing that inter-Korean talks be held in order to ease heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

In a statement issued by state-run news media on Tuesday night, the North proposed that North and South Korean authorities hold talks promptly and unconditionally.

In the statement, the North said it is willing to discuss through inter-Korean dialogue all concerns, including heightened tensions, peace, reconciliation, and cooperation projects.

It also proposed a halt to slander and provocative acts, saying they harm South-North relations and increase the risk of a military clash.

A Unification Ministry official in Seoul says the statement is believed to be a customary, tactical gesture by Pyongyang and not a sincere proposal for dialogue.

The North’s statement comes only four days after it urged the defusing of cross-border tension in an editorial for the new year.