Unification Minister Hyun In-taek says Seoul does not consider inter-Korean talks on North Korean military provocations and denuclearization as being separate from humanitarian issues.

Hyun made the comment to reporters Tuesday, also saying that recent North Korean proposals for dialogue do not appear sincere.

On inter-Korean meetings for denuclearization, the minister stressed that South-North talks must precede any six-party discussions about specific actions in order to confirm that North Korea is taking dialogue for peace seriously.

He said Seoul continues to call for responsible action by Pyongyang regarding its military provocations against the South. He noted that the South’s ban on dealings with North Korea placed on May 24th of last year in response to the North’s sinking of a South Korean naval vessel is still valid.