Unification Minister Hyun In-taek is calling on North Korea to display a responsible attitude and to seek fundamental changes, not strategic changes.

The minister on Friday called on the North to change its attitude and seek denuclearization and economic development by opening up its doors to the outside world.

Hyun made the remarks in a congratulatory speech read by Vice Minister Uhm Jong-sik during a security forum at the National Assembly.

Regarding the prospect of inter-Korean dialogue, Hyun said that Pyongyang is ignoring proper procedures, priorities, and the acceptable course of discussions.

The minister said that peace cannot be realized without Pyongyang’s willingness to discuss its faults, urging the North to take a sincere and responsible attitude for its provocations, such as the sinking of the Cheonan naval vessel and the artillery attack on Yeonpyeong Island.