Anchor: The government on Friday lifted its emergency standby mode following the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il and returned to regular operations. However, the government is now facing a new conflict with the North as Pyongyang has raised issue with Seoul’s decision to keep its condolence delegation at a nongovernmental level. North Korea's propaganda Web site said the North will accept all delegations from the South to pay respects to its late leader. It pressed the South that its decision could break off relations between the two sides. Our Kim In-kyung tells us more.

Report: North Korea’s propaganda Web site "uriminzokkiri.com" said in an editorial Friday that the South's decision to forbid its citizens from making condolatory visits to the North for its late leader Kim Jong-il is an "unacceptable, inhumane and barbaric act."

In another article posted on Friday, the Web site said the North has taken measures to open its overland and air routes to accept all South Korean delegations to express condolences, which it referred to as an ethical and traditional duty and a natural expression of courtesy. The North also pledged that it would guarantee the accommodation and safety of all visitors from the South.

North Korea also pressed the South Korean government by saying it should consider the severe consequences inter-Korean relations could suffer if the delegations are not allowed to visit. The article went on to say that the two sides are at a critical point where the South’s decision could improve or break off relations.

Unification Minister Yu Woo-ik, however, reaffirmed to lawmakers Friday that the government will only allow the delegations of Lee Hee-ho, wife of former President Kim Dae-jung, and Hyundai Group Chairwoman Hyun Jeong-eun to visit the North. Yu told the National Assembly inter-Korean relations committee that he is aware of the North's offer through its Web site but added it's not a matter the government should respond to.

President Lee Myung-bak said Thursday at a meeting with leaders of ruling and opposition parties that wavering over condolence issues could induce a North Korean attempt to cause discord in South Korean society. He urged the opposition to withdraw its proposal to make visits to the North. The government has decided to allow civilians to send condolence messages regarding Kim's death to the North via mail or fax.

Kim In-kyung, KBS World Radio News.