The Unification Ministry says its previous invitation for talks with Pyongyang is still on the table despite Seoul's decision to pull out its workers from the Gaeseong Industrial Complex.

A ministry official told reporters Tuesday that the window for dialogue is still open and urged North Korean authorities to respond to the South’s call for talks.

Concerning the delayed return of the seven remaining South Koreans in Gaeseong, the official said that the government decided to wait until they resolve issues related to the South's outstanding balance to the North.

South Korean officials, including Gaeseong Industrial District Management Committee Chairman Hong Yang-ho, are currently discussing with the North its demand of around eight million U.S. dollars in unpaid wages, taxes and communication service charges.

The official said that it is unlikely that the South Koreans will return on Tuesday as they need to review specific invoices from the North and verify them with South Korean companies. They are also said to be demanding the North give back South Korean companies' finished products and product materials.

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