DPRK rejects ROK's call for family talks

PYONGYANG - The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has rejected a South Korean proposal for talks on resuming reunions of families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War, the official KCNA news agency reported Thursday.

A notification sent to the Republic of Korea by DPRK's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea (CPRK) queried if the reunions could be held in peace due to ROK's "war drills" and planned joint military exercises.

The notification also said, "If there is no other thing happening in the south side and if the south side has intent to discuss the proposals of our side, both sides can sit together in a good season" and discuss the matter. It gave no specific time frame.

The response came three days after South Korean President Park Geun-hye called for a resumption of the reunions around Lunar New Year's Day.

The ROK's unification ministry on Monday formally offered to hold a working-level meeting over the issue.

The ministry said it had sent a message to the DPRK, suggesting talks be held Thursday at the truce village of Panmunjeom.

In its notice, the CPRK said it was "a good offer" if it was prompted by the ROK's "sincere goodwill".

It also expressed willingness to make efforts for the improvement of north-south relations in the future.

DPRK's top leader Kim Jong-un called for "a favorable climate" in his New Year's address to improve inter-Korean ties.