Pyongyang remains silent on Seoul's proposal to halt hostility at inter-Korean border marking armistice agreement day

Pyongyang remains silent on Seoul's proposal to halt hostility at inter-Korean border marking armistice agreement day

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North Korea decided not to go ahead with a missile launch to mark the 64th anniversary of an armistice that brought a ceasefire of the Korean War in July 27, 1953,… but there are concerns escalating tensions with Washington may play down Seoul's efforts to improve inter-Korean relations.
Through its state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun, North Korea warned the U.S. on Thursday saying that Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs have boosted the regime's strategic status,. and called on the U.S. to withdraw its hostile policy and make an apology.
But regarding Seoul's proposal to hold military talks, a follow up on South Korean President Moon Jae-in's offer to suspend all hostile activities at the inter-Korean border as of July 27, Pyongyang has continued to remain silent.
While there are concerns regarding North Korea's prolonged silence,… some experts say it is too early to assume a conclusion.


"North Korea leadership may have just flatly rejected and criticized the proposal as meaningless. North Korea leadership being silent for several days may be a very positive sign that North Korea may want to make something out of this proposal."

An official from the South Korean unification ministry also said Seoul's proposal to hold military talks is still effective and that the government is expecting a positive response from Pyongyang.
The Moon administration has been sending signals of dialogue with the North hoping to shift the hostile atmosphere in inter-Korean relations,which has been escalating from previous administrations.

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"And with North Korea's participation in the upcoming Asean Regional Forum, the only multilateral forum Pyongyang takes part in, much attention is on whether the top diplomats of both Koreas will meet.
Connie Kim, Arirang News."