Senior DPRK official calls for end to hostility with U.S.

PYONGYANG, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) would make efforts to end hostility with the United States through dialogue and negotiation, a senior DPRK official said Monday.

Photo provided by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Feb. 15, 2010 shows Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), addresses a meeting to celebrate the 68th birthday of Kim Jong Il, the top leader of the DPRK, in Pyongyang, capital of DPRK. (Xinhua/KCNA)

Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, made the remarks at a national meeting to celebrate the birthday of DPRK top leader Kim Jong Il.

Kim also underscored the need to develop friendly relations with other countries on the basis of independence, peace and friendship, DPRK official news agency KCNA reported.

Kim said the DPRK was steadfast in its resolve to improve inter-Korean relations. He also called for reconciliation and cooperation for national reunification at an early date.