S. Korea urges DPRK to return to 6-Party talks

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The South Korean government is calling on its northern neighbor to return to the six-party talks. But the Democratic People's Republic of Korea rejects the proposal. It's suggested a new dialogue to resolve tensions over its atomic weapons programs.

On Monday, the South Korea Foreign Ministry and Unification Ministry urged the DPRK to return to the multilateral framework.

Moon Tae-Young, spokesman of S. Korean FM, said, "We wish that the DPRK returns to the six-party talks as soon as possible. About the US-DPRK talks, since the US said it will closely discuss with us the process of the talks when Secretary of State Clinton visits South Korea, we also welcome it."

Earlier, the DPRK suggested a new dialogue to resolve tensions over its atomic weapons programs. It's an apparent invitation to the US to engage in one-on-one talks. Pyongyang has bolstered its negotiating power with nuclear and missile tests.

The DPRK made clear again it won't return to the six-party talks. And its defense ministry has promised a fight to the finish if the US and South Korea attack.

Kim Yong Chun, DPRK Defense Minister, said, "We will mercilessly and resolutely counter the enemy's sanctions with retaliation, its all-out war with all-out war."

The US says it's willing to hold direct talks within the six-nation process. But the DPRK has to return to the negotiating table and takes irreversible steps for denuclearization.

Monday's statement by Pyongyang on negotiation marks a rare expression of willingness to talk.