N. Korea says inter-Korean talks must not be used as bargaining chip

 North Korean on Saturday stressed that ongoing inter-Korean talks should not be used as a bargaining chip and countries with vested interest on the Korean Peninsula must not play along with the hostile policies being pursued by the United States.

  In an article carried by the Rodong Sinmun, an organ of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, it said the time has long past when the two sides vied for selfish goals while engaging in talks. The article also said that it is important that political leaders pay attention to the wishes of the people as they engage in negotiations on such matters as the Mount Geumgangsan tours and the reopening of the Gaeseong Industrial Complex.

  The two sides agreed on Aug. 14 to normalize the factory park in Gaeseong that has been shuttered since early April amid heightened tensions. Seoul has proposed talks on the resumption of tours to the scenic mountain resort on Oct. 2 after the Koreas hold family reunions for people separated by the 1950-53 Korean War on Sept. 25-30.

  The daily that reflects the views of the communist country's leadership then called on countries to not blindly follow the hardline stance taken by the United States.

  Washington has held firm to the stance that the North must show tangible signs that it will give up its nuclear program if it wants to hold talks to ease tensions.

  Pyongyang so far has balked at such moves claiming its nuclear deterrence is critical for self protection.

  Rodong Sinmun, meanwhile, argued that the U.S.'s present position actually hurts its national interests, without elaborating, and asserted that Washington is responsible for the division of the Korean Peninsula. (Yonhap)