PRESS RELEASE

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While Obama Threatens Assassination, South Korea Offers Unification Talks to the North

Dec. 29, 2014 (EIRNS)—The Preparatory Committee for Reunification officially proposed to the North (D.P.R.K.) holding talks about issues of mutual concern in January next year," South Korean Unification Minister Ryoo Kihl-jae told a surprise press briefing today, according to Xinhua. Ryoo serves as one of vice chairmen of a committee launched earlier this year, chaired by President Park Geun-hye, to prepare a blueprint for reunification with North Korea.

This stands in stark contrast to Obama and his pals at Sony Pictures promoting the political assassination of North Korean head of state Kim Jung-un through the recently released film "The Interview."

The notice from the South Korean Unification Minister was sent to Kim Yang Gon, director of North Korea’s United Front Department in charge of Seoul-Pyongyang relations. The proposed talks can be held in Seoul, Pyongyang or other places convenient for both sides, Ryoo said.

North Korea has demanded the lifting of the so-called May 24 sanctions, imposed by South Korea in 2010 after the sinking of the warship Cheonan, which the South and the U.S. blamed on the North despite its denial.

Meanwhile, Ryoo said high-level inter-Korean contacts would be held separately from the proposed dialogue if the D.P.R.K. accepts it, suggesting a two-track approach to talks with Pyongyang.

Expectations for the meeting are high, since the North agreed to the high-level contact during a surprise visit of three senior D.P.R.K. officials to South Korea for the closing ceremony of the Inchon Asian Games in October.