In a commentary, Rodong Sinmun said the RoK authorities had carried out anti-DPRK policy, strengthened military power and constantly held various military exercises.

Such policy not only blocked the dialogue and negotiations between the two sides but also further accelerated the tension on the peninsula, blocking the improvement of the north-south relations, said the commentary.

It said in order to achieve national unification and ease up tension on the peninsula, the confrontation and distrust between the two sides must be changed into relations of mutual trust and reconciliation immediately.

The commentary warned that an atmosphere of trust and reconciliation will not be created and dialogue and negotiations to improve relations will not be realized if the RoK continues its anti-DPRK policy.

The north-south preliminary military talks, held from February 8 to 9, failed to make breakthrough.

The RoK and the US are expected to launch joint military exercises from late February to early March, a move that will complicate the situation on the Korean Peninsula again.