DPRK hints at stopping all dialogue with ROK

SEOUL: The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) threatened Friday to break off all dialogue and negotiations with the Republic of Korea (ROK) in anger over Seoul's alleged contingency plan to deal with potential unrest in the DPRK.

The National Defense Commission - the DPRK's most powerful state organ headed by leader Kim Jong-il - also warned the DPRK will initiate a "retaliatory holy war" against the ROK over the plan, which the DPRK claims is aimed at toppling its regime.

The rare statement from the commission comes amid diplomatic efforts to revive stalled international talks on ending Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programs. It also comes as the DPRK has offered conciliatory gestures to the ROK, including one on Thursday to discuss restarting stalled tour programs.