DPRK, ROK voice possibility of new detente

BEIJING - The president of the Republic of Korea (ROK) echoed on Monday the goodwill gesture of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), offering closer economic ties, as the United States envoy for the DPRK is leaving for East Asia to discuss how to reduce tensions on the peninsula.

The speech came shortly after the DPRK's leading newspaper called the second time in three days for improving relations with the ROK through dialogue.

Lee Myung-bak said in a New Year address televised nationwide that he was open to dialogue with Pyongyang, repeating a warning that Pyongyang will be dealt a "stern and strong" blow if it chooses to mount another attack.