S. Korean FM calls on N. Korea to respond to dialogue offer SEOUL

South Korea's foreign minister called on North Korea Monday to respond to Seoul's proposal for inter-Korean dialogue, despite the North's recent threats to no longer deal with its southern rival. North Korea has stepped up its belligerence toward South Korea in recent weeks, declaring an end to all relations with the Seoul government and divulging details of a series of secret meetings held between the sides. The provocative statements have further chilled the mood for inter-Korean dialogue, which the South first proposed in January to discuss the North's denuclearization. Pyongyang has yet to respond to the offer. "I would like to emphasize that the door to dialogue is always open for North Korea," Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan said in a speech at a nuclear forum, the Asan Plenum, at a Seoul hotel. A transcript of his speech was released to the press. "Despite the recent provocative statements by North Korea, my government will continue to take a calm and resolute posture while continuing our unwavering pursuit of dialogue with North Korea," he said. The minister also urged North Korea to take responsible measures regarding two deadly attacks that killed a total of 50 South Koreans last year. Pyongyang denies its role in the sinking of the Cheonan, a South Korean warship, and blames Seoul for provoking it into shelling the South's Yeonpyeong Island. "To improve inter-Korean relations, North Korea needs to demonstrate responsible behavior concerning the Cheonan and Yeonpyeong issues, which is acceptable to the Korean people," he said. "It is my sincere hope that North Korea may respond to our proposal for inter-Korean dialogue as soon as possible as a first step toward that end." Kim also stressed his country's growing presence in global efforts toward nuclear security. South Korea will host the Nuclear Security Summit in March next year, bringing together the world's leaders to boost cooperation against nuclear terrorism. "It can also be seen as recognition of Korea's role as a bridge between developed and developing countries in solving major global issues, as demonstrated by last year's G-20 Seoul Summit," he said. "Korea will play a bridging role in the nuclear field as well, between nuclear and non-nuclear weapon states, and between states with advanced nuclear energy industries and those with developing industries."