The official Central Korean News Agency (KCNA) said in a commentary that the DPRK proposal of seeking detente with Seoul has “enjoyed positive response from the public at home and abroad for its validity and vitality.”

“The proposal reflects the DPRK’s firm will to prevent a war on the peninsula and defend peace … under the condition that a powerful war deterrent has been provided to frustrate and contain any nuclear threat from the U.S.,” said the KCNA.

The commentary also claimed that the U.S. delaying of joint military maneuvers with South Korea is “attributable to the bold measure for north-south dialogue and positive efforts for peace on the peninsula and strong demands of the public at home and abroad.”

It urged South Korea to work with the DPRK to end the “no war no peace” situation on the peninsula, “sit face to face to have sincere discussion over issues of improving the bilateral relations,” and “advance straight towards the goal of national reunification.”

The DPRK and South Korea held their second meeting within one week on Monday to discuss the dispatch of an artists’ troupe to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics next month.