NKorea Proposes Talks with South on Joint Commercial Projects

North Korea has proposed talks with South Korea on a series of stalled joint commercial projects, in a further sign of cooling tensions on the Korean peninsula.

The North's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea suggested talks on the Kaesong industrial zone, which was closed last month, as well as the resumption of cross-border tours to its Mount Kumgang resort.

The statement, carried in the official Korean Central News Agency, promised to reconnect hotlines with Seoul in an abandoned truce village along the border if the South accepts the offer.

It said, if necessary, humanitarian issues, such as the reunion of separated families, can be discussed at the proposed talks.

North Korea has suggested it is ready to return to dialogue following weeks of threats made against the United States and South Korea. It was angry with the U.S.-backed international sanctions that followed its third nuclear test in February.