A conciliatory offer from North Korea

North Korea issues an "open letter" to the South, proposing that both sides stop hostile acts against each other.

On its state channel, North Korea says the move was sincere.

(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) KRT NEWS READER SAYING:

"Our important proposal is not a deceptive peace overture which is what the South Korean government is making it out to be. Nor is it propaganda warfare against our own people. It is not building up of a pretext to fix the wrong opinion of international society, nor is it the creation of an excuse for so-called new provocation."

Civilians interviewed by North Korea's official news agency were shown expressing support for the open letter, which was written by special order from leader Kim Jong-un.

(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) PYONGYANG CITIZEN CHOE SUN SONG SAYING:

"Our government is now making all possible efforts for the country's unification. To my regret, however, the South Korean authorities are showing an arrogant attitude and carrying o