"Those who question our sincerity need to read our statement thoroughly".

North Korea slammed on Tuesday its neighbor’s rejection of its offer for dialogue, saying that sincerity will be confirmed “once we sit down face to face”.

"Those who question our sincerity need to read our statement (offering dialogue) thoroughly. It offered extensive talks and negotiations with no conditions attached," said an editorial carried by the official news agency.
"Whether we have sincerity or not will be confirmed once we sit down face to face," the newspaper said, urging Seoul to "immediately stop libels and provocations".

The communist state late Monday officially proposed dialogue with Seoul, which rejected the offer, saying it was willing to hold government-level talks but the North must admit responsibility for a series of provocations and confirm a commitment to scrapping its nuclear program.

Relations between the two neighbors were strained after a Southern ship sank in the disputed Yellow last March. The South blames the attack on the North which denies any involvement.
Tensions also soared after the North shelled a Southern island killing two marines and two civilians.

But after weeks of high tensions, North Korea changed tack and called in a New Year message for improved relations.
"Now we clearly see the North's repeated pattern of provocations followed by peace overtures," Seoul's Unification Minister Hyun In-Taek told a forum.
"It's regrettable that the North, while offering dialogue, admits no responsibility for the casualties among our people.  And we can't see any sincerity in such a stance."

Hyun said the North "needs to bring down the walls created by itself and show determination and actions on denuclearization".

The US State Department said Monday the North has entered "the charm stage" after a year of provocations.
"We rode through last year a provocative stage. We're now in the charm stage.  But, you know, the charm stage has to be followed up with a real demonstration that North Korea's prepared for sustained and constructive dialogue," said spokesman Philip Crowley.

"First and foremost, if North Korea makes a public pledge not to attack South Korea or undertake further provocations that threaten South Korea, that would be a significant step to improve the environment," Crowley said.