Kim seeks an end to Korea war

North Korea wants an official end to war with the South, Kim Jong-un’s sister has said, in a move thought to be aimed at persuading the US to ease sanctions.

Two statements by Kim Yojong on the weekend indicated the North was willing to resume talks with the South if certain conditions were met.

Ms Kim (pictured), who handles inter-korean affairs, said: “I felt that the atmosphere of the South Korean public desiring to recover the inter- Korean relations from a deadlock and achieve peaceful stability as soon as possible is irresistibly strong. We too have the same desire,” she added, stressing it was her personal view.

The Korean War ended in 1953 with a ceasefire, leaving Us-led UN forces technically still at war with Pyongyang.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in called for a formal end to the war in an address to the UN general assembly last week. The US insists the North must first give up its nuclear weapons.

Seoul’s unification ministry responded to Ms Kim’s call, saying: “For these discussions, the inter-korean communication line must be restored.”

The North ceased answering calls in August.