N.Korea Calls For Easing of Sanctions to Restart Talks with U.S.

North Korea has demanded the lifting of sanctions as a precondition for resuming talks with the U.S, according to South Korean officials.

In this regard, North Korea wants international sanctions banning its metal exports and imports of refined fuel and other necessities lifted before it restarts denuclearisation talks with the United States, South Korean officials reported on Tuesday.

Ha Tae-keung, a member of the parliamentary intelligence committee indicated that economical exemptions to sanctions measures should be authorized for essential exports and imports to avoid the failure of any compromise between North Korea and the U.S.

Also in this regard, the North has called for the easing of sanctions on its imports of luxury goods to be able to bring in fine liquors and suits, South Korean lawmakers told the media.

The Korean official said: "As a precondition to reopen talks, North Korea argues that the United States should allow mineral exports and imports of refined oil and necessities."

In a step intended to enhance their dialogue and ease the sanctions on socio-economic development, the two Koreas have previously restored hotlines that North Korea suspended a year ago, according to international reports.