CRI听力:N.Korea Proposes Halting Inter-Korean Hostilities

North Korea has proposed that Pyongyang and Seoul should cease all military hostilities against each other starting on Friday.

The National Defense Commission of the North Korea made the surprise suggestion in a statement today.

It lists independence, peaceful reunification, and great national unity as the three main principals for improving relations between the neighbors.

A KRT news reader:

"The South Korean government should make a bold decision in response to our special offer and take a big step towards a new future to end the shameful past."

Pyongyang's latest olive branch followed its confirmation hours earlier of a second missile test in recent days.

The statement also comes on the eve of the 42nd anniversary of the issuance of the July 4 North-South Joint Statement.

The document sees the two sides agreeing to set principals leading to peaceful reunification.

The North has suggested that a joint US-South Korean military drill scheduled for August be scrapped in order to improve the atmosphere during the Asian Games, which will be held in the southern city of Incheon.

It's also calling on the US not to deploy "nuclear strike forces" in South Korea or the surrounding area.

Meanwhile the Chinese government has issued a new statement, calling for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei.

"We have also noticed the news about (missiles) launched by North Korea. We hope that under the current situation, all sides are able to make efforts to ease the current tense situation, and maintain peace and stability on the peninsula."