PYONGYANG, North Korea, April 24 (UPI) -- Seoul called on North Korea at inter-Korean talks in Pyongyang to release South Koreans kidnapped by the North.
In exchange for the release, Unification Minister Lee Jong-seok offered to repatriate North Korean spies held in the South, the Korea Herald reported Monday.
The two Koreas continued the 18th round of ministerial talks Sunday one day after Seoul's chief delegate called for Pyongyang's return to international negotiations over its nuclear program.
The delegate also hinted at possible economic assistance in exchange for the North's cooperation in addressing the issue of an estimated 486 South Koreans believed to be living in the North.
The talks resumed Friday and were to end Monday.
North Korea made no immediate response to the proposals.
