By Kim Sue-young
Staff Reporter

North Korea vowed to make efforts to improve the inter-Korean relations, Tuesday, despite an inter-Korean naval clash last week.

The unusual statement issued by the Rodong Shinmun newspaper was construed as a peace gesture ahead of U.S. President Barack Obama's scheduled visit to Seoul today and tomorrow.

As part of his Asian trip, Obama will hold a summit with President Lee Myung-bak to discuss ways to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue and strengthen bilateral ties.

``Nothing but war would break out in hostility and escalated military tensions,'' said the newspaper published by North Korea's Workers' Party, apparently referring to the naval skirmish that occurred in the West Sea on Nov. 10.

``We will make continuous efforts to improve North-South relations.''

This is the first peace overture after the naval clash.

A North Korean patrol boat crossed the Northern Limit Line (NLL), the de-facto sea border, but the reclusive state claimed that the South ``deliberately'' initiated the skirmish, and vowed to take ``merciless'' military action.

The paper continued that whether or not to improve bilateral ties totally hinges on the South Korean government's attitude.

Referring to earlier measures to resume suspended tour programs to Mt. Geumgang and displaced family reunions, it said, ``All these measures are aimed at bettering the worsened inter-Korean relations and reaching unification.''

In the wake of the North Korea visit by Hyundai Group Chairwoman Hyun Jeong-eun in mid-August, North Korea lifted previously imposed restrictions and freed a South Korean worker at the Gaeseong Industrial Complex who had been detained for months for slandering the North Korean regime.

Despite the agreement, tours to the scenic mountain, which were initiated 11 years ago, have remained on hold since July last year, after a South Korean female tourist was shot dead by a North Korea soldier during a predawn stroll.

ksy@koreatimes.co.kr