South Korea's largest Buddhist sect on Wednesday called for both Seoul and Pyongyang to resume dialogue to ease tension on the Korean Peninsula as North Korea stepped up harsh rhetoric against the South.
North Korea has warned that it would turn the South Korean government to "ashes" in a few minutes. In return, President Lee Myung-bak vowed early this week a tougher response to any military provocations by North Korea.
In a statement, the Jogye Order expressed concerns over the danger of an "accidental military conflict" between the two Koreas amid the threats.
"With a manner of calm and restraint, the South and the North should enter dialogue as soon as possible to resolve tension," the statement said.
Inter-Korean tension spiked in 2010 after North Korea's two deadly military attacks on South Korea -- the sinking of the Cheonan warship and the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island. The two attacks killed a total of 50 South Koreans, mostly soldiers.
Signs have also emerged that North Korea might carry out a third underground nuclear test after its much-hyped launch of a long-range missile fizzled on April 13. Media reports have said the North appears to have completed preparations for a nuclear test.(Yonhap)