N Korea says talks with South impossible after allegations

Seoul: North Korea says it is out of question to even consider holding dialogue with South Korea, accusing Seoul of attempting to harm its reputation with allegations of human rights problems.

The statement on Saturday from Pyongyang's committee handling relations with Seoul accuses the South of raising "nonexistent" human rights problems.

The two sides held their first government-level talks last month since Seoul's conservative President Lee Myung-bak took office last year.

The South has said it is preparing to propose a follow-up meeting.