Rival parties took a different stance over the crisis on the Korean peninsula although they unilaterally welcomed the inter-Korean high-level talks.
 
Ruling Saenuri Party spokesman Kim Young-woo said on Sunday that it is fortunate the two sides sat down for talks, but North Korea should first offer an apology for its provocation of landmine explosions and artillery firing, and promise to prevent provocations from reoccurring.
 
Spokesman Kim Young-rok of the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy said that the two Koreas need to create a major breakthrough to improve their strained relations through the high-level talks, calling on the two sides to relieve military tension.