North Korea's Kim Jong Un Says He Is Open to Summit With South

PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, in a nationally televised New Year's Day speech, says he is open to a summit with his South Korean counterpart.

In this Sunday, March 31, 2013 photo released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 1, 2013, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gives a speech in Pyongyang, North Korea. (Photo: AP)

Kim said he sees no reason why there should not be a summit with South Korean President Park Geun-hye or high-level talks if Seoul sincerely wants better ties. He also said his country will strengthen its military and economy.

The 30-minute speech was the third Kim has delivered on New Year's Day, and the first after the end of the traditional three-year mourning of the death of his father, Kim Jong Il, in late 2011. Some analysts believe that with the mourning period over, Kim will pursue policies that more closely reflect his own personal priorities.

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