North Korea on Thursday rejected South Korea's proposal to hold Red Cross talks to discuss regular reunions of families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War.

   The North's Red Cross said in a message to its South Korean counterpart that an appropriate atmosphere has not been created for the proposed talks, according to the unification ministry.

   The ministry, which handles inter-Korean affairs, expressed regret over the North's rejection.

   The North's move came a day after South Korea proposed that the rival Koreas hold Red Cross talks with North Korea next week to discuss regular family reunions. (Yonhap)