North Korea delivered an “ultimatum” to the United States on the nuclear issue that calls for a negotiated settlement to outstanding security concerns, a paper representing Pyongyang’s interests said Monday.

The Chosun Sinbo, the official paper of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, claimed the Kim Jong-un government sent the message to Washington, but did not elaborate on the exact date, the delivery means or contents of the message.

Kim took power in late 2011, after the sudden death of his father Kim Jong-il. Compared to his father, he has called for dialogue and made economic growth a top priority in the running of the impoverished country.

The paper printed in Japan said that if the United States maintains it hostile policy stance toward North Korea, Pyongyang will have no choice but to hold onto its nuclear weapons arsenal for some time, and halt all non-proliferation talks on the matter.

It said that the leadership in the North has placed great importance on making changes, creating a new innovative environment and seeking understanding on security issues with other countries.

Chosun Sinbo said that with the start of U.S. President Barack Obama’s second term in office, there is the likelihood of intensified diplomatic efforts, and argued it is important to urge the administration to make correct choices in the future. It pointed out that in a 2007 inter-Korean summit meeting, there had been a proposal outlining the need for leaders of three or four countries to meet and declare an end to the Korean War (1950-53).

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the cease-fire armistice that ended the conflict. (Yonhap News)