North Korea on Monday reiterated its criticism of the U.N.-led sanctions, but its brief mention of a need for talks has sparked speculation the communist country may attempt to shift from its belligerent attitude toward South Korea and the U.S.

The statement by the spokesman of Pyongyang’s powerful National Defense Commission came roughly a month after the U.N. passed what officials here called “the strongest sanctions ever” against the North in reaction to its Jan. 6 nuclear test and Feb. 7 long-range rocket launch.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has been boasting the nation’s supposed capacity for a nuclear strike against the allies, while stepping up bellicose rhetoric against the South.

Calling the sanctions “anachronistic and suicidal,” the spokesman was quoted by the Korean Central News Agency as saying the country is as comfortable with economic sanctions as it is with air.

The statement also warned against the joint drills by the allies, saying that North Korea will “embark on an all-out attack against the war-mongering of the U.S. and its followers.”

Despite the lengthy statement focusing primarily on berating the allies and the international sanctions, it briefly mentioned that negotiations are the ideal solution to addressing the ongoing standoff.

“Regarding the current grim situation, the general consensus is that stability should be prioritized over unilateral sanctions. And talks are the fundamental pressure, not military pressure, and that the exit strategy is through acknowledgement and cooperation, not seeking to overthrow (the Kim) regime,” the spokesman said.

Some local experts said the remarks, albeit brief, hint at the North’s willingness to consider negotiations as a possible option.

Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, said that this shows that Pyongyang is ready to sit down for talks. He suspected the North may try change its course ahead of its ruling Workers’ Party convention in May.

Yang said there is importance in retaining a line of communication between the Koreas, pointing out that the numerous sanctions in the past have failed to induce meaningful actions by the North.

But other experts cautioned against such views, saying the brief mention of talks may not hold any significance.

“The focus of the statement was clearly to justify its (North Korea’s) policies and berate the hawkish approach by the allies toward itself. It is bit of a stretch to think the North’s attitude has changed,” said Cheong Seong-chang, senior research fellow at local think tank Sejong Institute.

South Korean military dismissed the possibility of imminent talks, saying it was “not the time.”

“Right now, it is time to focus on sanctions against North Korea’s wrongful actions. Both the military and the government are acting on this basis,” said Defense Ministry spokesman Moon Sang-kyun.

By Yoon Min-sik (minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com)