The paper blamed Washington's adherence to its policy of no sanctions relief until the North's denuclearization for causing an almost half-year stalemate in talks between the two countries, saying sanctions would not produce their intended results no matter how long they remain in place.

"Without outside support and help from anybody, our country can move forward with our own power and efforts," the paper said.

It still emphasized Pyongyang's commitment to building lasting and solid peace on the Korean Peninsula by establishing "new relations" with the United States.

The demand marked the latest in a string of calls by the North's media for easing sanctions ahead of a second summit slated for late February between Kim and Trump.

Little progress has been made in denuclearization talks as Pyongyang wants "corresponding" sanctions relief in exchange for steps it has taken since their June summit, while Washington demands more concrete measures. (Yonhap)