SEOUL, Aug. 15 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung on Saturday proposed that the two Koreas begin talks on ending their long-running war and discuss practical ways to halt the advancement of Pyongyang's nuclear program, pledging to seek a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.

Lee made the proposal in his speech at a ceremony marking the 81st Liberation Day, which commemorates Korea's liberation from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule.

"Let us put down our intentions to threaten each other and begin discussions to end the long-running war as the directly involved parties," Lee said, adding, "In the process, (we) may also discuss effective ways to halt the advancement of the North's nuclear capabilities."

The divided Koreas have technically remained at war since the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty.

Lee said he will embark on a journey to end the war and replace the "unstable armistice system" with a peace regime.

Lee's dialogue overture came despite the North remaining unresponsive to Seoul's repeated reconciliatory gestures since Lee took office in June last year.

pbr@yna.co.kr

(END)

• BTS' V reveals hearing loss, Jungkook performs through shin injury on world tour
• From 'BTS Boulevard' to U.S. governor's praise: BTS sweeps N. America on 'Arirang' tour
• TWICE's Jeongyeon leaves JYP to pursue acting career
• Pyeongtaek city fails to reach U.S. military via hotline over reported white phosphorus leak: official

• (LEAD) Pyeongtaek city fails to reach U.S. military via hotline over reported white phosphorus leak: official

• BTS' V reveals hearing loss, Jungkook performs through shin injury on world tour

• From 'BTS Boulevard' to U.S. governor's praise: BTS sweeps N. America on 'Arirang' tour
• TWICE's Jeongyeon leaves JYP to pursue acting career
• Pyeongtaek city fails to reach U.S. military via hotline over reported white phosphorus leak: official
• (LEAD) Pyeongtaek city fails to reach U.S. military via hotline over reported white phosphorus leak: official