SEOUL
(AP) - Reports say that the North and South Kora has held secret talks
last week to set up an inter-Korean meeting after months of feuding.
The meeting was held in Singapore or China, as reported by South Korean newspaper, citing government sources on Friday.
On
Thursday, South Korean television station, KBS, said Kim Yang-gon, an
official with the North Korean border crossings menangnai affairs,
traveled to Singapore to meet with South Korean officials.
Quoting intelligence sources, KBS said that Yang-gon make the visit while visiting China on October 15 to 20.
Union
Minister of South Korea, Hyun In-taek, speaking before members of the
legislature in an annual parliamentary audit held by the ministry on the
same day. He declined to comment on media coverage that mentions about the secret meeting.
He only said that his government is open in welcoming the inter-Korean meeting. "Regarding
the meeting (North-South Korea), we must consider various things, such
as the development of the North Korean nuclear issue and the possibility
jujurr relationship between the two countries," he said.
Correspondents
say that negotiations are deadlocked after North Korea refused to
accept the proposal of South Korea who filed Seoul as a meeting
location. Both sides had held a dialogue in 2000 and 2007 and approved a series of reconciliation and economic projects.
Joong Ang Ilbo newspaper reported something similar on Friday. South Korean government refused to comment about the meeting. "We
can not respond to the news and for now can not meengatakan nothing
about inter-Korean meeting," said presidential spokesman told AFP.
"There
are a number of reports of secret talks between Korea, although
authorities deny it. We would like (President Lee) to address this issue
openly," said board member from the opposition party, Park Joo-sung, in
a parliamentary session on Friday.
The new
developments surfaced after a tension between the two countries
regarding the development plan of Pyongyang's nuclear and missile.
South
Korean President Lee Myung-bak, has previously said that he was willing
to meet with North Korean leader, Kim Jong-il, anytime. He promised the process "transparent" while encouraging an inter-Korean meeting.
North and South Korea relations have ups and downs in recent months. After experiencing a slump after the President of the Conservatives, Lee Myung-bak, took office in February 2008. Relations between the two camps is getting worse cal North Korea held a nuclear test in May.
However,
the death of former leader Selata Korea, Kkim Dae-jung, sparked a new
phase of reconciliation between the two countries.
North
Korea and South Korea to free the prisoners, to loosen restrictions on
operation of the combined industry of both countries, sent envoys to
talk with President Lee and allow the family reunion program separated
by borders.
Media speculation
about a possible meeting between the two countries are becoming
increasingly tight blows from Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao met with
Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang in early October last.
Meanwhile,
North Korea's nuclear negotiator, Ri Gun, was heading for U.S.
negotiators to meet with Sam's uncle and considering the resumption of
negotiations to discuss the North Korean nuclear.