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ROK denies reports on DPRK's summit proposal

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-08-24 22:39

SEOUL: South Korea's presidential office said Monday there was no discussion on eyeing an inter-Korean summit during talks between the president and a delegation from the Democratic People's Repubic of Korea (DPRK).

Related readings:  Reports: DPRK's Kim wants summit with ROK  DPRK delegation meets with ROK president  DPRK's moves ease tensions on Korean Peninsula  ROK president meets DPRK delegation in Seoul  DPRK conveys Kim Jong-il's message to ROK

"There were only general discussions on the development of inter-Korean relations at President Lee's meeting with the DPRK delegation," said the office of the secretary to the president for foreign affairs and national security, adding that no issues related to an inter-Korean summit, as reported by some news outlets, were discussed.

Lee Dong-kwan, spokesman for the presidential office, said the government is consistent in its current DPRK policy that South Korea will give aid to the DPRK as long as the DPRK gives up its nuclear program.

"Dialogue is possible at any time and at any level, but this (the policy) says an inter-Korean summit or South-North dialogue similar to those of the past are not acceptable," he added.

The remarks came one day after South Korean President Lee Myung-bak met with DPRK delegates made up of DPRK leader Kim Jong-il's close aides, who came to pay respect to late former President Kim Dae-jung.