Reporter:
The government stated its policy toward North Korea after Kim Jong-il's death. It believes that it's possible that Kim Jong-un can be a negotiating partner. The Minister of Unification, Ryu Woo-ik, announced in his New Year's briefing to the President, that setting up stable communications with the North is important to keep the current situation in the Korean Peninsula stable. The Minister said that the communication channels will stay open between the North and the South, and any future discussions on outstanding issues would be without pre-conditions.

The government will stand firm on its demands for an apology for North Korea's sinking of the navy ship Cheonan, and the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island. It emphasized that it is not a pre-condition for resuming talks, but it would be a key agenda item during the talks.

Minister of Unification, Ryu Woo-ik:
Every outstanding issue, including the sanctions imposed on the North, can be discussed.

Reporter:
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Kim Sung-hwan, said it would be possible to accept Kim Jong-un as a negotiating partner.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Kim Sung-hwan:
If Kim Jong-un holds the proper rank, the talks will be held with him.

Reporter:
Further, if Kim Jong-un fulfills his promise to put his nuclear program under international supervision, it would be possible to invite him to the nuclear security summit next March in Seoul. President Lee Myung-bak said that his basic principles and relations with North Korea will not change, but on the other hand, the government is ready to be flexible in cooperating with the North.