YONHAP NEWS

(LEAD) N. Korean leader asks Roh to extend Pyongyang visit by one day

   SEOUL, Oct. 3 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-il on Wednesday asked South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun to extend his North Korea visit by one day and stay in Pyongyang until Friday, Roh's public information secretary announced here.

   "North Korean leader Kim made a proposal for Roh to extend his stay in Pyongyang. The South's government officials and the presidential aides will positively consider the proposal," Yoon Seung-yong said in a media briefing.

   Roh was originally scheduled to return to Seoul on Thursday.

   According to pool reports from the South Korean joint press corps in Pyongyang, Kim made the proposal to Roh during their summit talks which resumed at 2:30 p.m. at the Paehwawon State Guest House after a lunch recess.

   South Korean officials accompanying Roh said they interpreted Kim's proposal as an intention to carry out the summit talks more faithfully and produce substantial results.

   ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)