YONHAP NEWS

Lee voices expectations for U.S.-N.K. talks

   By Yoo Cheong-mo
SEOUL, April 8 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak expressed high expectations Tuesday for high-level nuclear talks between the U.S. and North Korea slated to be held in Singapore later in the day.

   "Today, North Korea and the U.S. will meet in Singapore. I hope the talks will be successful, helping to pave the ground for the settlement of the North Korean nuclear problem," Lee said while presiding over a weekly Cabinet meeting.

   "(The South Korean government) is willing to improve inter-Korean relations, and wishes for the success of the six-party talks."
Christopher Hill, U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, and North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye-gwan are set to hold talks in Singapore later Tuesday to try to solve a three-month-old snag holding up the six-party denuclearization process aimed at ending Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions.

   Lee also talked about his planned visit to the U.S. and Japan next week.

   "Next Tuesday, I'll embark on my first overseas trip as president. I'll try to ensure that my visit will provide new opportunities in South Korea's relations with the U.S. and Japan," said Lee.

   ycm@yna.co.kr
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