Regarding the Elders’ visit to Pyongyang led by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Kim Sung Hwan, South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, stated on the 26th, “It is a purely private visit and not accomplished by any countries’ administrations.” He added, “There is no expectation of it.”

At a press briefing, Minister Kim said, “I doubt if there is a need for North Korea to send messages to us through civilians, the third party, while there are various channels for dialogue open with us.”

In regard to a possibility that Kim Jong Il delivers messages to the South through Carter and his companions, Minister Kim reiterated, “I don’t think there is a need for North Korea to talk with us through a third party.” However, he added, “When they come to the South, I am ready to meet them.”

When asked about the possibility of dialogue between North and South Korea without an apology from the North for the attacks on the Cheonan and Yeonpyong Island, he replied, “We have to view that matter from a general perspective. In the current situation the Cheonan and Yeonpyeong Island matters cannot help influencing the Six-Party Talks in any ways.”

In terms of the prospects of an inter-Korean talk about denuclearization, he said, “For now, it is quite hard to predict it.” He added, “However, in January, we suggested publicly the inter-Korean denuclearization talks to the North, and have been waiting for the North’s answer. We expect that the North will respond affirmatively.”

He added, “Our administration has emphasized the need for changes in North Korea’s attitude regarding denuclearization in order to resume the Six-Party Talks. We will make a diplomatic effort through talks between ministers of both South Korea and U.S. foreign affairs and through discussions with Chinese Deputy of the Six-Party Talks Wu Dawei.”

He expressed expectation about the meeting with Chinese Deputy Wu saying that, “I expect that through this discussion both sides could have constructive talks about inter-Korean relations, the North Korean nuclear issue, and future measures about it.”