Seoul, Oct 26: North and South Korean officials have held discussions on Pyongyang's proposed "package solution" for the nuclear crisis, a report said today, in a further sign of a possible breakthrough in the year-long row. A news agency today reported that officials from both Koreas exchanged opinions about the north's proposal over the weekend.
"I believe the US side is considering the North's suggestion," an unnamed South Korean foreign ministry official was quoted as saying. The discussions follow North Korea's announcement yesterday that Pyongyang was ready to consider US President George W. Bush's offer of a written security assurance in return for dismantling its nuclear programme.
A North Korean foreign ministry spokesman said the nuclear crisis could be resolved if the north's proposal for "a package solution based on the principle of simultaneous actions is realised”. He indicated the North's new stance was prompted by Bush's comment this week that Washington and its partners were serious about offering North Korea security assurances. Bureau Report