South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun says conditions are ripe for a resumption of six-country talks on North Korea's nuclear program.
Mr. Roh made his comments today (Thursday) at a New Year's news conference.
Mr. Roh said he could not set a definitive date for the talks, but said they could start as soon as President Bush finishes selecting members of his foreign policy team.
North Korea says it is waiting to determine what Mr. Bush's second term policy toward it will be before re-joining the talks. The negotiations involve North and South Korea, the United States, Japan, Russia, and China.
Mr. Roh also outlined prospects for tense north-south relations, saying he is open to a summit but does not think leader Kim Jong-il will accept any time soon.