S. Korea Will Help With N. Korea Nuclear Issue

SEOUL — President Lee of South Korea said he will cooperate with other involved nations in persuading North Korea to give up nuclear weapons and added that he will keep the "door open" for dialogue with the North.

"The government will cooperate through the six-nation negotiations so that North Korea gives up nuclear arms," Mr. Lee said in Seoul yesterday in an address shown nationwide on television. "We will persuade North Korea so that the North trusts it will benefit them.

"North Korea should start dialogue with sincerity and change itself so that it can adapt to new international order," he said. "The government is always ready to talk if it helps in resolving North Korea's nuclear arms issue and the lives of North Koreans. The door is open."