S Korean unification minister calls for positive turn in DPRK's nuclear issues

SEOUL, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's Unification Minister Hyun In-taek on Tuesday said there needs to be a turning point next year in nuclear issues of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), local media reported.

The remark comes at a time when South Korean officials are reportedly hinting at a possible resumption of six-party talks on the denuclearization of the DPRK early next year.

The minister also said he sees renewed hopes in its relations with the DPRK despite stalled nuclear negotiations and soured inter-Korean ties.

"Following the U.S. envoy Stephen Bosworth's visit to the DPRK, there have been renewed hopes for dialogue," Hyun said in a speech at a forum held in Seoul's Myongji University.

"Inter-Korean relations have not been put back on the right track, but there have been (positive) changes," he said, citing medical aid Seoul sent earlier this month to Pyongyang to help treat A/H1N1 flu patients there.

The country should deepen its understanding on the DPRK besides its nuclear issues, Hyun added.