Inter-Korean talks to proceed despite DPRK's missiles' launching

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South Korea confirmed that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea test-fired short-range missiles on Monday. The latest launches have elicited international concern just as Pyongyang has expressed a willingness to return to the six-party talks on its nuclear weapons program. Mike Patterson has the details.

For its part, China's Foreign Ministry has said that the missile launches will not reverse a recent thaw in international relations, and will not affect the trend toward easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

The missile launches came immediately following the DPRK's announcement that it is prepared to return to talks on its controversial nuclear program.

South Korea says Monday's launches included five short-range missiles from the DPRK's east coast.

Chun Hae-Sung, spokesman of South Korea Unification Ministry, said, "It has been confirmed that the missiles launched this time were of the same type that were test-fired several times in the past."

The missiles are reportedly capable of striking the South Korean capital and its sprawling suburbs.

However, despite the new missile tests, South Korea has said that talks on arranging family reunions and flood control will still go ahead.

Chun Hae-Sung said, "Talks will be held as the DPRK agreed. There will be no special problems with holding the talks as planned. "

A UN resolution bans the DPRK from launching ballistic missiles, but so far no international agreement bars it from test-launching short-range missiles.