Security Council Discusses Albright

The government held a National Security Council meeting Thursday to discuss inter-Korean relations following the visit by U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to Pyongyang this week.

At the meeting, the members came to an understanding that South Korea and the United States must continue to cooperate in order for the improvements in U.S.-North Korea relations to help North-South Korea relations.

The meeting was attended by National Intelligence Service chief Lim Dong-won, Defense Minister Cho Seong-tae and Kim Ha-joong, the chief presidential security adviser.

During the meeting, the council also discussed the coming talks between Japan and North Korea. The two sides are expected to hold talks aimed at normalizing ties next week in Beijing.

Meanwhile, President Kim Dae-jung was quoted by his spokesman as having said that President Bill Clinton's visit to North Korea will be conducive to the Korean peace process.