Chief South Korean nuclear negotiator Kim Sook told a forum of Asia experts Monday that denuclearization must not be further delayed, saying the North's latest measure is a "typical tactic" to pressure the United States and other participants at the six-party nuclear talks.

Kim added that he does not think Pyongyang wants to withdraw from the six-party process, but stressed that the communist regime has made an ill-calculated move.

The nuclear envoy added that reciprocal action from other parties would only worsen the situation, suggesting economic and energy assistance to the North should continue nonetheless.

Arirang News