Seoul sees window for change in N Korea after Kim

SEOUL: The death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il raised uncertainty but also opened a window for change in the communist state, South Korea's top official for cross-border ties said Wednesday.

"Chairman Kim Jong-Il's death heightened uncertainties," Unification Minister Yu Woo-Ik said in a speech to a forum.

"North Korea also faces opportunities for changes. I urge the North to drop its old attitude and take the road for reconciliation, exchange and cooperation."

Yu said the North's past provocations had ostracised it from the rest of the world, but he called for cross-border dialogue on all pending issues.

While its economy had missed out on industrialisation and globalisation, "if the North decides on improving people's livelihood, the South is ready to lend a helping hand", Yu said.

The North has stressed that its policy remains unchanged after Kim Jong-Un succeeded his father Kim Jong-Il, who died on December 17. (AFP)