U.S. open to direct talks with North Korea

South Korea has endorsed direct talks between the United States and North Korea, as long as their purpose is to bring the Communist country back into multi-lateral negotiations. International pressure and economic sanctions have been insufficient to influence North Korea on its nuclear program, not to mention its weapons export business.

The six-party talks -- which include Russia, China and Japan along with the United States and the two countries on the peninsula -- are designed to represent all stakeholders in the region.