ROK leader ready for nuclear talks with DPRK's Kim

SEOUL: The Republic of Korea's (ROK) president says he is willing to meet the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) leader this year to discuss its nuclear weapons program despite a recent flare-up in border tensions.

President Lee Myung-bak made the comment in an interview aired Friday, as the DPRK fired artillery for a third day during military exercises near its disputed western sea border with the ROK.

The firing, which on Wednesday prompted return artillery fire by the ROK, has caused no reported casualties or damage. It comes amid mixed signs from the DPRK, which has recently appeared more keen to engage the ROK in dialogue after ballistic missile and nuclear tests last year drew UN sanctions, while still threatening its rival.