ROK promises 'flexibility' in DPRK policy

SEOUL / BEIJING - Republic of Korea (ROK) President Lee Myung-bak promised "flexibility" on Monday in his policy on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), in a possible sign of a softer approach toward Pyongyang aimed at easing longstanding tensions.

Lee made the comments a day before he was to leave for Washington for a summit later this week with US President Barack Obama. "The government will exercise flexibility for the peaceful resolution of North Korea's (the DPRK's) nuclear problem while pursuing principled dialogue," Lee told parliament in a budget speech read by his prime minister.

He also offered humanitarian aid to the DPRK.