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US, South Korean officials end beef talks

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-06-16 13:18

WASHINGTON -- The top US and South Korean trade envoys have broken off talks without resolving a crisis over the resumption of American beef shipments that has paralyzed South Korea's pro-US government.

South Korean students shout slogans during a candlelight rally against US beef imports in Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, June 14, 2008. [Agencies]

US Trade Representative spokeswoman Gretchen Hamel said Sunday that South Korean Trade Minister Kim Jong-hoon is returning to his country. But she says officials will remain in contact. She says the two sides held "frank and candid discussions" Friday and Saturday; but, "in order to find a mutually acceptable solution, both sides need more time to look into technical issues."

Tens of thousands of people have protested in Seoul in recent weeks, demanding that the beef import deal be renegotiated and urging the president to resign.