SEOUL: A US official charged with enforcing UN sanctions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) sought the Republic of Korea's (ROK) continued support during talks yesterday even after Pyongyang's recent conciliatory moves.

A high-ranking DPRK delegation sent by its top leader Kim Jong-il to mourn a former ROK leader met President Lee Myung-bak on Sunday and delivered a message from Kim in their first formal communication since Lee took office about 18 months ago.

The ROK's presidential Blue House denied reports in several local newspapers the envoys conveyed a request by Kim for a summit with Lee, who ended years of unconditional aid when he took office and has been roundly criticized by the DPRK.