Korea, U.S. to extend civilian nuclear power agreement

Discussions for new agreement to begin this June.

Seoul and Washington have decided to extend the current accord signed in 1974 after two years of talks failed to achieve a new agreement. Both governments said there was significant progress in the talks, but remain at loggerheads over South Korea's efforts to keep the possibility open for uranium enrichment and reprocessing of spent fuel for non-military purposes.

South Korea wants to expand its nuclear activities to meet its energy needs and advanced status as nuclear plant exporter.

The U.S., however, does not fully support Seoul's request, citing possible negative effects on Washington's global nuclear nonproliferation drive.

The U.S. State Department said it seeks to conclude a successor agreement that serves as a strong foundation for U.S and South Korean bilateral civil nuclear cooperation for the future.

It expects to hold the next round of discussions on that successor agreement in June 2013 and intends to meet every quarter thereafter.