Ruling Saenuri Party Floor Leader Lee Wan-koo said Monday that inter-Korean parliamentary talks should be pursued with prudence and should be preceded by discussions among the rival parties and related government offices.

His remarks were in response to National Assembly Speaker Chung Ui-hwa, who on Saturday said that he would suggest to North Korea a parliamentary meeting between the two Koreas in November.

Lee said at the Saenuri Supreme Council members’ meeting that inter-Korean relations should proceed under comprehensive political considerations. He said a bipartisan discussion is necessary over the matter at least to enhance negotiation power with the North.

Lee stressed that the high-level talks, on which the North has already agreed, should be prioritized over the parliamentary talks. He said that the parliamentary talks should be pursued after the inter-Korean high-level talks are held in late October or early November, in consideration for the situation at that time.

Lee said that he will discuss the matter closely with Chung when the parliamentary speaker arrives in South Korea. He said he will meet with Chung with a converged opinion from the party.

Chung broke the idea to propose the inter-Korean parliamentary talks in Los Angeles on his way back from a tour to Latin America.