The Seoul government is reportedly seeking to hold the second inter-Korean summit talks within this year.

A senior official said South Korea is hoping to realize summit talks between President Roh Moo-hyun and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il to pave the way for an early settlement of North Korea's nuclear issue and a major breakthrough in South-North relations.

The official said South Korea is currently tapping the North's position on the early opening of summit talks through secret channels but there has been no confirmed response from the communist country.

Reports say Seoul wants to arrange a summit within this year, possibly before the U.S. presidential election in November.

Analysts say that if the North accepts Seoul's proposal, the summit meeting is likely to be held either on August 15th or in October, when the cross-border Donghae Railway is scheduled to open.

A Cheong Wa Dae official denied media report about a possible summit.