South Korea's Deputy Foreign Minister Lee Soo-hyuck says issues concerning allegations that North Korea may be hosting a nuclear program based on highly-enriched uranium is not something that can be avoided.

Lee said that was a major point agreed in recent meeting with Japan's foreign ministry Director General Mitoji Yabunaka during a recent trip to Japan.

Lee said on his return home on Saturday that there was still hope for a third round of working level six-party talks to help resolve the nuclear issue, pointing out that one more month was left before a fourth round of higher-level talks are scheduled to be held.

Lee stressed the working group talks, which aim to narrow differences on technical issues prior to higher-level talks, should be held as scheduled as previously agreed.