Unification Minister Chung Dong-young says North Korea is believed to be showing signs of change following the reelection of U.S. President George W. Bush.

Attending a meeting of Uri Party, government and Cheong Wa Dae officials Friday, Chung said that external uncertainties surrounding inter-Korean relations and North Korea's nuclear issue have been more or less settled with Bush's reelection.

Chung said the government would begin making necessary preparations for a possible early restoration of inter-Korean relations.

As evidence of such recent changes, Chung cited the North's move to allow South Korean businessmen to visit Pyongyang beginning this month as well as Pyongyang's proposal to invite a South Korean civic organization to begin working-level talks on a joint ceremony for the 5th anniversary of the June 15th inter-Korean summit.

Chung went on to say that the Seoul government would continue to engage North Korea through inter-Korean economic projects as well as to support the North and seek ways to normalize bilateral relations through dialogue.