Unification Minister Chung Dong-young says North Korea will likely decide its official position on stalled six-way nuclear talks and inter-Korean dialogue after February.

Chung, who concurrently serves as National Security Council Chairman, made the remarks on Monday during a Cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan.

In a briefing on the developments of the stalled six-way talks, Chung said that the second-term Bush administration has now set up its foreign diplomacy team and that President Bush had also hinted at resolving the North's nuclear standoff through dialogue and negotiations.

Under the circumstances, Chung predicted Pyongyang would decide on its stance after Northern authorities wrap up events for the upcoming birthday of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, slated for the 16th of the month.