Unification Minister Chung Dong-yong says the government will begin talks with North Korea on Seoul's proposed electricity aid if a joint statement is reached at the six-way nuclear talks.

In a speech at the Federation of Korean Industries Thursday, Chung said other parties to the talks will provide alternative fuel oil to the North during the inter-Korean consultation period.

He said Seoul's electricity transmission will proceed simultaneously with the abandonment of Pyongyang's nuclear program, dismissing concern that the aid will come only after the North gives up its nuclear arms.

Chung also downplayed a possible suspension of the South's electricity supply to the North.

He said South Korean investment in the North's Gaesong Industrial Complex will greatly increase and the workforce there is expected to reach 100,000 employees by 2008, when the electricity transmission will begin.

Chung reiterated that Pyongyang is entitled to peaceful nuclear development so long as it returns to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and allows inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency.