A high-ranking official said Friday that the government is not considering inviting North Korea to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit next month in Busan.

Speculation had risen over the possible attendance of the North's top leader Kim Jong-il at the summit after Unification Minister Chung Dong-young hinted last month that the North could come as an observer if the six-party nuclear talks go well.

In a parliamentary audit of the incumbent administration, Chung said the government could assess how APEC member nations would consider the North's inclusion.

A report said if Kim could not attend, the head of the North's parliament Kim Young-nam could go in his place.