The government has reportedly decided to delay preparations for the time being on establishing an inter-Korean cooperation body that will be charged with drafting financial assistance measures for the North.

A government official quoted President Roh Moo-hyun as saying Monday that discussions on the matter should be put on hold until tangible progress is reaped at the six-way nuclear talks, including the implementation of the joint agreement on denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.

Roh's remarks come after he was briefed by Unification Minister Chung Dong-young last week on the issue of setting up the cooperation body.

The official was quick to stress that such a delay on the issue does not, in any way, imply changes in inter-Korean relations.