An official said Tuesday that Norwegian government officials will visit North Korea next Monday to help get stalled inter-Korean Red Cross talks back on track.

National Assembly Speaker Lee Man-sup was quoted as saying Tuesday that on humanitarian grounds, talks on separated family issues should proceed even if the United States and neighboring countries change their North Korean policies. Speaker Lee made the remarks in meetings with Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and Parliamentary Speaker Kirsti Kolle Grondahl.

Lee asked the Norwegian Red Cross to contact the International Red Cross or the North Korean Red Cross to help stalled inter-Korean talks resume as soon as possible.

The Norwegian government agreed with Lee's request and promised to deliver South Korea's position when a Norwegian Foreign Ministry official visits Pyongyang next Monday, according to an official accompanying Lee.

Meanwhile, Parliamentary Speaker Lee will return to Seoul Wednesday afternoon, ending a tour of Russia, Finland and Norway.