Unification Minister Lee Jae-joung on Friday explained the government's decision to send rice aid to North Korea despite the stalled implementation of the six-way nuclear agreement, saying that in Seoul's view the accord has not been broken.

He told reporters after a forum that the February 13th agreement is only being delayed due to technical issues.

He noted that under the agreement, North Korea has to shut down its nuclear facilities and declare all of its nuclear programs to the International Atomic Energy Agency before disabling the facilities.

Lee added that if such a process is in place, it's not necessary to put too much emphasis on when the initial phase will be completed.