Former Unification Minister Lee Jong-seok has denounced calls in the political circle to get North Korea to promise to dismantle its nuclear program at the upcoming inter-Korean summit.

The former official, who is a key adviser for next month's summit, made the remarks Thursday during a meeting with civic group members.

He said that although Pyongyang's nuclear programs will certainly be discussed at the summit, it is highly unlikely that North Korean leader Kim Jong-il will promise to dismantle his country's nuclear program at the high-level talks.

Lee added that he believes there is no need to draw such a promise from the North when active efforts are under way to implement the February 13th six-way nuclear accord.

He said calls on President Roh Moo-hyun to deliver results from the inter-Korean summit that are difficult to realize would only trigger unnecessary criticism.