The government will continue with its provision of materials and equipment aid to North Korea, as agreed in the six-way nuclear talks, despite the North's announcement Tuesday that it has halted the disabling of its Yongbyon nuclear facilities.

A Seoul official says the economic aid will continue within the six-way framework, unless the situation worsens.

A Foreign Ministry official also said Tuesday there's no need to overreact to Pyongyang's announcement. He promised close discussions with involved nations to swiftly conclude the second stage of the North's denuclearization.

Under the six-party agreement, South Korea, the U.S., China and Russia agreed to provide the North with energy aid equivalent to 950-thousand tons of heavy fuel in return for the North's nuclear declaration and disablement. Of the total aid package, 450-thousand tons are to be offered in fuel and the remainder in energy-related equipment and materials.