A senior government official in Seoul says that North Korea’s decision to boycott the six-party nuclear talks was an expectable response.

The Seoul official, who has been involved in the nuclear talks, said Tuesday that the tension between the two Koreas and the North's confrontational attitude will likely continue for the time being.

He added that the government here will need to take a wait and see approach, rather than making any assumptions on the six-party talks.

The official added that the government will continue close cooperation with the United States to resume dialogue with the North.