DATE=12-15-00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=KOREA TALKS (L-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-270520

BYLINE=HYUN-SUNG KHANG

DATELINE=SEOUL

INTERNET=

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: North Korea has asked the South for a supply of electricity to ease severe energy shortages. The request came during ministerial-level talks in Pyongyang. As Hyun-Sung Khang reports from the South Korean capital, the North has been suffering serious power shortages for years.

TEXT: Pooled South Korean media reports from Pyongyang say North Korean officials are asking the South to build power plants with a combined capacity of two million kilowatts. In talks this week, the North's representatives are said to have requested an initial project involving construction of a 500-thousand kilowatt thermal plant.

The media reports say the North explained the severity of its energy situation and refused to discuss other inter-Korean issues until the South considered its request. According to the reports, South Korean officials turned down the request, saying the issue should be raised at a separate meeting. One news report described the resulting situation as a stalemate.

North Korea, which is in economic dire straits, has suffered severe power shortages for years. International aid agencies working in offices, factories and hospitals in the North are often without light and heating.

The request for electricity was made during the fourth day of talks between North and South Korean ministers in Pyongyang. This latest issue has heightened concerns in the South that the pace of improved relations between North and South is losing momentum. South Korean officials travelled to Pyongyang hoping to organize further family reunions and

reenergize ties between the North and South.

In recent weeks, the North has postponed a number of inter-Korean contacts. Relations between the two former Cold War enemies faltered after the publication of a South Korean Defense paper which labelled the North as Seoul's main enemy.

Talks between the ninisters were due to end Friday, but they appear likely to be extended. (SIGNED)

NEB/HSK/PFH