Republic of Korea (ROK) President Roh Moo-hyun repeated Thursday his hope to meet Kim Jong-il, leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) "at any time and any place."

Roh made this remarks when he met a group of managing editors of local news organizations based in Seoul earlier Thursday.

Roh reiterated "holding the summit itself should not be the ultimate goal," adding the summit will be good only if it is effective in resolving the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula and improving inter-Korean relations.

"However, I am open to it, and therefore we can still have a chance for the summit," he said.

ROK former President Kim Dae-jung held a historic summit with Kim Jong-il in June 2000, which accelerated the pace of inter-Korean reconciliation.

Kim Jong-il also promised to make a return visit at a proper time to Seoul during his meeting with Kim Dae-jung.

Roh also stressed the need to boost mutual trust and get rid of any obstacles to inter-Korean rapprochement.

In another development, President Roh said Thursday that the United States would never be able to resort to military means to resolve the nuclear issue.

A resolution to the standoff is inherently complicated, Roh said.

"But neither side has the freedom to take the situation to a breakdown," Roh told senior journalists at the presidential Blue House.

"Under no circumstances can the North (DPRK) choose nuclear weapons, and under no circumstances can the United States choose military means," Roh said.

Foreign media were not invited to the event, but a transcript of the discussions was later provided by the Blue House.

Source: Xinhua-Agencies