Bush, Korea's Roh to discuss North, trade Sept. 14

WASHINGTON, Aug 16 (Reuters) President George W Bush and South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun will meet on September 14 to discuss bringing North Korea back to the negotiating table on its nuclear programme and trade, White House spokesman Tony Snow said today.

The United States has been urging North Korea to return to six-party talks on its nuclear weapons ambitions. The talks, which involve involve China, Russia, Japan, the United States, South Korea and North Korea, have been stalled since November.

South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon on Monday urged patience rather than risk a negative response from Pyongyang.

He said one of the major sticking points was the U.S. crackdown on firms it suspects of helping North Korea in illicit activities such as counterfeiting.

''The alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea is deeply rooted in common values and common interests,'' Snow said. ''Together the two countries have stood against common threats and worked for the promotion of democracy, free markets and universal human rights.'' The two leaders will also discuss free trade agreement negotiations, fighting terrorism, stopping the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and ''promoting an open international economic order,'' Snow said.

REUTERS BDP RAI2324