New South Korean leader rejected North Korea's offer to hold talks before he took office

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - South Korean President Lee Myung-bak rejected a North Korean offer to hold talks ahead of his recent inauguration, a news report said Wednesday.

The North made the approach through South Korea's spy agency in January after Lee won the December elections, the leading Dong-a Ilbo newspaper reported, citing an unnamed government official.

The message proposed that "responsible officials" from the sides meet before Lee assumed office in February, the paper said.