S Korea offers condolences over Kim

South Korea has offered its condolences to North Korea’s people as they mourn the death of long-time ruler Kim Jong Il.

Unification Minister Yu Woo-ik said in Seoul today that no official delegation would be travelling to Pyongyang to pay their respects.

But he told reporters that the government would allow the families of former liberal president Kim Dae-jung and former Hyundai Asan chairman Chung Mong-hun to visit North Korea. Mr Chung has business ties with North Korea.

North Korea says Mr Kim died of a massive heart attack caused by overwork and stress.