North Korean leader praises Kim Dae Jung Eds: epa file photos available

North Korean leader praises Kim Dae Jung EdsSeoul  - North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has expressed his condolences to the family of former South Korean president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kim Dae Jung.

In his letter he praised the deceased for his efforts seeking national reconciliation and reunification, North Korean state media reported on Wednesday.

Kim Dae Jung died on Wednesday at the age of 83.

In June 2000, Kim Dae Jung met with Kim Jong Il at the first inner-Korean summit where they reached agreement on steps towards the reunification of the two countries.

After a recent rise in tensions due to North Korean nuclear and missile tests, the isolated communist regime on Monday said it wanted to make it easier for tourists to cross the border and for divided families to meet. (dpa)