S.Korea's Lee calls for calm after North leader's death Monday, 19 December 2011 08:53

SEOUL:South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has called for calm and asked residents of the South to carry on with daily life, a national security official from his office said on Monday after an emergency meeting following the North Korean leader's death.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and U.S. President Barack Obama spoke on the telephone on Monday at around 0500 GMT to discuss the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, Lee's office said.

South Korea was monitoring the North after its state media reported Kim Jong-il's death at 0300 GMT, the official said, adding that Seoul will closely consult with neighbours and the international community to ensure regional stability.

Lee and Obama agreed to cooperate closely to manage the situation following Kim's sudden death, the office said in a statement.      (Reuters)