21.   To temper their expected attacks, he told CNN he was proposing only unofficial contacts, not formal talks to restore ties with Washington.

22.   Trade and other unofficial contacts have surged, however.

23.   While shunning government-to-government talks, the North has been encouraging unofficial civilian contacts with South Korean groups, especially dissidents.

24.   While shunning government-to-government talks, however, the North has been encouraging unofficial civilian contacts with South Korean groups, especially dissidents.

25.   In a brief television appearance late Tuesday, cabinet chief Alberto Pandolfi said that the government would continue unofficial contacts with the rebels.

26.   It also cut down unofficial contacts with Pyongyang as the UN Security Council condemned the infiltration.

27.   China regards Taiwan as a renegade province and insists that countries with which it has diplomatic ties maintain only unofficial contacts with the island.

28.   The United States has maintained unofficial contacts with Taipei but recognises only Beijing as the sole government of China.

29.   Unofficial working level contacts between the two sides paved the way for the official-level talks in Beijing, where both North and South Korea maintain embassies.

30.   Yonhap said the decision was made after unofficial working level contacts between the two sides in Beijing, where both North and South Korea maintain embassies.