(LEAD) S. Korea's presidential envoy to meet Putin's aide in Moscow: source

(ATTN: ADDS Kim Yong-nam's schedules in para 5)
By Lee Haye-ah

SEOUL, May 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's chief delegate to Russia's war anniversary celebrations will meet with President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy adviser later this week, a government source said Wednesday.

Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun of the ruling Saenuri Party is scheduled to attend the May 9 celebrations on behalf of President Park Geun-hye to mark the 70th anniversary of Russia's victory in World War II. Yoon doubles as one of Park's special advisers for political affairs.

"Yoon is scheduled to meet with Yury Ushakov and discuss a wide range of issues," the source told Yonhap News Agency on condition of anonymity. He declined to elaborate on the details.

North Korea will be represented at the event by its ceremonial head of state, Kim Yong-nam. Kim is the president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of North Korea.

Later on Wednesday, Russian broadcaster Sputnik reported that Kim Yong-nam will stay in Moscow from May 8 to 10, without offering further details.

Russia announced last week that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will not attend the celebrations due to internal affairs.

A formal meeting between Yoon and Kim Yong-nam has not been scheduled, although the two could have the opportunity during the celebrations, according to the source.

Russian Ambassador to Seoul Alexander Timonin told reporters last month that Park's absence was due to a scheduling conflict, and as such, would not affect the two countries' bilateral ties.

Many believe Park chose not to attend the celebrations in consideration of the U.S. and other Western countries that have been in a row with Russia over the conflict in Ukraine.

hague@yna.co.kr
(END)