S.Korea calls for patience on North nuclear issue

FUKUOKA, Japan (Reuters) - International efforts to dismantle North Korea's nuclear arms program may require patience over a long time, but will be achieved, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak said on Saturday.

"It may take a long time, and it requires patience from many countries. But I believe (solving the issue) will surely and should be achieved in the end," Lee told a news conference concluding a rare summit meeting in southern Japan with leaders of Japan and China.

(Reporting by Yoo Choonsik; Editing by Bill Tarrant)