Talks between South Korean and US officials aimed at renegotiating a controversial beef import deal have ended without agreement.

Seoul wants the US to agree to a ban on exporting beef from cattle older than 30 months after concerns over BSE, or mad cow disease, sparked mass protests.

But the two sides failed to achieve a breakthrough during discussions in the US capital, Washington.

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South Korea agreed in April to resume imports of US beef, which were suspended in 2003 after a case of BSE was detected there.

But the decision has sparked massive street protests in Seoul and beyond, and put enormous pressure on the new president, Lee Myung-bak.

Fuel protests

A US spokeswoman described the talks between South Korean Trade Minister Kim Jong-hoon and US Trade Representative Susan Schwab as "frank and candid".

"In order to find a mutually acceptable solution, both sides need more time to look into technical issues," the spokeswoman said.

South Korea's trade ministry, meanwhile, said that the two sides had "agreed to cooperate in seeking a mutually satisfactory solution".

The outcome is unlikely to placate protesters in Seoul, who are continuing to hold rallies and vigils to show their anger over the issue.

South Korea used to be a major market for US beef, but banned most imports in 2003 over health concerns.

In April Mr Lee's government agreed to relax most of the restrictions, triggering public anger linked to fears of BSE.

The government then asked the US to stop exports from cattle aged more than 30 months, which are thought to be more susceptible to BSE.

But Mr Lee has rejected demands that the entire deal be scrapped, saying it would put a bilateral free trade deal at risk.

The new president's popularity has plummeted over the issue and he is also facing a raft of new protests over rising fuel prices.

(BBC)

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