The Science and Technology Ministry on Monday urged a stop to what it called counterproductive arguing over the research of cloning pioneer Hwang Woo-suk.

In reconfirming its support for Hwang's research team, the ministry said it hopes he will soon resume his study of embryonic stem cells to find cures for incurable diseases.

The ministry also urged people to respect the upholding of Hwang's work by editors of the academic journal Science.