DATE=7/28/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=COHEN-NORTH KOREA-UPDATE(L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-252238
BYLINE=JIM RANDLE
DATELINE=TOKYO
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
INTRO: Defense Secretary William Cohen says North
Korea will face serious diplomatic and economic
consequences if it launches another ballistic missile.
Mr. Cohen's comments followed talks in Tokyo with his
Japanese counterpart. V-O-A's Jim Randle reports.
TEXT: Mr. Cohen says the United States, South Korea,
and Japan are offering North Korea greater economic
isolation if it launches another missile, and greater
economic cooperation if it does not.
// COHEN ACT //
A refusal to show restraint, however, would have
serious negative implications on our
relationship, stalling or indeed stopping
cooperation that could benefit North Korea, and
all of Asia.
// END ACT //
Mr. Cohen says the United States is seeking a non-
confrontational way of solving the crisis with
Pyongyang. North Korea launched a missile last year
that roared across Japan and flew far out into the
Pacific.
Intelligence reports say there is activity at the
North's missile site that could mean another launch
soon -- perhaps of a more powerful and advanced
weapon. The perceived threat from North Korea prompted
Japan to strengthen military ties with the United
States and to seek some new military hardware,
including aerial refueling tankers that extend the
range of Japanese warplanes.
Mr. Cohen also says Tokyo and Washington are nearing
agreement on a plan for joint research on defenses
against ballistic missiles. Japan is also working to
develop its own spy satellites, and Mr. Cohen offered
U-S help and cooperation in that effort. The defense
secretary says relations between Washington and Tokyo
are as strong as they have ever been.
// REST OPT //
Meantime, news reports say North Korea is reacting
strongly to Japan's military buildup. The Reuters news
agency says Pyongyang has sent a letter to Japan's
Prime Minister accusing Tokyo of preparing to invade
North Korea, and demanding apologies for past Japanese
military actions. Japanese officials say they've not
yet received the letter.
Mr. Cohen is set to hold talks with Japan's Prime
Minister, before heading to Korea for consultations
with top officials there on North Korea's missile
program and other military issues. (signed)
Neb/jr/na-t/jo/plm
28-Jul-1999 06:13 AM LOC (28-Jul-1999 1013 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
