DATE=12/3/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=JAPAN - NORTH KOREA TALKS(L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-256785
BYLINE=KARRIN AMODEO
DATELINE=TOKYO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: North Korea's Central News Agency and Japanese
media reports say the two nations have agreed to
resume talks on establishing diplomatic relations.
Japan forged diplomatic ties with South Korea in 1965
but has never had official links with the communist
North. Karrin Amodeo has more on the story from
Tokyo.
TEXT: The breakthrough agreement reportedly came
during this week's talks held in Pyongyang between a
Japanese parliamentary delegation and North Korea's
leadership. Former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi
Murayama led a team of lawmakers, from several of
Japan's political parties, in three days of talks
aimed at improving relations between the two
countries.
Attempts to develop diplomatic ties came to a halt in
1992, after Japan alleged that North Korean agents
kidnapped Japanese citizens. Relations soured further
in August last year when North Korea test fired a
missile over Japan. But the new agreement could put
efforts to normalize relations back on track. Paul
Stares, Director of Studies at the Japan Center for
International Exchange, in Tokyo, says the agreement
will reduce tensions and enhance stability.
///STARE ACT ///
Its significance is that it adds momentum and general
weight to this process of engaging North Korea. To
the extent this leads to normalization of relations
between Japan and North Korea, this will make North
Korea a less isolated, less paranoid country and one
less unstable too. And so I think it is good news for
the region.
///END ACT ///
But obstacles to forging diplomatic ties remain.
North Korea wants Japan to apologize for its wartime
behavior and colonial occupation of the North. Japan
is worried about Pyongyang's ongoing missile program.
And it is demanding the return of the missing Japanese
citizens.
The government in Tokyo is expected to review details
of the report Friday and is withholding comment. But
the government is not expected to oppose any
resumption in talks. (SIGNED)
NEB/KA/FC/PLM
03-Dec-1999 03:38 AM EDT (03-Dec-1999 0838 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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