DATE=7/27/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=ASEAN - SECURITY (L-ONLY) (CQ)
NUMBER=2-264849
BYLINE=RON CORBEN
DATELINE=BANGKOK
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: North Korea has made its debut appearance at an
Asia regional security meeting in Bangkok. Ron Corben
reports from the Thai capital, opposition to a
proposed regional missile defense system was also a
highlight of the Association of South East Asian
Nations Regional Forum.
TEXT: For the first time North Korean Foreign
Minister, Paek Nam-Sun, joined counterparts from 23
other nations from Asia-Pacific and the West in the
one day forum.
In a closed-door speech, Mr. Paek said he hoped his
new-found colleagues would take a fair stand in
efforts to secure peace on the Korean peninsula. He
also held private talks with delegates from South
Korea, Canada, and Japan.
North Korea's presence is set to speed up the list of
states to normalize relations with Pyongyang, as the
traditionally reclusive nation takes on a wider
international role.
Canada's Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy announced
Ottawa is moving to normalize its relations with North
Korea.
New Zealand and the European Union are expected to
strengthen ties with the North. And Secretary of
State Madeleine Albright -- who is to arrive in
Bangkok Friday -- is expected to have a "getting-to-
know-you" type meeting with North Korean delegates.
Despite the warming relations with the North Koreans,
Canada's Mr. Axworthy reserved caution, adding there
is still some way to go in developing diplomatic ties.
North Korea's past development of missiles has been a
security concern for Asian nations. It also has been
a key factor in U-S moves to develop a missile shield
system. Russia, China and Vietnam joined voices
Thursday to oppose reported plans to expand the
controversial U-S missile system.
Chinese Foreign Minister, Tang Jiaxuan, in a speech
released to the media, said the missile program was,
as he said, "against the tide of our times." Without
naming the United States directly, Mr. Tang called the
development a reflection of a Cold War mentality and
said such developments aggravated instability within
regional security.
/// REST OPT ///
Other regional security issues discussed were support
for Indonesia's troubled Malaku Islands, which have
been hit with sectarian violence, as well as security
concerns within East Timor and Indonesian-controlled
West Timor.
Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, which is
an observer at the forum, led discussions Thursday
over the uncertain political outlook in Fiji. The
Pacific island nation is trying to rebuild its
government after a coup attempt by rebel forces.
(Signed)
NEB/HK/RC/GC/PLM/WTW
27-Jul-2000 08:46 AM EDT (27-Jul-2000 1246 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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