Japan, US agree on need for verifying framework

Japan and the United States have agreed on the need to create a framework for closely verifying North Korea's nuclear programs through the 6-party talks.
Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso and US President George W Bush talked over the telephone on Saturday night before the United States took the North off its list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Bush said the United States will continue efforts to get North Korea to abandon all of its existing nuclear programs.
Aso said Japan wants to closely cooperate with the United States at the 6-nation talks.
Bush said he has strong feelings about the abduction of Japanese nationals by North Korea. He said he has deep sympathy for the abductees' families and conveys his sincere hope to resolve the issue.
The Japanese government plans to work more closely with the United States and other nations concerned to step up pressure on the North so that the abductions issue will not be left unresolved.
2008/10/12 12:12
(From NHK)