Posted on 04/14/2005 9:35:19 AM PDT by TigerLikesRooster
(Kyodo) _ Russian Ambassador to Japan Alexander Losyukov voiced pessimism Wednesday over the possibility of resolving the issue of North Korea's nuclear arms program at the stalled six-party talks, firmly believing Pyongyang will not return to the table.
The envoy was quoted by Democratic Party of Japan lawmaker Yoshio Hachiro as suggesting the matter should be taken to the U.N. Security Council because there is no other choice than to tackle it under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
North Korea declared its withdrawal from the NPT in January 2003.
Losyukov indicated it is very likely that North Korea already possesses nuclear weapons, saying Pyongyang might use them in the event of a conflict. He noted that while their nuclear missiles may not reach the United States, they could certainly inflict severe damage on Japan and South Korea, according to Hachiro.
The multilateral talks, involving North and South Korea, China, Japan, Russia and the United States, have been stalled since the last round was held in Beijing in June, with Pyongyang blaming a "hostile" U.S. policy for its refusal to return to negotiations.
The ambassador, who spoke at a general assembly of a parliamentarians' league to promote Japan-Russian ties, also explained that President Vladimir Putin's promised visit to Japan has been delayed because the two sides are having difficulty in achieving consensus on a document regarding disputed territories ahead of the visit.
He told the Japanese lawmakers that Japan and Russia are preparing about 17 documents but could not finish compiling them earlier this year.
The dispute over four Russian-administered islands off Hokkaido has prevented the two countries from concluding a peace treaty since the end of World War II.
Losyukov was also quoted as saying it is very difficult to find a time that fits in with the schedules of both Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
Also on Wednesday, Japan and Russia agreed that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit Japan on May 30 and 31 to lay the groundwork for Putin's visit. The two sides, however, failed to set a date for the president's trip to Japan, which Tokyo hopes will take place by the end of June.
http://asia.news.yahoo.com/050413/kyodo/d89ehl280.html
Ping!
Yep, looks like we are headed to the UN for the big showdown. It will be great having Ambassador Bolton at the lead.
Yeah, Bolton will be a killer. Bolton presiding over Kim Jong-il's demise. Chia Fruit must be livid.
I suspect that the six party talks real reason for collapsing is that two of the parties (China and Russia) actually want North Korea to expand its nuclear capabilities and South Korea is conflicted on the issue. The last amazes me -- that some South Koreans (Mainly young people and students) feel pride in the accomplishments of the north militarily and want to join the two countries!
They are clueless 'useful idiots' as well as lemmings. I want to see the look of their faces when the whole thing blows.
As for China and Russia, they have an ax to grind against U.S.. However, a loose cannon with nukes at their border is too close for comfort.
You are correct but I hope it nver "blows".
Russia is, along with Pakistan and the PRC, a main supporter of the DPRK. Of course they don't want any real talks, or if there are talks, they want them to have only form, but no substance. DPRK: Yet another vassal state of the anti Western Core Axis.
NO QUESTON Bolton be confirm Tiger
Going be veryyyy fun year once Bolton become new UN ambassor LOLOLOL!!!
I bet Little Chia Pet Kim throw a major five year old temper tantaum ROFL
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