Japan might recognize N. Korea as state

Japanese Foreign Minister Yohei Kono has revealed that it might be possible for Japan to officially recognize North Korea as a state, even prior to the normalization of diplomatic relations, on the condition that bilateral talks continue in earnest.

"Wouldn`t it help in the normalization talks to recognize North Korea as a state?" he said during a meeting with the members of the National Defense Committee for Foreign Affairs, revealing the government`s position. "It is important to recognize the governmental system of one another.

"However, an official recognition of statehood will be considered after the two states enter into earnest talks for normalization."