N.K., Japan hold second day of rapprochement talks

North Korea and Japan held the second session of the 11th round of negotiations on diplomatic normalization Tuesday in Beijing. At the meeting, the two sides agreed that they would jointly strive to realize diplomatic rapprochement.

At the talks, the two sides agreed not to publicize the outcome of their negotiations at the North¡¯s request, indicating that they have started substantial discussions.

The North Korean side was known to have demanded compensation and a sincere apology for Japan's past offenses, while the Japanese proposed the adoption of a formula of economic cooperation but not compensation, as was the case when South Korea normalized ties with Japan in 1965.

The Japanese side appears to have complied with the North's request for a written apology, in addition to the 1995 statement made by then Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichiro Murayama.

Japan asked the North to formulate a sincere response to the question of North Korean abductions of Japanese nationals, but Pyongyang has adhered to the stance that it will search for the "missing" Japanese citizens, it was learned.