Japan, to Complete Normalization of Diplomatic Relations with N.K. within This Year

Japanese Prime Minister Zunichiro Koizumi has decided that it will complete the issue of normalization of the diplomatic ties with North Korea within this year if an agreement is reached on the resumption of the talks for the normalization process in the upcoming Sept. 17 summit between Japan and the North, the Nikkei Business Daily reported on Sept. 12.

Japan is considering establishing a cabinet-level committee to facilitate the process of normalization, signing the “North Korea-Japan Basic Agreement,” stating the principle of non-aggression between the two nations, and getting the ratification of the agreement in the regular parliamentary session next year.

According to the newspaper, the decision came when the presidential election in South Korea is slated for the end of 2002 and the possible attack on Iraq by the U.S. is expected early next year and thus the international situation surrounding the North is likely to change.

Meanwhile, the Daily Yomiuri reported that Pyongyang would be likely to announce that it would cooperate in the nuclear inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency in the Summit between Tokyo and Pyongyang, citing a Japanese government official.

North Korea is reported to have signified its intention to cooperate with IAEA in areas like preliminary inspection of nuclear-related facilities, visit of technicians, selection of machinery used for inspection in the prearranged contacts.

The Minichi Daily of Japan said that Japan would call on the communist country not to target its Rodong missiles at Japan, and to accept the missile talks with the U.S. in the upcoming summit.

Young-Ee Lee yes202@donga.com