Japan and South Korea agree on inter-Korean dialogue first to be followed by direct talks between Japan and North Korea;
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    • On the regional front, Japan and South Korea have agreed that the inter-Korean dialogue should be held first to repair bilateral ties and defuse tensions on the Korean Peninsula. This should be followed by direct talks between Japan and North Korea that would address Pyongyang's abductions of Japanese nationals.1 Meanwhile, top diplomats of South Korea and Japan showed North Korea a tough, unified face. They stated that North Korea must prove that it is serious about giving up its atomic ambitions before they will allow a new round of aid-for-nuclear disarmament talks.2 On the other hand, according to reports, Japan and South Korea are moving toward closer defense cooperation. But there are a large number of problems involved. The most prominent among them is the Japanese pacifist Constitution and public opinion in South Korea as lingering resentment over its colonial rule remains strong.3

    On the other hand, Russia has declared that resolving the long-standing dispute with Japan over the sovereignty of islands off Hokkaido in the near term is not possible. It was stated that "Settlement is impossible for now," and that enhancing bilateral relations through measures such as economic cooperation should come first.4

    Reports noted that Japan is considering buying a fleet of F-35 stealth jet fighters to boost its airforce, the US Defence Secretary has said. This was declared just after a day China unveiled its own stealth fighter.5 There are also reports that Japan's Trade Minister has expressed interest in cooperating with Iraq on nuclear energy.6

    In another important revelation, it is known that the Japanese government in the 1970s approved the US forces’ dropping of mock nuclear weapons on Okinawa. This was approved after the Japanese demand for cancellation of such training was rejected by the US side.7

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