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Obama, Aso seek restraint from NKorea: official
Washington (AFP) Feb 24, 2009 US President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso agreed Tuesday that North Korea should not do anything provocative amid signs it is preparing a missile launch, an official said. Aso, who was the first foreign leader to visit the Obama White House, said the two leaders shared concerns over moves by Pyongyang, although he did not elaborate on their exchange. "Regarding the missile issue, we discussed how the initial reactions are important. After a missile is launched, we discussed that what is important is how other, foreign nations would act," Aso told reporters after the summit. A senior Japanese official who attended the White House talks said the two leaders did not want North Korea to act provocatively. North Korea said Tuesday it was readying to launch a satellite, a move that the United States and its allies believe could actually be a long-range missile test. "In light of North Korea's announcement that it was preparing to launch a satellite on a rocket, the two leaders agreed that North Korea should not take actions that may increase tension," the Japanese official said. A White House statement also said the leaders agreed to work together "to verifiably eliminate North Korea's nuclear program and to deal with the problem of North Korea's missiles." Obama's invitation to Aso was seen as a move to reassure Japan, which is sensitive about its status as the key US ally in Asia. Japan was upset last year when then US president George W. Bush removed North Korea from a blacklist of state sponsors of terrorism as part of a denuclearization deal. Japan has been pressing North Korea to reveal more about the kidnappings of Japanese nationals by Pyongyang agents in the 1970s and 1980s. Aso said Obama was already familiar with Japan's concerns. "On that topic, he led our exchange. He had profound knowledge of the issue," Aso told reporters. "I was left with an impression that he is interested in Asia and closely studies Asia and Japan," Aso said. Related Links Learn about nuclear weapons doctrine and defense at SpaceWar.com Learn about missile defense at SpaceWar.com All about missiles at SpaceWar.com Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com
NKorea preparing to launch satellite: state media
Seoul (AFP) Feb 24, 2009North Korea said Tuesday it was readying to launch a satellite, a move that the United States and its allies believe could actually be a long-range missile test that would deepen global tensions. |
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