N. Korean media strategy puts Japan on defensive at Beijing talks
February 8, 2006The North Korean delegation's proactive approach with the media during five days of bilateral talks with Japan in Beijing constantly set the tempo to the North's advantage, often leaving Japanese representatives on the defensive to rebut North Korea's remarks. On Wednesday, for example, North Korea's ambassador on normalization talks with Japan, Song Il Ho, spoke to reporters soon after the talks concluded, commenting that the two sides ''exchanged views frankly'' and that the schedule for the next round of talks will be arranged soon.
Nepal holds municipal elections
February 8, 2006Voters trickled to voting stations Wednesday for municipal elections overshadowed by boycott calls by major political parties and fear of attacks by Maoist insurgents enforcing a general strike. An election official in Madhayapur town, about 30 kilometers east of the capital, said only 30 voters had showed up by noon at one booth where some 1,500 voters were registered.
Japan, N. Korea wrap up Beijing talks, to continue parley
February 8, 2006Japan and North Korea wrapped up their bilateral talks Wednesday in Beijing with an agreement to continue their discussions and to arrange their next meeting at an early time through diplomatic channels, a North Korean negotiator said. Song Il Ho, North Korea's ambassador in charge of normalization talks with Japan, told reporters the two countries were not able to bridge their gaps during the five-day talks held under a new three-track format to address various outstanding issues.
Chronology of events in Japan-N. Korea relations
February 8, 2006The following is a chronology of major events related to Japan-North Korea ties since 1910. August 1910 -- Korea is made a colony of Japan by annexation.