Japan, US call for North's denuclearization
The Japanese Foreign Minister and the US Secretary of State have confirmed that they will work with China and other countries to seek a halt to North Korea's provocative words and actions, and to take concrete steps to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.
Fumio Kishida and John Kerry spoke to reporters in Tokyo on Sunday after their meeting. This is Kerry's first visit to Japan as Secretary of State.
Kishida said Japan and its allies will not accept the North's possession of any nuclear weapons. He said Japanese and US officials will hold working-level talks in the near future to seek ways to stop the North's nuclear development program.
Kerry said it is essential for the relevant countries to see what kind of steps must be taken in order to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.
He said he believes China and other countries will take effective measures to resolve the current crisis.
Kerry met with Chinese Premier Xi Jinping in Beijing on Saturday.
Kishida, referring to the territorial dispute between Japan and China over the Senkaku Islands, said Japan cannot compromise on the issue of sovereignty.
But he said his country's ties with China is among its most important. He said Japan is seeking a dialogue with the Chinese side, and that his country's doors are always open to China.
Kerry said the United States is neutral on the Senkaku issue. But he said he recognizes that the islands are administered by Japan. He added that the US opposes any unilateral action to try to change the current situation.
Apr. 14, 2013 - Updated 15:48 UTC
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