Rice arrives in Japan for DPRK nuclear issue 

Source: CCTV.com

10-19-2006 08:39

US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice is now in Tokyo. This is the first leg of an Asian tour to shore up support for UN sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. She's also trying to reassure Japan and South Korea that there's no need to develop nuclear deterrents.

Upon arrival, Rice met with Japanese Foreign Minister, Taro Aso. Rice is expected to meet with the country's Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, and other senior government officials.

During the meeting, Rice urged a swift and effective implementation of sanctions, arguing that the US did not want to escalate the crisis over Pyongyang's nuclear test.

She also reaffirmed Washington's commitment to defending Japan.

Condoleezza Rice, US Secretary of State said, “The North Koreans know very well that the United States will fully recognize and act upon its obligations under the mutual defense treaty and in defense of our Japanese ally. The United States has no desire to escalate this crisis. In fact we would like to see it de-escalate.”

On Wednesday, Japan's Prime Minister confirmed his government's adherence to decades of non-nuclear policy.

His words follow a suggestion from Japan's Foreign Minister, Taro Aso. He's said that while Japan will not deviate from its policy of not having or making nuclear weapons on Japanese soil, the country should openly discuss whether it wants to have nuclear bombs.