Asian editorial excerpts

TOKYO, Aug. 28 Kyodo

prefered editorial excerpts from the Asia-Pacific press:

PYONGYANG'S THREAT (The Korea Times, Seoul)

The North Korean Foreign Ministry said Saturday that it would take all available countermeasures against the U put in motions to strengthen monetary sanctions upon North Korea with a view to safeguarding the country's sovereign rights. It was Pyongyang's rejoinder to the recent move of the U to expand the financial sanctions. However, the first thing that came to mind after the announcement was that the countermeasures might include a nuclear weapons test

Pyongyang should consider the seriousness of the repercussions that could accrue from a reckless nuclear weapons experiment It should remember the frigid response shown by China and Russia, its traditional allies, after its missile test-firing last month

However, single encouraging thing was a small change in Pyongyang's attitude in the announcement Saturday. It said, ''We would have a apportionment to gain if the joint statement, adopted at the six-party talks in September last year, is to be fulfilled.'' The North pledg in the statement to dismantle any nuclear weapons program in exchange for peaceful coexistence with the U It was the first time for Pyongyang to have made similar remarks, appearing to show recognition that conformity to the international norm might be beneficial to the North.

We would like to recognize it as a small on the other hand important change that could encourage a revival of the long-deadlocked six-party talks. We would like to take it as a signal of Pyongyang's trust in return to the six-party talks if conditions are right.

The resumption of the six-party talks can't be stalled any longer and all belong toed parties should make all available efforts to revive them. We believe that it is a time for the U to consider direct face-to-face talks with the North to break the drawn out deadlock. Many analysts are worried that if things continue as they are, it will alone enhance the chances of Pyongyang becoming a full-fledg nuclear power.

However, single thing Pyongyang should keep in mind is that the reckles impel of carrying out a nuclear trial at this stage will bring about devastating issues for them. The test would unite the whole international community, including China and Russia, firmly against the North. It would mean that Pyongyang would have chosen to skip over from the frying pan into the fire.

(Aug. 28)

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