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Russia, Japan tell Pyongyang to reverse decision

By Vladimir Radyuhin

MOSCOW JAN. 10. Russia and Japan voiced deep concern over North Korea's pullout from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and urged Pyongyang to reverse its decision.

``Russia and Japan express regret and profound concern over North Korea's nuclear programme and announced intention to withdraw from the NPT and refuse to honour its obligations under an agreement with IAEA on cooperation and guarantees,'' the two countries said in a joint statement. Russia and Japan called on North Korea go back on its decision as soon as possible and pledged to work together to reduce tension on the Korean peninsula. The statement was part of an action plan on bilateral cooperation signed today by the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, and the visiting Japanese Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi.

Earlier today, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a strongly worded statement, expressing "deep concern'' and warning North Korea that its withdrawal from the NPT "can only aggravate the already tense situation around the Korean peninsula (and) seriously damage universal international legal instruments of ensuring global and regional security.''

Russia urged North Korea to "heed the unanimous view of the international community, its neighbours and partners and opt for honouring its international obligations in the sphere of non-proliferation.''

Moscow called on North Korea to "make a choice in favour of a fair and mutually beneficial dialogue with all parties concerned on topical issues of ensuring national security.'' Diplomatic sources said the Russian and Japanese leaders discussed Tokyo's proposal for multilateral consultations on North Korea's nuclear crisis involving the five U.N. Security Council members, as well as Japan and South Korea.

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