SA: N Korea should renew talks for security and economy: Downer

AAP General News (Australia)
02-11-2005
SA: N Korea should renew talks for security and economy: Downer

Foreign Affairs Minister ALEXANDER DOWNER says North Korea should renew talks on its
atomic program in the interests of the country's security and economic development.

Last night North Korea said for the first time that it has nuclear weapons, adding
it was pulling out of six-party talks on its atomic program.

Mr DOWNER says he's spoken with North Korea's ambassador to Australia and encouraged
the country to return to the negotiating table.

He says if North Korea walks away from the six-party talks process they won't get a
security arrangement with the United States -- which in turn will hinder their economic
development.

AAP RTV tjd/la/rcg/rt

KEYWORD: NUCLEAR KOREA DOWNER (ADELAIDE)

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