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Japanese and the former Korean President had shown interest
in this. Japan's position was important. They had few political links with North Korea but did a lot of trade. Also, if North Korea was shown to have the capability to create nuclear weapons South Korea and Japan might follow
suit.
32. Mr Hum asked what evidence Russia had of the North's nuclear capability and how they perceived the economy. Mr Solovyev and Mr Afanasiev said they had no hard
information on the former. Eight Russian scientists who had
gone to the North on tourist visas had been told to come
back. As for the economy, it was deteriorating, but the
leadership could mobilize all parts of the community. The
people were used to hardship and already lived on rations.
They could survive, but further pressures could produce
dangerous results. Finally Mr Solovyev, emphasizing that he
was not criticising Mr Blix, regretted that Yongbyon had not
been on the original normal inspection list.
4.
ASIA PACIFIC SECURITY
33. Owing to lack of time, discussion was very brief. It was agreed that several Asian countries were looking for a forum for security dialogue. The Russians agreed that such
a forum was needed and that the ASEAN PMC was a good place
to start. Sir John Coles said the UK welcomed that forum.
The EC was a dialogue partner and had a contribution to
make. Mr Solovyev supported the proposal (made during
President Yeltsin's visit to South Korea) for a Research
Centre for the Settlement of Conflict in Asia. He suggested
it might be worth starting security dialogue at sub-regional
level. The Russians would have only guest status at the
ASEAN PMC in July. They wanted to participate more actively with ASEAN and become a full dialogue partner. Already
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