yipes
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probably not participate.
What then? His personal opinion was that North Korea's actions had a direct connection with
its internal situation. The transition of power from father to son was taking place and the leadership wanted to demonstrate unity and Kim Jong-il's leadership ability.
There had been hints from North Korea that after Team
Spirit, North Korea would try to improve relations with the
US and Japan. The US Embassy in Peking had had two meetings with the North Koreans, albeit not encouraging. Japanese
representatives were now trying to meet the North Koreans to
encourage them back to the negotiating table. Mr Solovyev was not optimistic about their chances but nonetheless felt
patient, combined efforts of this kind might bear fruit.
Mr Afanasiev added that of course Russia would take others'
opinions into account on 31 March. A united front was
important, with the common aim of getting the North to
reverse their decision. But too much pressure could lead
the North's leadership to tighten its grip and even to take
some dangerous step.
30.
Welcoming the frankness of the discussion,
Sir John Coles referred to the difference between Russian
and British views over the next step. He hoped the Russian
side would reconsider their decision not to push for
referral to the Security Council. The North had been set a
deadline and had not met it.
wrong signals to the North.
Lack of action could send the
Referral did not necessarily
lead to sanctions. But sanctions apart, what other gestures
could be made?
31. Mr Solovyev had recently talked to Japanese
journalists about perhaps resurrecting the old idea of the 4
+ 2 formula (the 4 being Russia, US, China and Japan + the 2
Koreas) to discuss security and stability on the Korean
peninsula, including non-proliferation. He thought the
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