RI not to host N. Korea nuke talks<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Indonesia's hope to play a mediating role in the North Korean
\nnuclear crisis talks in Jakarta this week was dashed on Tuesday,
\nafter North Korean Foreign Minister Paek Nam-sun told foreign
\nminister Hassan Wirayuda that his country would stick to its plan
\nthat the six-party talks would be held in Beijing in September.<\/p>\n
In a diplomatic gesture, Paek welcomed Indonesia's plan to
\nreunite U.S. army deserter Charles Robert Jenkins with his two
\ndaughters -- who are living in North Korea -- and his Japanese
\nwife, Hitomi Soga, who had been allowed to leave North Korea.<\/p>\n
"North Korea is committed to continuing its participation in
\nthe Beijing process, with patience, flexibility and a package
\nsolution," Hassan quoted his counterpart as saying during their
\nbilateral talks.<\/p>\n
Despite the rejection, Hassan, however, assured Paek that
\n"Indonesia is ready to provide support -- especially in building
\ntrust among the parties -- and to move forward with the peace
\ndeal."<\/p>\n
In a written statement, Paek said that,"he also underscored
\nthe need for a peaceful and negotiated settlement of the nuclear
\nissue on the Korean Peninsula."<\/p>\n
Beijing has hosted three rounds of negotiations without
\nsignificant progress. The meeting was attended by China, North
\nKorea, South Korea, Japan, the United States and Russia. As all
\nforeign ministers of the six countries are scheduled to attend
\nthe Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum
\n(ARF) on Friday, Indonesia expects to host more negotiations in
\nJakarta this week.<\/p>\n
According to Hassan, Paek accepted his offer to facilitate the
\nreunion of the Jenkins family. Charles Jenkins has lived in North
\nKorea since refusing to leave the country in 1965 for fear that
\nthe U.S. would arrest him for desertion.<\/p>\n
"The North Korean government supports the reunion of Mr.
\nJenkins and his wife Madam Shoga with their two daughters -- but,
\nsince this is a family matter, it is up to the family to decide
\nwhen and where to hold the meeting," Hassan said.<\/p>\n
Hassan plans to discuss the matter with visiting Japanese
\nForeign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi, who has reportedly asked
\nIndonesia to arrange the family reunion.<\/p>\n
"The family reunion could be part of the effort to build trust
\namong the six nations, and possibly could boost ongoing talks to
\nfind a peaceful solution to the nuclear crisis," the minister
\nnoted.<\/p>\n
The North Korean minister is slated to meet with President
\nMegawati Soekarnoputri on Wednesday.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ri-not-to-host-n-korea-nuke-talks-1447893297",
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