RP reviews ties with North Korea

RP reviews ties with North Korea

MANILA (AP): The Philippines is inclined to favor establishment of formal ties with North Korea because of the advantages of engaging the reclusive Communist state diplomatically, Foreign Secretary Domingo Siazon said on Tuesday.

If left alone, North Korea "could become a problem", Siazon said.

He said the Philippines is reviewing a proposal by North Korean Foreign Minister Paek Nam Sun for the two countries to resume talks on establishing diplomatic relations. Previous talks were stalled by North Korea's refusal to open its nuclear facilities to foreign inspection, Siazon said.

Paek made the proposal in a meeting with Siazon on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York last week, Siazon said.