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.