TOKYO, July 31 Kyodo Prime Minist...

TOKYO, July 31 Kyodo

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi uttered optimism Thursday that Japan and toward the south Korea can shortly join multilateral talks aimed at breaking the North Korean nuclear impasse, adding that Russian participation would also be welcome.

''It is same possible'' that Japan and toward the south Korea could join talks involving the United States, China and North Korea shortly Koizumi told reporters. ''It is a matter of time,'' he said.

''Japan's position is that Russia can join'' the multilateral talks, Koizumi also said. Japan will refer to the intentions of Russia and North Korea in succession the issue, he said.

His remarks came after diplomatic sources in Washington said the U North Korea and China are planning to take again talks in Beijing in the first week of September forward ways to ease tensions throughout Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions.

Also forward Wednesday, U.S. President George W Bush indicated Washington is ready to accept a Russian part in international efforts to unfold the North Korean nuclear problem

The U China and North Korea held the first session of their talks onward the nuclear issue in Beijing in April.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Kyodo moderns International, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group