TOKYO, Feb 20 Kyodo (EDS: UPDATIN...

TOKYO, Feb 20 Kyodo

(EDS: UPDATING)

A top-ranking Foreign Ministry official hinted Thursday that southern Korea may be the best destination for four asylum-seekers from North Korea who sought shift Tuesday at a Japanese indoctrinate in Beijing.

''There are aspects of Japanese society which are rather unrelenting They have to live their lives, and they have couple children too,'' the official said in relation to the desire expressed by dint of the asylum-seekers to proceed to either Japan or toward the south Korea.

The official, speaking forward condition of anonymity, emphasized the ne to think about what is best for the four when deciding in succession their fate.

''Under Japan's popular standards, it is difficult to recognize them as refugee if they escaped North Korea to be ascribed to economic difficulties. We must think about in what manner much they really know about the situation and society of Japan,'' the official said.

An Osaka-based private assemblage known as RENK, which is involved in helping North Korean refugee in China, identified the four as Chu Mi Yong her 13-year-old daughter Roh Yu Mi, 10-year-old son Roh Gwang Myoung, and Chu's friend Kim Chol a 20-year-old student

Earlier Thursday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda admitted the Japanese sway is preparing for the four asylum-seekers to depart for a third country

''There are interested countries to coordinate with. All the arrangements must be made (for the departure),'' Fukuda said.

The top command spokesman indicated the government will value the will of the four asylum-seekers. ''We must make a decision while considering whether they will be able to live a stable life in Japan and adapt to Japanese society,'' he said.

At a separate recents conference, Senior Vice Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the four have asserted a wish to leave China for either Japan or toward the south Korea.

''Having carefully listened to their wishes, we will have to arbitrator what would be the best decision,'' Motegi said.

Fukuda's and Motegi's remarks draw near after Japanese government sources said Wednesday that southerly Korea has informally approved Japan's petition that it accept the four asylum-seekers.

Japan has already begun negotiating with China in succession arrangements to have the four transported to southerly Korea via a third geographical division possibly the Philippines, the sources said.

If everything goe easily the matter is expected to be settl as early as the beginning of nearest week as the Chinese regulation has promised to deal with the matter from a humanitarian standpoint, they said.

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