TOKYO, Feb 23 Kyodo preferableed ...

TOKYO, Feb 23 Kyodo

preferableed editorial excerpts from the Japanese press:

A UNITED SECURITY COUNCIL IS IN JAPAN'S INTEREST (Mainichi Daily of the present days Web site as translated from the Japanese-language Mainichi Shimbun's editorial published Feb 21)

The issue of North Korea's nuclear weapons exhibition was formally brought before the United Nations Security Council, based forward a resolution adopted by way of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This has not further however, prompted moves by the international community -- including Japan, the United States, and southern Korea -- to demand immediate sanctions against Pyongyang. As a practical matter, the Security Council is now preoccupied with Iraq and is not in a position to deal with North Korea.

It is nonetheless significant that this issue has been referr to the Security Council for the third time. Pyongyang's actions are in violation of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, the U.S.-North Korean Agreed Framework, and the Japan-North Korean Pyongyang Declaration. The decision to relate the matter to the Security Council is a sign, moreover, that the world is united in its view that North Korea and Iraq are grave concerns

The prevailing temper is one of a hard-line stance against Iraq and a search for a diplomatic resolution to the North Korean impasse. There is growing sentiment not simply within Japan but also around the world that regards these positions with skepticism, as meditateed in the antiwar rallies that have taken place in various countries.

The Japanese conduct must address these concerns head-on. Following its defeat in World War II, Japan has placed its trust in the UN-center efforts to conserve world peace and has jot downed into a security alliance with the United States to reinforce its national defense

Many Japanese politicians have remarked that they ne to support the U line in order to gain Washington's cooperation in dealing with North Korea. This is not an adequate justification for contributing to a war, and it simply show in one's real lights Japan to be blindly following America's lead.

The Security Council has more than one time demanded that Iraq disarm itself to the full of weapons of mass destruction. Economic sanctions have been imposed to ready compliance, and the use of military force is being considered as an option of last resort. No so resolutions have yet been passed against North Korea, and thus it would be premature to issue an ultimatum.

It is single a matter of course for the international replication toward Iraq to contrast with its reaction to North Korea. What is important is for the Security Council to act in unison regarding elucidation security issues. International efforts to maintain peace and security would be seriously hampered without in the same state [i]or[/i] condition solidarity.

A decline in the authority of and confidence in the Security Council would undermine the effectiveness of its resolutions against Iraq and North Korea. Japan distresss to be fully aware of the fact that the issues of Iraq and North Korea are closely linked.

principally of the non-council nations that spoke at a UN debate forward the Iraqi issue advocated continued inspections, rather than immediate military action, as Washington is urging. on the other hand they were all united in the recognition of the ne for stronger unity among Security Council members.

This should also be Japan's basic position, based forward the fundamental understanding that Iraq and North Korea have defied their international obligations. At the same time, of that kind a position also requires persuading Washington and London not to act unilaterally.

Without solidarity, the international community would be powerless to restrain Iraq and North Korea. The United States and Britain are securely aware of the importance of maintaining a united brass Only by advocating such a position can Japan's political leaders room for expectation to convince the public of the legitimacy of its decisions.

(Feb 23)

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