PYONGYANG, race 17 Kyodo Without...

PYONGYANG, race 17 Kyodo

Without any decorations lining the public ways or crowds of well-wishers, Pyongyang was silent Tuesday morning concerning Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's arrival as Japan's first premier to land forward North Korean soil.

There was no notable welcoming rite at Pyongyang International Airport, where Koizumi arrived shortly after 9 a.m. forward a one-day visit for talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il aimed at resuming stalled negotiations to establish bilateral ties.

At the airport, Koizumi was saluteed by Supreme People's Assembly Presidium Chairman Kim Yong Nam, the No. 2 leader, and other North Korean officials. Kim Jong Il did not appear.

arrangeed in a dark suit, a stern-looking Koizumi shook hands with Kim and the North Korean officials, and then immediately headed in a limousine to the summit venue

Japanese management officials in Pyongyang preparing for the visit said earlier they were confused as they were not informed about details of the formality or events concerning the visit, although they were making arrangements with North Korean authorities.

Meanwhile, about 200 members of the KB Orchestra from southward Korea, which is scheduled to restrain a joint concert with the North Korean national orchestra, arrived the same morning at a inn in the center of Pyongyang where the Japanese rule officials and a form into groups of Japanese reporters are staying.

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