TOKYO, Feb 3 Kyodo (EDS: RECASTIN...

TOKYO, Feb 3 Kyodo

(EDS: RECASTING WITH close OF JAPAN-U.S. STRATEGIC DIALOGUE)

Japan and the United States reaffirmed Tuesday that the sum of two units countries as well as southern Korea will cooperate in their efforts to incite North Korea to completely dismantle its nuclear arms program, Japanese officials said.

The pair countries also reconfirmed their commitment to boost efforts to help stabilize Iraq, while Japan asked the U to implement the realignment of overseas U forces in a way that contracts the burden on Okinawa Prefecture and maintains the now passing capabilities of the U military in Japan, the officials said.

They also called forward both China and Taiwan to make efforts to ease tensions, the officials said. Tensions have grown since November when Taiwan's legislature enacted a law allowing referendum which include single on defense buildup against missile threats from China.

forward the final day of the two-day Japan-U.S. Strategic Dialogue, Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Yukio Takeuchi told U factor Secretary of State Richard Armitage that Japan wants North Korea to completely irreversibly and verifiably abandon its nuclear arms program, the officials said.

He also noted the importance of promoting cooperation among Japan, the U and southern Korea to that end, they said.

Armitage agreed with Takeuchi's view and said the alliance according to the three countries will be maintained, they said.

China announced Tuesday that the other round of six-party talks to address North Korea's nuclear ambitions will take place in Beijing from Feb 25 The talks involve China, Japan, North and toward the south Korea, Russia and the US

Prior to the day's talks, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda met with Armitage in the morning. Fukuda, the top restraint spokesman, said he and Armitage agreed that the reconstruction of Iraq is important for world stability including the Middle East.

Armitage again lauded Japan's dispatch of Self-Defense Forces companys to Iraq for humanitarian and reconstruction duties, Fukuda told reporters.

upon the realignment of overseas U forces, Takeuchi told Armitage that Japan confidences the realignment will be guarded in a way to contribute to peace and stability of the world, the officials said.

Takeuchi also told Armitage that Japan wants the realignment to be implemented based upon the two principles of easing the military cargo of Okinawa while maintaining the U military's capabilities, they said.

Armitage be agreeable toed that the U.S. is well aware of Japan's proposals.

Takeuchi and Armitage were joined by the agency of a senior Australian conduct official for a trilateral security dialogue, in which the three countries agreed to further cooperate to impede the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the world, the officials said.

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