2003.12.09

Japanese Cabinet Endorses Iraq Troop Deployment (with audio) [VOANews] Cabinet endorses troop dispatch to Iraq. Prime Minister Koizumi tells nation that the nation is not going to war and the action will not violate Japan's Pacifist Constitution. He hints he would resign if the Japanese military suffers casualties. Defense Agency to map out specifics by next Monday which will include a dispatch of about 600 personnel from the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) to areas centering around Al-Muthanna province in southeastern Iraq. The ASDF will likely be deployed as early as January and the GSDF in February or later.   2003.12.09

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DPRK Urges Initial Nuclear Deal, Wants Aid (Reuters). The North Korean Foreign Ministry said today Pyongyang is seeking an initial agreement with the United States and its allies in which it would freeze its nuclear program in exchange for energy aid and other concessions.   2003.12.09

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Japan optimism despite GDP cut. [BBC News ] Japan's economy is growing more slowly than previously thought, figures show, but economists cheer news on machinery orders.   2003.12.09

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ROK-Antarctica (Yonhap) UPDATED One South Korean dead, seven others alive (one in critical condition) after their Antarctic mission runs into trouble.     2003.12.09

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Yen-Dollar Bank of Japan intervenes yet again after dollar falls to 107.11 yen.   2003.12.09

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US, Key Asian Allies Agree on DPRK Nuke Statement (with audio) [VOA ] The United States and key Asian allies have reached agreement on a document that would lay out the path to a negotiated end to North Korea's nuclear program. The issue is being discussed in Washington this week with Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, whose government is serving as a go-between with Pyongyang.   2003.12.09

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European Diplomats to Visit DPRK (AP). European diplomats will visit North Korea this week to persuade the communist country to participate in talks over its nuclear weapons programs amid fresh doubts that a new round of negotiations will start this month.   2003.12.09

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