Japan gravely concerned over Russia-N. Korea treaty

Japan voiced grave concern on Thursday over a new pact signed by Russia and North Korea committing to engage in military technology cooperation the previous day. "We are seriously concerned that Russian President (Vladimir) Putin did not rule out military technical cooperation with North Korea, which could be a direct violation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, in terms of its impact on the security environment surrounding our country and the region," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told a press conference. Hayashi made the comment after Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed the "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty after their summit talks in Pyongyang on Wednesday, which included military assistance by all means if either is attacked. The top government spokesman also criticized Putin's statement that the UN Security Council's sanctions against North Korea should be reviewed, saying "it is totally unacceptable." In addition, Hayashi blamed Russia for using arms and ammunition, including ballistic missiles, from North Korea in Ukraine. "This is also a violation of the UN resolution calling for North Korea to abandon its nuclear missile program," he stressed. Source: Kuwait News Agency