U.S. policy coordinator for North Korea William Perry and top Japanese officials agreed Wednesday to pursue a "comprehensive approach" toward North Korea, particularly in ways to prevent Pyongyang from developing nuclear weapons and delivery systems.
Perry, who arrived Tuesday for a two-day visit, said he gained support from Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi and other officials as he provided an outline of a report he's compiling expected to come out later this month.
Both sides declined to comment on details of Perry's approach, which was agreed upon during separate talks with Obuchi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiromu Nonaka, Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura, and Defense Agency chief Hosei Norota. "I found that they have a similar assessment of the situation and of the need to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, as we devise a comprehensive approach to the threats posed by North Korea," Perry told reporters after meeting with the officials.