Japan reiterated its support Monday for a U.S. plan to strike a new deal with Pyongyang that would replace a 1994 U.S.-North Korea agreement for the North to scrap its nuclear development program.
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said, "Japan will seek a peaceful settlement, as we have done so far."
Koizumi spoke to reporters at his official residence, commenting on a plan U.S. Assistance Secretary of State James Kelly broached to Japanese officials Sunday.