Party On
Three new guests, one less pyro
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Eight nations will discuss North Asian security issues Friday in lieu of formal talks on
North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, but North Korea will not attend, officials said.The participants include five nations that had been negotiating with North Korea — the United States, South Korea, China, Japan and Russia — plus Australia, Malaysia and Canada, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said.
“The eight countries will exchange views on regional issues that they are concerned about,” she said.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill confirmed the eight-party talks.
North Korea has refused to attend formal six-party talks that many had hoped would be revived on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ annual security meeting Friday.
