The World Tribune



S. Korea, Japan to begin operating hot lines

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM

Thursday, May 6, 1999

TOKYO -- South Korea and Japan will begin the operation of a military hot line to exchange information and coordinate in case of emergencies.

The South Korean Defense Ministry said the lines will link the ministry's head of Policy Planning Bureau with the defense counselor of Japan's Defense Agency. The hot line will be launched on Thursday, the South Korean ministry said.

The hot line was established as part of an effort to increase military cooperation between Tokyo and Seoul amid the development of ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons by North Korea. South Korea and Japan have been joined by the United States to try to limit Pyongyang's military programs.

U.S. officials said Clinton administration envoys will soon be allowed to inspect an underground suspected nuclear facility in North Korea. "I believe the plan is being finalized or may have been finalized, but roughly it's in mid-May. So soon -- very soon.," State Department spokesman James Rubin said.

Thursday, May 6, 1999



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