NOKOR MISSILE: Japan says it will continue to press the United Nations Security Council to approve sanctions against North Korea, although Tokyo's campaign is drawing criticism from Asian nations. Japan's Foreign Ministry spokesman (Tomohiko Taniguchi) said today (Tuesday) Tokyo will wait a day or two before going forward with its demand for punitive action against North Korea for test-firing seven missiles last week. The U.N. Security Council delayed a vote on sanctions Monday to allow more time for diplomacy.
IRAN NUCLEAR The European Union is expected to press Iran today (Tuesday) to give its answer to a Western incentives package that Tahren would receive if it suspends its nuclear enrichment program. The European alliance's foreign-policy chief (Javier Solana) and Iran's top nuclear negotiator (Ali Larijani) are due to discuss the issue in Brussels. Diplomats from the United States and five other nations actively seeking Iran's cooperation on nuclear issues are meeting in Paris Wednesday to review the situation.
RUMSFELD - AFGHANISTAN : U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says regional cooperation with Afghanistan's neighbors to stop Taleban and al-Qaeda movements in the country has been helpful, but is not enough. During an unannounced visit to Kabul today (Tuesday) Rumsfeld said the increased cooperation has not reduced cross-border activity.
TAIWAN - POLITICS: Prosecutors in Taiwan say they have questioned the wife of President Chen Shui-bian as part of an investigation into corruption allegations that have rocked the president's family. Prosecutors said today (Tuesday) Wu Shu-chen was questioned for three hours at the National Taiwan University hospital on Sunday.
SOKOR-US TRADE: Thousands of South Korean farmers and activists have rallied for a second day in Seoul to protest the government's talks with the United States on a free trade agreement. At least five-thousand demonstrators chanted slogans against a free trade deal during a march through the center of Seoul today (Tuesday).
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