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Koreans deny helping Pak out with nuke secrets

North Korea on Friday denied reports that it was supplying missile technology to Pakistan, and said this was misinformation spread by countries with vested interests.

Yang Hyong Sop, vice-chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of North Korea, made the denial to Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, who had expressed concern over the media reports.

Sop also told Naqvi, the guest of honour at the sixth Non-Aligned and Developing Countries Film Festival, that North Korea supported India's bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.

Naqvi had pointed out that India stood for friendly relations with all countries based on mutual sincerity, honesty and transparency. Its relations with North Korea were very old and based on commonality of culture and shared world view in various areas.

Sop supported Naqvi's suggestion for signing an agreement for exchanging news -- both print and electronic -- to avoid any speculation that might be an impediment in developing friendly relations between the two.

He said India's getting a seat in the Security Council would help strengthen the Non-Aligned Movement. He also said North Korea strongly supported India's initiatives to bolster the Asian security scenario.

Naqvi promised to study the draft of the information agreement handed to him by North Korea's information commission.

Earlier, Naqvi felicitated Marshal Kim Jong Li on his election as chairman of the National Defence Commission in the first session of the Korean assembly.

Congratulating North Korea on completing 50 years of nationhood, Naqvi promised all assistance to help the country tide over its present crisis caused by natural calamities.

UNI

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