Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso unequivocally warned Pyongyang of stricter sanctions if North Korea drags feet with meeting its obligations on phasing out nuclear programmes, Itar-Tass reported today. "It's already high time," the Japanese minister told reporters on Saturday on his arrival in Washington. "If (North Korea) drags feet, both the US will raise the level of sanctions and Japan will have nothing else to do, but to stiffen sanctions." Similar warnings to Pyongyang were made on Saturday by US President George Bush and Japanese premier Shinzo Abe at a joint press conference after their meeting in Camp David. Bush said that the US and Japan have a common desire for North Korea to meet its obligations. US partners in the six-party talks display patience. However, it is not limitless, he added. According to the US president, if North Korea does not meet its obligations, it will pay a price. In turn, the Japanese premier said that "they should clearly reply to questions otherwise our position would be tougher."
