Help wanted: Pyongyang lifts veil of secrecy as it seeks food aid

Article Abstract:

North Korea's requests for food aid represent a radical change in course that may indicate true desperation, or perhaps opportunism and a bid for a strategic advantage. Pyongyang has long kept a tight clamp on information about the country, but let outsiders in soon after Aug 1995 floods devastated the countryside. By some estimates, though, it may now have a million tons of rice, and wants more only to replenish longer-term stocks. Leader Kim Jong Il may also be using the floods as an excuse to dismantle his father's systems.

Political aspects, North Korea, Disaster relief

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Nyet, tovarisch

Article Abstract:

Vietnamese Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cam has denied that his country is negotiating with Russia for the possible use by Russian naval forces of the Cam Ranh Bay base in Vietnam. Cam's denial came in the wake of a report in the International Herald Tribune which quoted Russian Foreign Minister Andrei Kozyrev as saying that Russia is renewing its military ties with Vietnam. Observers say that Vietnam is interested in having the US used the Cam Ranh Bay base.

Russia, Vietnam, Russian foreign relations, Vietnamese foreign relations

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Democracy is the key

Article Abstract:

Indian Prime Minister Inder K. Gujral believes that one of India's main achievements over its 50 years of independence is the maintenance of secular unity by democratic means. He admits that corruption is the biggest obstacle to development and social programmes, but that he is taking steps to correct it. He is optimistic about improving relations with Pakistan, although he feels the pace is rather slow.

Politics NEC, Interview, India, Politics, Political leadership, Gujral, Inder

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