Syria accusations may affect NKorea nuke deal: Japan

TOKYO: Japan warned Friday that US allegations that North Korea helped Syria develop a secret nuclear reactor, if proven, would be a blow to a stalled deal on ending the communist state's nuclear drive.

"If North Korea supported Syria's nuclear activities, it would be a big problem," Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura told a news conference.

Asked if the accusations would affect nuclear diplomacy between Pyongyang and Washington, the top government spokesman said: "That's a decision for the US government, but I don't think it will have a positive impact for North Korea."

The United States accused Syria on Thursday of building a secret nuclear reactor with North Korea's help, charging that the facility had a military purpose until Israel destroyed it in a September raid.

"It is extremely regrettable" if North Korea transferred nuclear technology to Syria, Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura said separately.

North Korea agreed last year to dismantle its nuclear programme in return for badly needed fuel aid, security guarantees and diplomatic benefits.

The US accusations came a day after North Korea sounded upbeat after a long stalemate in implementing the deal.

US media have suggested the timing of the Syria allegations could be an effort by conservatives within US President George W. Bush's adminstration to throw cold water on the six-nation deal as being too weak.

Japan has been the nation most critical of the six-way talks. It has refused to provide any aid due to a dispute with North Korea over its past kidnappings of Japanese nationals.

North Korea missed a deadline to declare all of its nuclear programmes by the end of last year.

The US chief negotiator Christopher Hill, in talks with his North Korean counterpart earlier this month, reportedly offered to allow Pyongyang to keep private its reply to certain US allegations, including over cooperation with Syria, while publicly responding on other areas.

The six-nation talks group the United States, the two Koreas, China, Japan and Russia.