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Albright urged Japan FM




       Albright urges 'decisive' action on Japan
       economy 




       Masahiro Sato Yomiuri Shimbun Correspondent 

       WASHINGTON -- U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine
       Albright told Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura on
       Friday that Japan should take "quick and decisive" action
       to revive its stagnant domestic economy and alleviate
       Asia's financial troubles, which she said could also
       threaten the global economy. 

       Albright and Komura held talks at a lunch meeting that
       lasted for about 90 minutes at the U.S. State Department. 

       Komura, who arrived in Washington earlier in the day, is
       the first Cabinet member to visit the United States after
       Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi formed his Cabinet on July
       30. 

       Komura told Albright that Japan would make "every
       possible effort" to solve its financial problems and enact
       laws in this regard as soon as possible. 

       Albright had previously called on the government to take
       "quick and concrete" measures, but on Friday she used the
       word "decisive," apparently because of fears the Japanese
       economic malaise could negatively affect the U.S.
       economy. 

       She was quoted as telling Komura that the future of the
       Japanese economy would influence the U.S. and other
       economies significantly. 

       Komura and Albright agreed that major industrialized
       countries should discuss how to aid Russia, which is also
       facing a financial crisis. 

       Albright said the United States would continue to support
       Japan in its efforts to conclude a peace treaty with Russia
       by 2000. 

       As for China, the two officials confirmed that their nations
       would continue to work to stabilize the Asia-Pacific
       region. 

       Albright also referred to the increasing tension between
       the Myanmar government and the National League for
       Democracy (NLD), the nation's largest opposition party,
       which is led by Aung San Suu Kyi, saying that efforts to
       encourage the Myanmar government to open a dialogue
       with the NLD should be intensified. 


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