Extension of S. Korea-Japan intel pact set to blur nuclear talks
(WorldNews Japan)

A conditional extension of a military intelligence-sharing pact between Japan and South Korea is likely to irritate the North, which could cast a further shadow over its already stalled nuclear talks with the United States. Some analysts argue that Seoul`s decision to temporarily extend the General Security of Military Information Agreement, or GSOMIA, will help maintain its trilateral defense cooperation with Tokyo and Washington, working as a deterrence to Pyongyang. Others, however, voice fears that such a move could make North Korea more reluctant to take part in denuclearization negotiations with the United States and prompt leader Kim Jong Un to step up provocations including ballistic...