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After the Korean summit |
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The unprecedented summit between the leaders of North and South Korea in Pyongyang this month has led both sides to hope for stronger mutual economic ties. The North desperately needs investment and aid from the South to revive its shattered economy. But there are obstacles to closer cooperation. The North remains concerned about the social and political impact of opening up to the South, while Seoul remains worried about North Korea’s military deployment and weapon programme.
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Iraq's oil industry |
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Iraq’s oil potential is second only to that of Saudi Arabia, and may even be greater. But although Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein might appear to have a strong incentive to exploit this vast underground wealth, there are indications that he would prefer the UN oil-for-food programme to continue, rather than to cooperate with the UN to eliminate Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction. Iraq’s isolation benefits members of the Organisation for Petroleum-Exporting Countries, which are trying to stabilise oil prices.
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Burundi's search for peace |
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Traumatised by seven years of violence, Burundi today appears to have a chance of peace. Negotiations mediated by Nelson Mandela are widely expected to produce an accord in the near future. But Burundians are unsure what a peace agreement would mean for their country. Ethnic hostilities within the country and wider regional conflict militate against lasting peace in Burundi.
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Piracy in South-east Asia |
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Piracy in South-east Asia is posing a growing threat to the vital shipping lanes through which pass much of the oil and other essential imports of major economies. The problem has led Japan to call for combined action by Asian coastguards and regional governments now recognise the need to cooperate. But sovereignty disputes and China’s opposition to any Japanese involvement in security operations beyond its shores may hinder their efforts.
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UK aircraft carriers |
Britain’s new aircraft-carrier programme faces a difficult decision this year about which fighters to operate from the ships. There is the opportunity to equip the ships with an unusually potent but economical aircraft-type, Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), but at the possible cost of exposing the UK project to US political and budgetary decisions. The point of no return will come when construction of the ships begins, probably in 2006. At that point, if Britain has chosen JSF, it will have to be confident that the aircraft will be available on time.
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