G8 political directors discuss nuclear programs in Iran, N Korea

The diplomats discussed "the preparations to a meeting of the G8 foreign ministers (Gatineau, March 29-30) and a G8 summit (Muskoka, June 25-26)." "The meeting focused on the problems of the non-proliferation of mass destruction weapons that are particularly topical in view of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference scheduled for May, as well as the situation around the nuclear programs of Iran and North Korea," the Russian diplomatic source said.

"Among regional issues the meeting highlighted the situation in Afghanistan. During the debates on this issue Russia stressed the need for tougher international counteraction to the drug threat coming from the region," the source said.

"Upon the initiative of the Canadian G8 presidency the political directors also discussed the pooling of the efforts taken by the G8 states to render assistance to the countries in conflict settlement and the post-conflict restoration," the source said; Kazinform cites Itar-Tass.