Japan's Aso says to keep sanctions on N.Korea-Kyodo

TOKYO, Nov 1 (Reuters) Japan will maintain its sanctions on North Korea despite Pyongyang's agreement to return to stalled six-party talks on the reclusive communist state's nuclear programme, Kyodo news agency quoted Foreign Minister Taro Aso as saying today.

''Basically, we will continue (them),'' Kyodo quoted Aso as telling a parliamentary panel. ''It is truly welcome that the talks are set to be resumed soon, but we cannot merely celebrate, saying 'that's great','' he added.

''We will continue to demand that North Korea give up all its nuclear weapons and its existing nuclear programmes.'' Japan implemented sanctions on North Korea, including a ban on imports and a prohibition on North Korean ships entering its ports, after Pyongyang's October 9 nuclear test.

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