61588 Further, the safe storage of the used nuclear fuel removed from the experimental reactors was conducted under IAEA supervision.
61589 When the shipment of C-heavy oil to North Korea begins, the improvement of US-North Korea relations will advance to the next phase.
61590 Both countries are expected to relax the restrictions on areas such as trade and communications and to establish liaison offices on both sides.
61591 With regard to the implementation of the US-North Korea agreement, there are concerns that it may go back to square one as the Republican Party gained a majority in Congress in the US midterm elections.
61592 However, in view of the situation at the US Congress, these observations may prove unfounded.
61593 Mr. Gallucci, head of the US delegation for the US-North Korea negotiations, seems confident that the crude oil supply to North Korea will continue as promised.
61594 As long as North Korea adheres to the agreement, it seems difficult for Congress to revoke the agreement.
61595 Considering the present state of Congress, it is hard to imagine that all Republican congressmen will support the resolution to oppose the crude oil supply to North Korea.
61596 If the agreed-upon provision of the annual supply of approximately 500,000 tons of heavy oil is canceled and North Korea resumes its nuclear program, the Republican Party will be blamed.
61597 It seems unlikely that all Republican congressmen will agree to such a dangerous option.
61598 The US-North Korea agreement requires the parties to keep their commitments for ten years.
61599 From the perspective that North Korea would refuse special inspections, some say Japan will no longer have to offer funds when the execution of the agreement turns out to be difficult.
61600 We would rather not think that such a viewpoint exists at least inside the Japanese government.
61601 Japan has already announced to the world its commitment to pay a fair share to support North Korea's conversion to light water reactors.
61602 To emphasize that we are sincere about fulfilling this commitment will be the way to earn credibility worldwide.