SEOUL -- South Korea on Tuesday expressed regret over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's ritual offering to the notorious war-linked Yasukuni Shrine on the occasion of its annual spring festival.
Seoul's foreign ministry said in a statement that the government expresses deep disappointment and regret over the fact that Japan's responsible leaders once again sent offerings to and paid respects at the Yasukuni Shrine, which glorifies Japan's war of aggression and enshrines war criminals. (South Korea-Japan-Regret)
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ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan's Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday stressed the need for engagement between the United States and Iran, urging both sides to consider extending the ceasefire and to give dialogue and diplomacy a chance.
Dar, also the country's deputy prime minister, made the remarks during a meeting with Charge d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad Natalie A. Baker, where both sides discussed recent regional developments, according to a statement from the foreign ministry. (Pakistan-Middle East-FM)
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ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan is still awaiting Iran's formal confirmation of its delegation for the Islamabad peace talks, the country's Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar said in a social media post on Tuesday.
Tarar said Pakistan, acting as a mediator, remains in constant contact with Tehran and continues to pursue diplomacy and dialogue. He said Iran's decision to attend the talks before the two-week ceasefire deadline is critical. (Pakistan-Middle East)
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TOKYO -- The Japanese government officially revised "the three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology" and their implementation guidelines on Tuesday to allow overseas sales of weapons, including those with lethal capabilities, despite waves of large-scale protests, local media reported.
The revisions scrap rules that limit Japan's defense equipment exports to five noncombat categories, namely rescue, transport, warning, surveillance, and minesweeping. (Japan-Arms Export-Ease)
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ISLAMABAD -- Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said on Tuesday that negotiations cannot take place under threat or coercion, underscoring Tehran's stance amid ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States.
In a post on X, the envoy said, "a single country in possession of a large civilization will not negotiate under threat and force," saying the position is a substantial principle. (Pakistan-US Iran Talks) ■
