TALKS ON KURIL ISLANDS.

Japanese foreign minister Yukihiko Ikeda will call for Moscow to recognize Japanese ownership of the Kuril Islands during talks today with his Russian counterpart. According to Japanese officials, Ikeda will probably also propose an expansion of visa-free exchange visits between Russians living on the islands and Japanese citizens. An expected Russian proposal for joint economic development of the islands is likely to be rejected until Moscow recognizes Japan’s sovereignty over them, the officials added. (UPI, November 14)

North Korea Accused of Drug Smuggling.