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CHINA

Officials defend handling of flu

BEIJING -- Chinese officials tried yesterday to deflect criticism of their decision not to publicize their discovery of a deadly bird flu strain in pigs last year, saying the cases did not pose a threat to humans.

The pigs carried a flu strain found in ducks rather than a new version that might be more dangerous to people, said Jia Youling, China's chief veterinary official.

Officials were stung by the alarm caused by the disclosure that the pigs carried the virus, which has killed 27 persons this year in Asia. Dr. Jia insisted Beijing had no obligation to tell international agencies about the incident.

SOUTH KOREA

Negotiator pessimistic on nuclear talks

SEOUL -- South Korea's top negotiator said yesterday that he is skeptical about reaching a substantive agreement at the next round of regional talks aimed at dismantling North Korea's nuclear programs.

South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Lee Soo-hyuck said North Korea probably has little choice but to wait until after the U.S. presidential election to engage itself in negotiations.