Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reiterated yesterday that Japan will stick to its principles of not producing, possessing or allowing nuclear arms into its territory, Kyodo News Service said.

"The government will uphold the three non-nuclear principles and will not be discussing (going nuclear). Foreign Minister Aso has also said the government's stance will not change, so I think there is no problem," Abe was quoted as saying in an attempt to dismiss suspicion that Aso wishes to discuss the issue.

Aso said in Wednesday's lower house foreign affairs committee that considering the recent nuclear test by North Korea, "the condition regarding nuclear (arms) in Northeast Asia has completely changed." He added that it was only natural to engage in discussions.

Japan's "Three Non-Nuclear Principles" were ratified by its parliament in 1971, which states that Japan will not produce, possess or allow the entry of nuclear weapons into its territory.

(Xinhua News Agency October 26, 2006)