51.   When she presented a plan for Japan to reassess its bilateral security ties with the United States, Koizumi was bewildered.

52.   It stresses that the Japan-US security ties are necessary not only to defend Japan but also for the stability of the Asia-Pacific region.

53.   Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama told US Defense Secretary William Perry here Wednesday he would uphold bilateral security ties despite strong opposition to the US bases in Okinawa.

54.   Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama vowed Sunday to tackle problems related to the US military presence in the southern island of Okianwa, without hurting bilateral security ties.

55.   Javier Solana took over as new NATO chief Tuesday and stoutly defended continued security ties with Russia despite the victory of the resurgent Russian Communist Party in weekend elections.

56.   Japan and the United States will hold a preparatory meeting in late May in Honolulu for a review of their security ties, Jiji Press said Monday.

57.   Murayama is expected to meet US President Bill Clinton as early as January to issue a joint statement reaffirming the security ties between the two countries.

58.   Murayama and Clinton are expected to issue a joint statement after their meeting, reaffirming the importance of the bilateral security ties.

59.   Philippines President Gloria Arroyo on Monday called for closer Asia-Pacific security ties to combat extremism.

60.   Security ties will be at the centre of the talks.