Pino Cazzaniga

Diplomatic tug-of-war continues between Tokyo and Beijing

For ten years, she was in charge of the UN agency for refugees. She was also praised by Pope John Paul II.

An emergent Church hopes for a man who understands the drama of a divided country. Secular media focus on Benedict XVI.

Cardinal will ask Benedict XVI to create a second Korean cardinal to help evangelise the North.

In Japan, the Pope is remembered as "a father".

N Korean denied entry to UN offices in China

Chinese diplomacy makes little headway as Kim Jong-il goes back to setting conditions for N-talks.

There are different views but all agree that something is happening in Pyongyang.

Pyongyang's actions are a plea to the US to save the Communist regime

Bush's softer tone towards the Pyongyang regime

Social changes are causing rising tensions. About 40 per cent of young people would leave the country if they could. Homeless riot whilst the number of suicide is on the rise.

Daily food rations cut to 250 grams (8.8 ounce) per person, just half the minimum daily energy requirement.