World still cautious on N Korea146;s 8216;Nuke-stand8217;

The North Korean declaration was the core topic as the Group of Eight ministers met on Friday for their second and final day of talks aimed at setting the political agenda for the annual G-8 summit in July.

Pyongyang had handed over a declaration of its nuclear programs and activities to China on Thursday. Washington immediately responded by saying it would lift some trade sanctions and move to take Pyongyang off its terrorism blacklist.

The G-8 ministers, however, stressed the declaration was just one step in what will be a lengthy and difficult verification process.

8220;There is a long road ahead,8221; said US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, noting that although the declaration covered thousands of pages it did not clear up questions about North Korea8217;s enrichment of uranium and other concerns.

8220;We know North Korea has a record of not living up to its obligations,8221; she said, stressing the need for full verification.

Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura also expressed concern. Tokyo insists that pressure must be maintained toward resolving questions over North Korea8217;s abduction of Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 80s.

Komura said he would have preferred a broader declaration from Pyongyang, particularly regarding its nuclear stockpile. On other topics, the G-8 ministers said they would step up efforts to stabilise Afghanistan8217;s lawless frontier and called on the government of Hamid Karzai to do more to fight corruption.

In a joint statement, the ministers urged countries bordering Afghanistan -including Pakistan and Iran- to also help Kabul.

The statement came after Pakistan8217;s new government vowed to prevent attacks on Afghanistan but insisted foreign forces would not be allowed to operate on Pakistani soil.

On Zimbabwe, the ministers expressed strong concerns that the runoff elections, being held as they spoke, have been marred by violence and intimidation, and urged Mugabe to adhere to calls for a free vote that would reflect the people8217;s will. The ministers said they would not accept any result that did not reflect the 8220;will of the people8221;.

Meanwhile, the ministers agreed on the need for both 8220;dialogue and pressure8221; to persuade Iran to abandon its uranium enrichment program. Iran says the program is peaceful, but the United States and others fear it could be used to produce nuclear weapons.

Iran has yet to formally respond to a package of trade and economic incentives to make a deal. The offers were made June 14 by the five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany.

The G-8 foreign ministers also pledged to continue aid for reconstruction in cyclone-ravaged Myanmar, but called on the ruling junta to improve transparency in its receipt of international help.