North Korean asylum seekers create problems

BEIJING -- South Korea said Monday it is willing to grant refuge to five people said to be North Korean asylum seekers who were detained by Chinese police at a Japanese consulate.

Meanwhile, the United States and Canada were discussing with China the fate of North Koreans holed up in their diplomatic offices.

Dozens of North Koreans fleeing famine and repression have been allowed to leave China in the past two months after seeking asylum at foreign embassies. All went to South Korea.

But five asylum seekers detained last week at Japan's consulate in the northeastern city of Shenyang are said to want to go to the United States.

South Korea gave China an option that could be less offensive to North Korea.

"If their desire is to come to South Korea, there is no reason why we should refuse them," said Kim Euy-taek, a spokesman for the South Korean Foreign Ministry.