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July 27, 2006, 7:54AM

8 countries to hold talks without N. Korea

By WILLIAM FOREMAN Associated Press Writerc 2006 The Associated Press

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Eight nations will discuss North Asian security issues Friday in lieu of formal talks on North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, but North Korea will not attend, officials said.

The participants include five nations that had been negotiating with North Korea _ the United States, South Korea, China, Japan and Russia _ plus Australia, Malaysia and Canada, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said.