The original content of Democracy Now! Headlines appears under the Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 3.0 License (United States). For more, including their other shows and media, visit www.democracynow.org. April 15, 2013 Kerry Suggests Eased U.S. Stance on North Korea Talks ------------------------------------------------------ Secretary of State John Kerry has wrapped up a visit to Asia dominated by the standoff with North Korea. Speaking in Japan, Kerry suggested the United States could ease its precondition of North Korea's denuclearization if China takes on a mediator role. Earlier, Kerry again vowed to defend U.S. allies in the event of a North Korean attack. Secretary of State John Kerry: "It is very simple, that the United States will do what is necessary to defend our allies — Japan, the Republic of Korea — and the region against these provocations. But our choice is to negotiate. Our choice is to move to the table and find a way for the region to have peace." .