G8 Foreign ministers have arrived for talks in Washington as pressure mounted for international action over security fears in Syria and the DPRK. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton convened the meeting, and laid out an agenda that includes Syria, Iran and the DPRK.

G8 FMs focus on Syria, Iran, DPRK crises.

Hillary Clinton expressed alarm and concern over ongoing violence in Syria, and the obstacles facing envoy Kofi Annan's plan to end to the bloodshed.

On Iran's nuclear activities, Hillary Clinton said there is still time for diplomacy, but cautioned Tehran that it was urgent they come to the table for talks. The US Secretary of State also commented on the DPRK, saying she and her counterparts all seek a peaceful, stable Korean peninsula.

DPRK space officials are planning to launch an observation satellite into space on board a long-distance rocket. The US, Japan, Britain and other nations have urged Pyongyang to cancel the launch, warning that firing the long-range rocket would violate UN resolutions, and the DPRK's promise to refrain from engaging in nuclear and missile activity.