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The Japanese government commented on North Korea’s position on the issue of the Japanese kidnapped by Pyongyang.
Secretary-General of the Government of Japan Yoshimasa Hayashi said, “The statement of Kim Yo Jong, the sister of the North Korean leader, that the issue of the Japanese detained by Pyongyang has been resolved is unacceptable.”
Hayashi added at a press conference in Tokyo on Friday: “I want to avoid commenting on every statement issued by North Korea, but confirming that the issue of kidnapped Japanese citizens in North Korea has been resolved is absolutely unacceptable, and there are no changes in our government’s approach, which is limited to… “It is necessary to solve difficult problems, such as the issue of the kidnapped Japanese and the missile and nuclear programs, on the basis of Pyongyang’s statement.”
He stated that “Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida confirmed more than once his intention to hold talks with the North Korean leader to resolve controversial issues in bilateral relations.”
Earlier, Kim Yo Jong stated, “If Japan abandons its destructive stance toward North Korea, it is possible that the two sides will hold a new summit in Pyongyang,” stressing that “the future of bilateral relations depends on Tokyo’s determination.”
According to Japanese information, North Korean intelligence has kidnapped at least 17 Japanese citizens since the 1970s, and North Korea has admitted to kidnapping only 13 people.
Japan was able to secure the release of 5 of them in 2002. As for the remaining eight, the North Korean side announced their deaths, while Japan continues to demand the return of all hostages.
Source: Agencies
2024-02-16 22:00:55