Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the National Rally for the Rescue of All Abductees held at Hibiya Public Hall.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

"I would just like to make some brief remarks on the occasion of the National Rally organized by the Association of the Families of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea (AFVKN), the National Association for the Rescue of Japanese Kidnapped by North Korea (NARKN), the Parliamentarian League for Early Repatriation of Japanese Citizens Kidnapped by North Korea, the Assembled Governors for the Return of Victims of Abduction by North Korea, and the Commission for National Consultation of Regional Assemblies on the Abduction Issue.
Last year marked a decade since I visited North Korea with Prime Minister Koizumi. This year, we are already about to mark the 11th year. Even now, I cannot forget the shock I felt 11 years ago, on September 17 during the visit to North Korea, when we were told about the deaths of eight abductees. However, as Chair Hiranuma of the Parliamentarian League stated a short while ago, it came to light later that North Korea's explanation of the cause of death, as well as the date and time of death, were untrustworthy. The Japanese Government believes that it is only natural that negotiations are conducted with the assumption that all abductees are still alive. Already 11 years have passed since that visit. It truly pains my heart when I think about the feelings of the victims and family members in attendance today. I will as much as possible stand by the families of the abductees.
Regrettably, North Korea still repeats provocative words and actions against the international community. Even after the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2094, North Korea continues to carry out a series of provocative acts. What is important is to make North Korea understand that by carrying out these provocative acts, it will be even worse off. Above all, North Korea's future will not be all that bright unless this abduction issue is resolved. In other words, North Korea will end up in an even tougher situation if it continues to draw out this issue without resolving it. It is important that North Korea, including First Secretary Kim Jong-un, understands this. North Korea must be convinced that it was wrong in what it had been saying and to change its policy. This requires dialogue and pressure. Applying full pressure on North Korea will get it to participate in a dialogue and then change its policy. Unfortunately, there is no other path but this for resolution.
This is the conclusion I have reached after being engaged in this issue for more than a decade. Although regrettably the results are yet to come to fruition, the Abe administration will make every effort to tackle this issue. I have asked House of Representatives member Keiji Furuya, with whom I have long worked together at the Parliamentarian League, to serve as the Minister in charge of the Abduction Issue. I have also instructed not only Minister Furuya but all ministers to tackle this issue from their respective positions, with the recognition that I spoke of a short while ago.
On my recent visit to the United States, I asked for the cooperation of President Obama on the occasion of the meeting with the President. I always make note of this abduction issue at my summit meetings and ask leaders for their understanding and support for Japan's position. There are many countries that maintain relations with North Korea, and I am determined to exert every effort to appeal to these countries and to gather information. Eleven years ago, five abductees were repatriated to Japan. Ms. Hitomi Soga who is here today was one of them. However, my mission will not be complete until the day comes when those who were not able to embrace their children or family members at Haneda Airport are also able to tightly embrace their family members in their very own arms. That is my pledge. The resolution of the abduction issue indeed requires a nationwide effort. Today, many people have gathered here for this National Rally. Also, because of the many years of hard work put in by the members of AFVKN, 10 million signatures have been collected. Nonetheless, there still remain many more challenges and obstacles which need to be overcome. I would like to conclude my remarks by pledging that I, as the Prime Minister and as the person responsible for protecting the lives of the Japanese people, will make every effort to realize the complete resolution of this issue."