[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the eighth meeting of the Liaison Council of Government and Ruling and Opposition Parties Institutions for Measures against the Abduction Issue, at the Prime Minister's Office.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

“I would like to express my thanks to you all for attending the eighth meeting of the Liaison Council of Government and Ruling and Opposition Parties Institutions for Measures against the Abduction Issue today, despite your busy schedules. I would also like to express my gratitude to all of you from every party for your unstinting and ongoing efforts toward the resolution of the abduction issue.

In January this year, North Korea conducted a nuclear test, in February it launched a ballistic missile, and it has continued to undertake provocative actions since then as well. Moreover, at the recent General Party Meeting, rather than observing the UN Security Council Resolutions, the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration , and others, North Korea indicated its intention to continue the development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. This represents a grave threat to Japan, and is absolutely unacceptable.

In February, the government made the decision to undertake resolute and independent measures toward a comprehensive solution to all the outstanding issues, including the abductions, nuclear, and missile issues. Furthermore, in March, through the adoption of a UN Security Council Resolution, international society also strengthened its sanctions in regard to North Korea.

Under the principles of ‘dialogue and pressure’ and ‘action for action,’ the government will collaborate with the international community and, starting with the strict observance of this UN Security Council Resolution, apply painful pressure to North Korea. At the same time, Japan does not intend to discard the agreement between Japan and North Korea reached at Stockholm. We will not close the door to dialogue, but will continue to exert every effort toward the resolution of the abduction issue.

It goes without saying that the resolution of the abduction issue is a top priority for the Abe Administration. As the family members of abductees are aging, we can afford no delays. Our mission will not be complete until the day comes when the family members of every single abductee are able to embrace their abducted relatives in their own arms.

I believe that hearing the views and suggestions of people from all parties and having a fruitful discussion here today, as well as carrying out unanimous measures that cross party lines, will send a strong message to North Korea and provide great strength towards the complete resolution of this issue.

Thank you very much.”