[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the Meeting among Four Ministers Regarding the Abduction Issue at the Prime Minister's Office.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said in his address,

“The United Nations Security Council has unanimously adopted strict sanctions on North Korea. In response to the nuclear test by North Korea, which poses a threat of a new level, this resolution clearly demonstrates the international community’s will to take a resolute response of a new dimension completely different from the past.  

Japan has repeatedly urged North Korea to rectify its provocations and comply with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) and the Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks.

Against this backdrop, the forceful implementation of two nuclear tests and the launch of more than 20 ballistic missiles since the start of the year are a threat of a new level. These outrageous acts are totally unacceptable.

With regard to the abductions issue, the most important issue for the Abe Administration, Japan has been demanding the return of all abductees at the earliest possible date; however, the issue has not been resolved yet. Over two years have passed since the start of the investigation based on the agreement between Japan and North Korea in Stockholm. It deeply pains me that the return of all abductees has not yet been realized.

While the Government of Japan has taken significantly strict autonomous measures against North Korea, the Government of Japan has decided to further introduce autonomous measures against North Korea in order to realize the comprehensive resolution of outstanding issues of concern, such as the abductions, nuclear, and missile issues, in cooperation with the United States of America and other relevant countries. I intend to pay close attention to the response of North Korea to the new Security Council resolution and these measures.

The abduction issue is a matter of utmost importance for the Abe administration. There will be no change in the stance of treating this issue with the utmost priority. The resolution adopted by the Security Council on this occasion expressed deep concern at the grave hardship that the people in North Korea are subjected to. This demonstrates the strong concern of the international community, including the Security Council, over North Korea’s human rights and humanitarian issues including the abductions.

Our mission will not be complete until the day comes when all the abductees and their family members can embrace each other. We will not close the door to dialogue, but will continue to exert every effort, under the principles of ‘dialogue and pressure’ and ‘action for action,’ to realize the quickest possible return of all abductees based on the agreement between Japan and North Korea in Stockholm.”