Prime Minister Naoto Kan held the fifth meeting of the Headquarters on the Abduction Issue at the Diet building.

Discussion took place on the follow-up activities of the Chair's instructions, among other matters.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address, "It goes without saying that the abduction issue is an issue of sovereignty and is indeed an issue which concerns the lives of people. I would like to take this opportunity to renew our resolve to take firm actions.
Today, I would like us to exchange opinions and make stronger demands to North Korea to fulfill its agreements to date, including the agreement to carry out a study of the abduction situation."