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

The Prime Minister said in his address, "In the press conference held the other day, I stated that the greatest responsibility of the nation is to protect peace and to ensure the safety of the people, and declared that as Prime Minister, I am committed to fulfilling this crucial duty, with a resolute attitude and with unwavering resolve. It is indeed the obligation of Japan as a nation and of myself as the Prime Minister to resolve the abduction issue.
Ten years have passed since North Korea admitted its involvement in the abduction of Japanese citizens, but there are still those who have yet to return home. This is really a matter of great regret to me.
The new administration of North Korea must with sincerity listen to the voices of the international community including Japan and also understand the ardent desires of the family members of the abductees for the return of their loved ones. From this standpoint, Japan will endeavor to the fullest extent to discuss the abduction issue with North Korea substantially in the official negotiation process among other issues, with the aim of achieving the immediate return of those abducted.
The enthusiasm of the people who are gathered here today, and the signatures collected from nearly 10 million people-I will keep these firmly in mind when I tackle the abduction issue.
Also with this firm resolve, I will work to the best of my ability in proceeding with inter-governmental consultations between Japan and North Korea, which are being arranged following the recent preliminary consultations.
In any case, for the return of all abductees, the government of Japan will unite efforts to consider every possible measure to achieve an effective dialogue with North Korea and draw a concrete response from that country.
I would like to take this opportunity to ask again for your understanding and cooperation toward the action to rescue all abductees as soon as possible."