Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning North Korea. The official bulletin of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan yesterday reported that the Special Investigation Committee established based on an agreement between Japan and North Korea has found that of the eight abducted Japanese nationals confirmed to still be left in North Korea, seven have died and one survivor remains. What is the Government’s understanding of the facts behind this report?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, I am aware of the report, but I would like to refrain from commenting on individual press articles. In any event, the Government recognizes that the issue of Japanese nationals who were left in North Korea is one that should be dealt with from a humanitarian perspective. We will continue to make maximum efforts to resolve all outstanding issues relating to Japanese nationals, based on the Stockholm Agreement.

REPORTER: Has the Government received any kind of report on the investigation results from the North Korean side?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: There is no truth to any reports that the results of the investigation have been provided. I would like to refrain from commenting further about dealings with North Korea.

REPORTER: This is the first time for the Special Investigation Committee to release any kind of investigation results and it is this committee that is responsible for reinvestigating the abductions issue. Do you consider that this development will lead to some kind of progress with regard to the abductions issue? What is the Government’s view concerning the aim of this report?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, the Government would like to refrain from commenting on individual press articles. We recognize that the issue of Japanese nationals who were left in North Korea is one that should be dealt with from a humanitarian perspective. We will continue to make maximum efforts to resolve all outstanding issues relating to Japanese nationals, based on the Stockholm Agreement.

(Abridged)