Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As
 
(Abridged)
 
REPORTER: It has been reported that in the run-up to the U.S.-North Korea summit meeting, North Korea is requesting the United States security assurance for the current regime, the lifting of sanctions, and the provision of economic assistance, in response to the request from the United States to North Korea. In advance of this summit meeting, Prime Minister Abe emphasized to President Trump the absolute importance of the resolution of the abduction issue in the summit telephone talk yesterday. Are we to understand that without the return of all abductees to Japan, there will be no security assurances, economic assistance and other assurances  to be provided to North Korea?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to address the points you have raised separately. First, it is a matter to be discussed between the United States and North Korea, and among other countries concerned on how to ensure peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, including security assurance for North Korea. With regard to the lifting of sanctions measures, in particular, those based on the United Nations Security Council resolutions, these are also to be discussed among relevant countries. I would like to refrain from making comments based on conjecture about these issues at the current point. In any event, based on the lessons of the past, North Korea must not be given any reward for merely engaging in dialogue with other countries. The return of the abductees from North Korea is an issue in which the Government is proactively engaged. Our basic stance is to seek normalization of relations with North Korea based on the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration. In other words, without the comprehensive resolution of outstanding matters of concern, including the abduction, nuclear and missile issues, and without the immediate return to Japan of all the abductees, it would be impossible to normalize relations, nor would Japan extend economic cooperation. There is no change to this basic policy.
 
(Abridged)