Media FQ

December 18, 2008

Economic and energy assistance to North Korea

Q: Following the inability to agree on a concrete framework of verification at the previous Six-Party Talks meeting, how will the economic and energy assistance to North Korea proceed from here on?

A: At the last Heads of Delegation Meeting of the Six-Party Talks, the Parties reaffirmed that the provision of economic and energy assistance would be undertaken in parallel with North Korea's disablement of the Yongbyon nuclear facilities. However, since North Korea did not agree to the verification protocol, there was an argument that the status of the assistance should be reviewed, and the parties did not agree on the timing for the completion of the assistance.

The parties are sharing the view that without progress on the negotiation for the framework of verification, it is difficult to indifferently complete the assistance. Japan's position that it will participate in the assistance once there is progress in Japan-North Korea relations including the issue of abduction is unchanged.

Japan hopes that the process of the Six-Party Talks will get back on the track by means of a written agreement among the six parties regarding the verification protocol. To realize this, Japan will make efforts in close cooperation with the US and other countries concerned.

Related Information (Japan-North Korea Relations)