Press Conferences

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: We have been making efforts in relation to North Korea through “embassy channel” in Beijing regarding the investigation by the special investigation committee. Recently, North Korea contacted us and stated it is conscientiously carrying out a comprehensive investigation into all the Japanese people concerned, but indicated that the investigation will take a little longer.

The Government of Japan finds this regrettable, but intends to strengthen its efforts to quickly elicit concrete responses from the North Korean side. The Prime Minister gave instructions to that effect to both myself and Ms. Eriko Yamatani, Minister in charge of the Abduction Issue. The Government of Japan will decide its future responses while assessing the outcomes of these efforts.

Ukai, TV Tokyo: When and through which channel was Japan informed that the investigation will take some time?

Minister Kishida: Exchanges regarding the special investigation committee’s investigation have been taking place through “embassy channel.” Regarding the issue you raised, North Korea made that comment during the contact that it made last night, in the course of such exchanges.

Ukai, TV Tokyo: Did the Prime Minister say anything regarding this point?

Minister Kishida: As I said earlier, we find the communication that the investigation will take a little longer regrettable, however we must increase efforts in order to quickly elicit concrete responses. Following the Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister gave instructions to strengthen efforts to Minister Yamatani and myself.

Ukai, TV Tokyo: What are the Government’s views on how much the timing for reporting the investigation findings will be extended?

Minister Kishida: We do not think there is a concrete deadline agreed between Japan and North Korea for the investigation. However, we find it regrettable that even now, a year after the investigation began, the return of the victims of abduction to Japan has not been realized.

And this time, we have received this communication from North Korea, but we believe we must increase efforts in order to quickly elicit concrete responses.

Ukai, TV Tokyo: As Minister, do you have the impression that the abduction issue between Japan and North Korea has been somewhat set back?

Minister Kishida: We continue exchanges with North Korea. It is regrettable that at present we have not been notified of the investigation results. I by all means intend to increase efforts in line with the Prime Minister’s instructions.

Nakagawa, Yomiuri Shimbun: There have been some suggestions that Japan should strengthen sanctions and pressure on North Korea. What is the Government’s view on this?

Minister Kishida: Up to now, the Government has continuously and tirelessly been reviewing what will be most effective in eliciting positive and concrete responses from the North Korean side, and I believe we must continue reviewing our responses. In this latest communication, the North Korean side informed us that it is conscientiously carrying out the investigation but that it will take a little longer. I have confirmed that based on this, the Government of Japan will increase its efforts.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: Do you know why the investigation will take a little longer, and are there any plans to hold director-general level talks in order to confirm the present state of progress?

Minister Kishida: As I mentioned earlier, it was last night that North Korea informed us that the investigation will take some time. I believe we must strengthen efforts based on that communication, but responses or actions based on that have not been decided at present.

I believe we must consider specific responses based on the results of our efforts.

Fukai, TBS: Could you talk a little more about why the North Korean side informed Japan that the investigation will take some time?

Minister Kishida: Exchanges with the North Korean side have been taking place through “embassy channel.” In the course of this, last night we received the communication you mentioned. However, at the present point in time I would like to refrain from going into any further detail.