Japan's new Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa has vowed utmost efforts to realize the early return of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea.
Hayashi, who assumed the post on Thursday, also took on the role of the minister to deal with the abductions issue.
On Friday, Hayashi attended a gathering at the Diet building to raise awareness about human rights abuses in North Korea. He met the relatives of the abductees, including Yokota Tetsuya, whose sister Megumi was kidnapped in 1977.
Hayashi said he is very sorry that none of the abductees have returned after five people were repatriated 21 years ago.
He called the abduction issue a pressing humanitarian problem that needs to be addressed without delay, noting that the abductees' family members are getting older.
Hayashi stressed his resolve to do his best to bring home all the abductees as soon as possible while supporting their families.
The Japanese government says at least 17 of its citizens were abducted by North Korean agents in the 1970s and 1980s. Five returned in 2002, but the other 12 remain unaccounted for.
Hayashi, who assumed the post on Thursday, also took on the role of the minister to deal with the abductions issue.
On Friday, Hayashi attended a gathering at the Diet building to raise awareness about human rights abuses in North Korea. He met the relatives of the abductees, including Yokota Tetsuya, whose sister Megumi was kidnapped in 1977.
Hayashi said he is very sorry that none of the abductees have returned after five people were repatriated 21 years ago.
He called the abduction issue a pressing humanitarian problem that needs to be addressed without delay, noting that the abductees' family members are getting older.
Hayashi stressed his resolve to do his best to bring home all the abductees as soon as possible while supporting their families.
The Japanese government says at least 17 of its citizens were abducted by North Korean agents in the 1970s and 1980s. Five returned in 2002, but the other 12 remain unaccounted for.
Similar Readings (5 items)
Hayashi meets families of missing Japanese possibly abducted by N.Korea
Japan's top spokesman vows to resolve abductions by N.Korea
Japan calls N.Korea claim of abduction issue being already settled unacceptable
Japan 'won't rule out humanitarian aid' for North Korea to get abductees back
Japan abductions issue minister, S.Korea unification minister assert cooperation
Summary
New Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa pledged to exert maximum efforts towards the swift return of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea. Assuming both roles, he handles the abductions issue and attended a Diet gathering to raise awareness about human rights issues in North Korea. He
Statistics
181
Words1
Read CountDetails
ID: 31b4c05a-0beb-4189-81f8-ba602372ff77
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231215_23/
Date: Dec. 15, 2023
Created: 2023/12/16 06:30
Updated: 2025/12/08 20:11
Last Read: 2023/12/16 09:47