Suga, Japanese Prime Minister, "Will Meet Kim Jong-un Unconditionally to Resolve the Issue of Japanese Abductions"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

UN General Assembly General Debate Video Speech

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Yoshihide Suga, Prime Minister of Japan, expressed his intention on the 26th (Korean time) during his speech at the UN General Assembly to meet North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un unconditionally to resolve the issue of Japanese abductees by North Korea.

In his video speech at the UN General Assembly general debate held in New York, USA, that morning, Prime Minister Suga said, "The issue of (Japanese) abductions by North Korea is a matter of significant concern to the international community," adding, "With the victims' families aging, the resolution of the abduction issue must not be delayed even for a moment."

He continued, "I am willing to meet Chairman Kim without any conditions," and urged a change in North Korea's attitude, stating, "Establishing a fruitful relationship between Japan and North Korea will greatly contribute to peace and stability in the region."

Prime Minister Suga has frequently expressed his position to hold unconditional talks with Chairman Kim to resolve the issue of Japanese abductees by North Korea.

However, North Korea maintains the stance that among the 12 abductees claimed unresolved by the Japanese government, eight, including Megumi Yokota (who disappeared in 1977 at age 13), are already deceased, and the other four never entered North Korea, asserting that "there is no abduction issue to resolve."

Prime Minister Suga also spoke about the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, postponed to next year due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), saying, "It is a resolution to hold the Games as proof that humanity has overcome the pandemic," and "We will do our utmost to welcome you to a safe and secure event."

This is analyzed as a clear statement of intent to proceed with the Tokyo Olympics amid the COVID-19 situation.