Efforts to denuclearize Korean Peninsula will accelerate solution to abduction issue: JCP Shii

   Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on an Asahi Newstar Communication Satellite TV program aired on July 3 welcomed the recent developments conducive to resuming the Six-party talks on North Korea’s nuclear program.

   “We welcome the ongoing developments as a whole. They are directed toward the goal of solving the issue peacefully and diplomatically within the framework of the Six-party talks. Although there may be twists and turns, I think the situation is moving forward step by step,” said Shii.

   At the same time, pointing out that Japan has failed to make its presence felt in the Six-party talks, Shii stressed that Japan needs to consider the reason for this. He went on to say as follows:

   “The solution to the issue of North Korea’s abduction of Japanese nationals is of importance, and it is reasonable for Japan to bring this issue up before the international community. However, Japan needs to respond to this issue by fully taking into consideration the relation between the nuclear issue and the abduction issue.”

   “Since the Six-party talks are currently centering on the nuclear issue, it is important for the parties concerned to work towards an international agreement on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and for Japan to commit to this process. This stance is the principled approach and indeed will most effectively accelerate the solution to the abduction issue.”

   “Stressing only the abduction issue without positively contributing to the solution of the nuclear issue may appear to be attaching undue importance to the abduction issue. Such a stance could prevent the abduction issue from being resolved. I am concerned that sticking to the current government policy could isolate Japan in the Six-party talks.”                 - Akahata, July 4, 2007