By Clint Richards
There is more to be gained from next week’s negotiations than aid and lost citizens.
Japan announced on Wednesday that another round of talks with North Korea will take place next week on July 1, as it seeks to check Pyongyang’s progress concerning its ongoing investigation into the abduction of Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 80s. North Korea appears to be staying on track with its part of their agreement, as Japan has promised reduced sanctions and humanitarian aid. These negotiations are happening as both sides find themselves heavily engaged otherwise, although Japan more so than North Korea. Next week’s meeting will occur as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is scheduled to announce a Cabinet position affirming collective self-defense, a change in the interpretation of Japan’s Constitution designed to address threats like North Korea. Pyongyang is also experiencing a record drought in some parts of the country, which could necessitate the need for Japanese aid quickly, and cause the leadership to tighten its grip on authority.
On Wednesday, the AFP reported that Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said that during the meeting next Tuesday in Beijing, the North planned to “explain about the organization, composition and persons in charge” of DPRK’s investigation into the abductions. Abe was also briefed by Vice Foreign Minister Akitaka Saiki on the progress of the meeting, which will again be chaired by Junichi Ihara on the Japanese side and Song Il Ho on the North Korea side, the two men responsible for negotiating the initial agreement in May. Japanese official have signaled that Tokyo intends to lift some sanctions if the framework for North Korea’s investigation is found to be appropriate. The return of all, or even some of the Japanese abductees would be a huge political victory for Abe, who has even suggested he may visit Pyongyang if further progress is made in the investigation.
Read the full story at The Diplomat