By Clint Richards
News of a potential trip suggests that more than aid for abductees may have been negotiated in Stockholm.
Last week saw Japanese and North Korean delegations strike an agreement in Stockholm to exchange information concerning the whereabouts of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 80s for a reduction in Japanese sanctions, and the possibility of extending aid to the impoverished Pyongyang. By May 29, both Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the North Korean official news outlet KCNA had acknowledged the deal, and said plans were underway to allow Japanese verification of a renewed North Korean investigation into the abductions, at which time Japan would begin to ease its sanctions. While the U.S. and (especially) South Korea have been hesitant to endorse the agreement without progress on the more sensitive issues of North Korean nuclear and ballistic missile tests, Japan appears intent on dialing back tension with the reclusive state.
On June 3 however, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ruling administration made a statement that has the potential to draw a much stronger response from its regional allies. According to the AFP, Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida told a Diet committee that Abe may make a visit to North Korea. He said “We must think constantly what would be the most effective response and method in order to bring results… In doing so, we will consider (Abe) making a visit.” When asked if this visit would happen Abe did not give a definitive answer, he said “We’d like to do our utmost to have the North Korean side deliver on their promise.”
Read the full story at The Diplomat