With the families of North Korean abductees holding a large rally in Tokyo and Prime Minister Kishida attending, he called for the government's proactive efforts to return all victims to their home countries as soon as possible. rice field.
Approximately 800 people, including families of abductees and government officials, attended the rally held in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.
At the beginning, Megumi Yokota's younger brother, Takuya, who is the representative of the family association, said, "Infection of the new corona is spreading in North Korea, but if all the victims are promised to return home immediately, sanctions by the international community will be imposed. I do not object to Japan's provision of humanitarian and medical assistance to the extent that it does not deviate from the above. We just want to get the family back, "he said, calling for the decision of General Secretary Kim Jung-eun.
He added, "There is no time for the families of the victims of the parent generation. It is the responsibility of Japan, not the United States or the international community, to resolve the abduction issue." I asked for a proactive approach.
After that, Megumi Yokota's mother, Sakie (86), requested that the Japan-North Korea summit be held as soon as possible, and Yaeko Taguchi's eldest son, Koichiro Iizuka, said, "Using all means, the Japan-North Korea summit. We should move toward realization, and it is necessary for the Prime Minister to take external actions such as speaking directly. "
At the end of the rally, there was a resolution calling on the government to promptly realize the immediate and collective return of all abductees, and also on North Korea to promptly decide to return all victims. It was adopted.
Sakie Yokota "Let the victim step on the soil of Japan"
After the rally, Sakie Yokota, who responded to the interview, said that it will be two years on the 5th of next month after her husband Shigeru died. It's natural to feel that two years have passed, "he said." I just hope that the abduction issue will be resolved quickly and that the victims will be able to step on the soil of Japan. " I emphasized.
In addition, Takuya Yokota said, "The situation surrounding the abduction issue has not changed from two years ago, my father in heaven will be disappointed, and my mother and our family will be quiet with the question" Why can't we rescue? " I have a feeling of anger. I want the government to take seriously the fact that my father and former representative of the family association Iizuka died without reuniting with the victims, and to act proactively and concretely. " I was talking.
Prime Minister Kishida "The government will do everything in its power"
At a rally held by the families of North Korean abductees, Prime Minister Kishida said, "I'm really sorry that many victims are still left behind in North Korea," and he took the lead. He emphasized his determination to do everything in his power to resolve the abduction issue.
In this, Prime Minister Kishida said, "Since the five abductees returned to Japan in 2002, 20 years have passed without the return of new victims. I'm really sorry that the victims were left behind in North Korea. "
He explained that the abduction issue was the most important issue for the Kishida Cabinet, and at the previous Japan-US summit meeting with US President Joe Biden, he sought full understanding and cooperation for an immediate solution and gained support.
In addition, he reiterated his determination to face North Korea's general secretary Kim Jong-un without any conditions, saying that it is important for Japan to take the initiative in working with the international community.
He said, "We will do our best not to miss any chance. We will take the lead as Prime Minister and make every effort to realize the return of all abductees as soon as possible." I emphasized.