On May 30, the Chair of the DPJ Abduction Issue Strategy Headquarters, Akihisa Nagashima, issued the following statement.

In the talks between Japan and North Korea held in Stockholm, Sweden, North Korea agreed to reopen investigations into missing Japanese citizens, including those suspected of being abducted by North Korean agents. We unreservedly welcome this as a step forward in resolving the deadlocked abduction issue.
However, many practical issues still remain, such as whether North Korea will steadily proceed to implement the clauses of the agreement, and whether it will be possible for Japan to verify this. We must not forget that in 2008 North Korea also promised to reopen investigations into the fate of abductees, but six years until today have passed without any progress being made. Everything hinges on North Korea responding honestly to work toward resolving the abduction issue, and what matters above all is that we adhere to the principle of quid pro quo.

Therefore, the gradual elimination of sanctions placed on North Korea by the Japanese government should take place with caution once we have obtained definite verification of the results of North Korea’s actions. There is little time remaining for us to resolve the abduction issue. With those concerned reaching an advanced age, we would like the government to first concentrate their efforts on bringing home all Japanese victims.
We also call on the Japanese government to firmly maintain United Nations sanctions regarding North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile development and military provocation, as well as paying attention to maintaining close cooperation with United States and the Republic of Korea, and continuing to further strengthen information exchanges and a coordinated approach with the various nations concerned, toward a comprehensive resolution of the abduction, nuclear and ballistic missile issues.

The Democratic Party of Japan will continue to make every effort to resolve the abduction issue, which is a tragedy felt by the entire Japanese nation. We will cross partisan party boundaries, and in addition to strengthening cooperation with the government and those directly concerned with the issue, will forge links with parliamentarians’ networks and NGOs in various countries around the world.