June 10, 2023
Japanese Communist Party member of the House of Representatives Kasai Akira on June 9 at a House Economy and Industry Committee meeting demanded that the government establish a diplomatic channel with North Korea and resolve the issues of North Korea’s nuclear and missile development program, abduction of Japanese nationals, and colonial history.
In response, the Foreign Ministry said that “communications and dialogues” take place between the Japanese and North Korean embassies in Beijing which provides basic route for Japan to diplomatically engage with North Korea.
Kasai stressed that the JCP has repeatedly pointed out that it is important for the Japanese government to open up a direct communication channel with Pyongyang.
Economy and Industry Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi in reply cited the fact that Prime Minister Kishida expressed his intent to begin high-level consultations between the two countries under his direct control, adding that in this regard, the government will make the most of every opportunity.
The Lower House Committee unanimously approved the government proposal to continue Japan’s economic sanctions banning exports to and imports from North Korea. The JCP, in support of the government proposal, said that considering that North Korea, in violation of UNSC resolutions, has launched ballistic missiles many times in connection with its nuclear weapons development, the continuation of sanctions is necessary as measures to seek a peaceful and diplomatic settlement of issues related to North Korea.
Past related article:
> JCP Chair condemns North Korea’s rocket launch and calls on Tokyo to work to establish a diplomatic channel with Pyongyang and resolve issues through dialogue [June 1, 2023]
In response, the Foreign Ministry said that “communications and dialogues” take place between the Japanese and North Korean embassies in Beijing which provides basic route for Japan to diplomatically engage with North Korea.
Kasai stressed that the JCP has repeatedly pointed out that it is important for the Japanese government to open up a direct communication channel with Pyongyang.
Economy and Industry Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi in reply cited the fact that Prime Minister Kishida expressed his intent to begin high-level consultations between the two countries under his direct control, adding that in this regard, the government will make the most of every opportunity.
The Lower House Committee unanimously approved the government proposal to continue Japan’s economic sanctions banning exports to and imports from North Korea. The JCP, in support of the government proposal, said that considering that North Korea, in violation of UNSC resolutions, has launched ballistic missiles many times in connection with its nuclear weapons development, the continuation of sanctions is necessary as measures to seek a peaceful and diplomatic settlement of issues related to North Korea.
Past related article:
> JCP Chair condemns North Korea’s rocket launch and calls on Tokyo to work to establish a diplomatic channel with Pyongyang and resolve issues through dialogue [June 1, 2023]
