Japan Press Weekly

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2017 April 26 - May 9 TOP3 [JCP]

Shii comments on US joint statement on North Korea and calls for diplomatic efforts to be pursued

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo stated at a press conference in the Diet building on April 27 that he paid close attention to a joint statement released by the U.S. Trump administration on April 26 regarding its stance on North Korea.

The Trump administration on April 26 invited all Congress members to a briefing on its policy regarding the North Korean issue. Following the meeting, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defense James Mattis, and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats released the joint statement.

The statement points out, “The President’s approach aims to pressure North Korea into dismantling its nuclear, ballistic missile, and proliferation programs by tightening economic sanctions and pursuing diplomatic measures with our Allies and regional partners.” It states that the administration is working to “convince the regime to de-escalate and return to the path of dialogue.” “The United States seeks stability and the peaceful denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. We remain open to negotiations towards that goal.”

At the press conference, Shii stated that he took particular notice of those parts in the joint statement. He stressed, “In regard to this issue the JCP has consistently argued that military action should not be taken and that working to reach a diplomatic solution is the only option which should be considered.”

“We are calling for a diplomatic approach to be taken along with tougher economic sanctions against North Korea,” said the JCP chair, who went on to say, “We strongly urge that the issue be settled through dialogues among the countries participating in the Six-Party Talks.”