NHK Article Translation:
北朝鮮のキム・ジョンウン（金正恩）総書記の妹、キム・ヨジョン（金与正）氏は25日に拉致問題は解決済みだとして岸田総理大臣に政治的決断を求める談話を発表しました。
政府は、日本側に譲歩を迫るねらいがあると分析する一方、拉致被害者全員の帰国を求める姿勢は堅持し、日朝首脳会談の模索を続ける方針です。
キム・ヨジョン氏は、岸田総理大臣が最近も、できるだけ早い時期にキム総書記と会談したいという意向を伝えてきたとする談話を、25日に発表しました。
また、拉致問題は解決済みだという立場を改めて示し、岸田総理大臣に政治的決断などを求めています。
岸田総理大臣は、日朝首脳会談はこれまで働きかけてきたとしつつ、会談実現の可能性については「相手のある話であり、今は何も決まっているものはない」と述べました。
キム・ヨジョン氏が、拉致問題などに言及した談話を発表するのは先月に続いて2度目で、政府は、日本側に譲歩を迫るとともに、国内世論を揺さぶるねらいがあるのではないかと分析しています。
一方で、すべての拉致被害者の帰国を求める姿勢は堅持するとしていて、北朝鮮側の意図や出方を見極めながら、今後も日朝首脳会談の模索を続ける方針です。
The government sticks to its stance on seeking the return of all abductees and continues Japanese-North Korean talks towards solution
The sister of North Korea’s Kim Jong-Un, Secretary General Kim Yo-Jong announced on the 25th that the abduction issue was solved, and called on Prime Minister Kishida for talks with political decision.
The Government analyzes that while their aim is to force the Japanese side towards a concession, that it is sticking to its policy towards the return of all abductees and continues the search for a Japan-North Korean top level summit.
Secretary General Kim Yo-Jong on the 25th announced that it has been expressed to her that Prime Minister Kishida wishes to have talks with her as soon as possible.
In addition, she reiterated once again her stance that the abduction issue has been resolved and calls on Prime Minister Kishida for a political decision or something of the like to be made.
Prime Minister Kishida expressed that the top level summit between Japan and North Korea is in the process of being worked on and that regarding the possibility of talks, that “this is a discussion between two parties, and nothing has been decided on”.
This is the second time since the phone call last month that Kim Yo-Jong has made a statement regarding the abduction issue and the Government analyzes that while they attempt to force Japanese concessions, they also aim to shake up public opinion within the country.
On the other hand, the Government maintains its stance that all abductees be returned and continues its policy of attempting a Japan-North Korean top level summit, while making sure of the intentions and attitudes of North Korea.
Original Japanese
政府 拉致被害者全員帰国求める姿勢堅持し日朝会談模索継続へ
English Translation
Source: “政府 拉致被害者全員帰国求める姿勢堅持し日朝会談模索継続へ.” NHK, 26 March 2024, https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20240326/k10014402241000.html