national

Japan, North Korea agree to reinvestigate abductions

7 Comments

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© Copyright 2008/9 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

7 Comments
Login to comment

“Even if there are going to be negotiations with North Korea, I can’t trust them at all if it doesn’t produce any results,”

The problem with the Japan-side in a nutshell.... if there are none of the very specific, desired results, it's no longer a promise; ie. Japan promises to partially lift sanctions upon RENEGOTIATION... not upon results.

“I hope that this investigation makes steady progress and leads to the quick return of the victims to Japan,”

I hope so too, but then, can you PROVE that all of said victims were kidnapped? Nope. Japan seems to put anyone who disappears on the list of abductees. For those whom it's been proven were kidnapped, best of luck on getting some news, if not some remains (or their persons, still living).

Again, this can work, so long as neither reneges on what little they've promised to the other. Eventually, it might lead to mass disclosures like it did under Koizumi.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Nope. Japan seems to put anyone who disappears on the list of abductees.

The government officially recognizes 17. http://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/singi/rati/nintei.html

Do me a favor and read the NK responses to those especially the ones who died.

"My dog ate my homework" is a better excuse than the ones they provide.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"The government officially recognizes 17. http://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/singi/rati/nintei.html"

Which government? Oh... let me guess...

"Do me a favor and read the NK responses to those especially the ones who died."

I've read and heard the responses numerous times, thanks. And of course, I remember the big bruhaha when NK gave them back 'Megumi's' ashes -- which contained the DNA of all sorts of people, none including Megumi (well, THAT part was inconclusive), and NK's excuses after that. I'm not saying their excuses are any good at all; in fact, I think they're lying about how the Japanese they (did in fact) take died. I wouldn't doubt that in some cases at least they were murdered and their bodies likely burned and tossed somewhere where they wouldn't be found. As such, there is going to be nothing but excuses on that end, and no 'proof' of them being deceased....

HOWEVER, that doesn't mean they're still alive, and the idea that they are puts the burden of proof on the Japanese. Asking North Korea, "Ummm... could you give us proof that they are still alive, even though you've declared them dead? Please?? you see... hehe... the thing is, we want to look good for the Ultra-rightists and take this to the world stage so we can make you look like fools... can you indulge us?" is pretty sad. Anyway, as I said, I hope they can get some more likely details as to HOW they people died, if at all they were kidnapped, but hoping for a live body to be returned...... well... I wouldn't hold my breath.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

comparing abduction with Tamagochi is most appropriate, deteling comment without notification is a solid proof.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The NKoreans themselves have admitted to the acts and are prepared to work towards a resolution. People who have nothing to say other than to support NKOrea and aimlessly criticize Japan based on speculation as to what they may or may not do ought to take it somewhere else. Nitpicking about proving death or existence is ridiculous since now that both parties are going to work together to investigate, sufficient circumstancial evidence may be uncovered which may be enough to close a case. Of course if one wants to believe in some wackjob conspiracy theory involving ultranationalists none of this simple logic is going to make any sense.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

OssanULTRA

"both parties are going to work together to investigate"

I hope that really happens, but I doubt it.

NK will promise anything to get what it wants, & deliver nothing. Still something must be tried, if only to prove how pointless it is try anything with these people.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Smithinjapan

I wouldn't doubt that in some cases at least they were murdered and their bodies likely burned and tossed somewhere where they wouldn't be found.

What's the point of doing this? Like Ossan and I mentioned on several related threads, NK went through a lot of trouble abducting these citizens. What's the point of murdering them? And what's the point of hiding the remains? What's the point of burning the bodies in a country where NK does not have a culture of cremating remains?

You're excuses are more lame than that of the Norks.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites