Japan-North Korea Relations
US Approves Japan’s Plan to Lift Sanctions If Abductees Are Repatriated
Japan’s plan to lift sanctions on North Korea if the country repatriates abductees has been approved by the United States. The decision was made during a meeting between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi in Washington on Thursday.
Background on the Abduction Issue
In the 1970s and 1980s, North Korean agents abducted several Japanese citizens to train spies in the country. The abductions were a major source of tension between the two countries, and Japan has long demanded the return of its citizens.
Japan’s Plan to Lift Sanctions
In recent years, Japan has been considering lifting sanctions on North Korea in exchange for the repatriation of the abductees. The plan was approved by the US, which has also been pushing for North Korea to resolve the issue.
US Support for Japan’s Plan
The US has expressed its support for Japan’s plan to lift sanctions on North Korea. Secretary Blinken said that the US strongly supports Japan’s efforts to resolve the abduction issue and bring its citizens home. He also said that the US will continue to work closely with Japan to achieve this goal.
Next Steps
The next step is for Japan and North Korea to negotiate the terms of the agreement. Japan is expected to demand the repatriation of all abductees, while North Korea is likely to request the lifting of all sanctions. It is unclear when the negotiations will begin, but both sides have expressed a willingness to resolve the issue.
Conclusion
The US approval of Japan’s plan to lift sanctions on North Korea if the country repatriates abductees is a significant development. It shows that the US is committed to supporting Japan’s efforts to resolve the abduction issue and bring its citizens home. The next step is for Japan and North Korea to negotiate the terms of the agreement. It is unclear when the negotiations will begin, but both sides have expressed a willingness to resolve the issue.
Kind regards E. Thompson.