Tokyo Governor Ishihara heads assembly of governors calling for the return of abductees
Posted On 2009年1月14日水曜日 at 時刻: 17:07 by RescueAbducteesGovernor of Tokyo, Shintaro Ishihara, and 5 other governors of Gunma, Saitama, Niigata, and Tottori spoke at a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday, January 15, 2009. Statement to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea On the Abduction of Japanese Citizens The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea had admitted to the abduction of Japanese citizens; nevertheless, the DPRK has failed to demonstrate sincerity in further investigations. The DPRK must once again clearly recognize that it has committed an act of crime that is impermissible on humanitarian grounds. The precious time taken away from the victims as well as the family bonds that were disrupted by the unwarranted acts of abduction can never be returned, and nothing can be done to expiate this. The fundamental premise of atonement for this crime is none other than the earliest possible realization of the return of all the abductees, which is also the strong desire of the now aging families of the victims. The DPRK must promptly take the initial steps to resolve this abduction issue. Firmly determined to realize the return of our fellow citizens, we, the members of the Assembled Governors for the Return of Victims of Abduction by North Korea, will strictly implement all possible sanctions and other measures and demand the DPRK to: January 13, 2009 Shintaro Ishihara Chairman, Assembled Governors for the Return of Victims of Abduction by North Korea Governor of Tokyo Outline of the Letter to Barack Obama President-Elect of the United States of America January 13, 2009 Shintaro Ishihara Chairman, Assembled Governors for the Return of Victims of Abduction by North Korea Governor of Tokyo
Over 40 governors in Japan formed the "Assembled Governors for the Return of Victims of Abduction by North Korea" in November, 2008. The governors are calling for greater pressure to be put on North Korea to see the return of the kidnapped Japanese nationals from the despotic state.
We welcome the governors' initiative and support.
Below is the governors' statement at the press conference and the outline of the letter addressed to Mr. Obama, president-elect of the United States.
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