Ishiba "Needs Talks with Kim Jong Un to Resolve Abductees"

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is needed to resolve the issue of Japanese abductees.

Prime Minister Ishiba told the House of Representatives Budget Committee yesterday that a summit between the leaders is necessary, and that there are others that do not move.

However, he added that it will take a long time to realize the summit with Chairman Kim.

Ishiba declined to comment clearly on the issue of establishing a liaison office linking Tokyo and Pyongyang, which he claimed in September's election to head the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

The family group of Japanese abductees opposes the opening of a liaison office, fearing that information favorable to North Korea will be circulated.