Tokyo to Resume Negotiations for Diplomatic Ties with the North in August

Japanese media reported on July 7 that the Japanese government would reopen its negotiations with North Korea by as early as August in an effort to normalize diplomatic relations between the two nations. Previous negotiations have been suspended since October 2002. The decision came upon Tokyo’s agreement to hold “working-level talks (July 6) in regard of the diplomatic relations between the two nations” and a family reunion in Jakarta in Indonesia on July 9 for repatriated abductee Hitomi Soga.

Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiken Sugiura said, “Since the reunion of Ms. Soga’s family will soon take place, the biggest barrier to negotiations with North Korea has been cleared. In the near future, Tokyo plans to consult with Pyongyang in order to resume its negotiations to normalize diplomatic ties with North Korea.” It is reported that Tokyo will decide on the time, place, and meeting procedure of the talks with Pyongyang through its embassy to Beijing.

Won-Jae Park parkwj@donga.com