Rally by families of Japanese abducted by N.Korea

 

Families of Japanese abducted by North Korea have attended a rally following the North's announcement that it is reopening an investigation into the fate of the abductees.

The rally was held in Naka City, Ibaraki Prefecture on Sunday.

Shigeo Iizuka, who heads a group of abductees' families, said his own brother died in May before reuniting with their abducted sister, Yaeko Taguchi.

He said he could not help feeling the weight of the years of separation and that aging family members have limited time, while the abductees may be suffering from health issues.

Iizuka said North Korea's change of heart may be a good chance. He asks for the public's support to prevent the Japanese government from being deceived by North Korean authorities.

Shigeru Yokota, the father of Megumi Yokota, said the recent development is the first genuinely-positive momentum since the Koizumi government. He said he wants the government to make every effort to enable all remaining abductees to return to Japan.

Sakie Yokota, Megumi's mother, said all she could do is keep thinking of her daughter whom she had raised with all her love, but who was snatched away even though she had done nothing wrong.

Sakie said she was able to meet her grandchild, but not her daughter. She said she expects a tough road ahead, but will do all she can for her return, even if her own health fails.

Kazuhiro Araki, who heads a private organization investigating possible cases of abductions, said he is worried that North Korea may hide unrecognized cases in exchange for the return of some abductees.

He said such a scenario should never happen, since this would sacrifice possible victims.