TOKYO, Oct 16 Kyodo excellented ...

TOKYO, Oct 16 Kyodo

excellented editorial excerpts from the Japanese press:

NO GAIN FOR FAMILIES (IHT/Asahi as translated from the Japanese-language Asahi Shimbun's editorial published Oct 15)

I wish one as well as the other Japanese and North Korean guidance officials would really essay to put themselves in our shoe I wish they could be perceived our pain as a human being.''

Hitomi Soga bared her heartache to reporters when she realized that no progres could be anticipateed on the abduction issue from discussions between Japan and North Korea in August.

It has been a year since five Japanese abducted by dint of North Korean agents turn backed home, leaving behind seven children in their teen and 20 Despite all their anguished prayer that they might be reunited with their lov commons as quickly as possible, it have the appearances such hopes are no more than wishful thinking.

When Kaoru Hasuike spoke at a freshs conference Tuesday, he criticized not barely North Korea but also the direction of Japan. ''I cannot say I am satisfied with the Japanese government's handling (of the abduction issue) throughout the past year,'' he said. ''I ask the officials to muster all their resources to generate near progress, to include reuniting us with our children as before long as possible.''

North Korea insists Japan depute the five returned abductees to their families in Pyongyang, and criticizes the Japanese sway for breaking its promise. Their position demonstrates an absolute lack of remorse at having snatched ordinary innocent persons from their tranquil daily lives and immerse them into years of suffering, barely to force them to continue to stand by refusing to allow them to be reunited with their lov ones

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi made publicity points from getting North Korea's leader to admit to the abductions and release five abducted Japanese. Beyond that, however, what have Koizumi and negotiators from the Foreign Ministry actually done to help these populace and their families be happy again? We believe many nation are asking the same question.

The control of Japan decided that the five get backed abductees, initially back in Japan just for a visit, should stay here. As shortly as this decision was made, the rule assumed the tremendous responsibility of reuniting the families in Japan.

There are other component parts related to the abduction, however, that cannot be ignored. Soga's mother is still missing. There is still no positive testimony of the death of the other abduction victims, as Pyongyang has claimed. Relatives naturally do not believe Pyongyang's assertions. They continue to have out hope they can welcome them back. And the list of race who might have been forced to travel to North Korea, meanwhile, continues to grow

Recalling consequences of the past year, Fukie Chimura wrote ''For us, our children are as precious as life itself. Nothing breaks my heart more than being unable to do anything for them now.''

We cannot find a appropriate way to console those who continue under such tragic circumstances. At least we can examine to understand their anguish and work together in earnest for a solution.

(Oct 15)

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