Japan To Continue Talks With U.S. On Jenkins
TOKYO — Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda said Wednesday Japan plans to continue consultations with the United States about a U.S. deserter married to a Japanese national abducted by North Korea, following the U.S. defense chief's remarks on the issue.
Fukuda, top government spokesman, said, while Tokyo understands that the fate of former U.S. Army Sgt Charles Robert Jenkins is a matter to be decided by the U.S., Tokyo "will keep talking" with Washington over his treatment if he visits Japan to see his wife, one of the abductees who is now back in Japan.
U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld indicated at a press conference Tuesday that Jenkins, who deserted to North Korea in 1965 while stationed on the South Korean side of the demilitarized zone, would face court-martial if he visits Hitomi Soga in Japan.
Fukuda said, "But we are not in a situation to determine if the stance is the final one." The spokesman also said, "The matter is what the U.S. decides. And the U.S. has its reasons."
"We are strongly requesting" Washington treat Jenkins with special consideration and Japan is prepared to discuss the matter with the U.S. patiently, taking its stance into consideration, Fukuda said. (Kyodo News)
Articles reprinted courtesy of Japan Today: http://www.japantoday.com
TOKYO — Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda said Wednesday Japan plans to continue consultations with the United States about a U.S. deserter married to a Japanese national abducted by North Korea, following the U.S. defense chief's remarks on the issue.
Fukuda, top government spokesman, said, while Tokyo understands that the fate of former U.S. Army Sgt Charles Robert Jenkins is a matter to be decided by the U.S., Tokyo "will keep talking" with Washington over his treatment if he visits Japan to see his wife, one of the abductees who is now back in Japan.
U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld indicated at a press conference Tuesday that Jenkins, who deserted to North Korea in 1965 while stationed on the South Korean side of the demilitarized zone, would face court-martial if he visits Hitomi Soga in Japan.
Fukuda said, "But we are not in a situation to determine if the stance is the final one." The spokesman also said, "The matter is what the U.S. decides. And the U.S. has its reasons."
"We are strongly requesting" Washington treat Jenkins with special consideration and Japan is prepared to discuss the matter with the U.S. patiently, taking its stance into consideration, Fukuda said. (Kyodo News)
Articles reprinted courtesy of Japan Today: http://www.japantoday.com