Obama's 'strong message' in Tokyo speech on North Korean abductions pleases families

TOKYO

McClatchey-Tribune

President Barack Obama earned plaudits from the families of Japanese abducted by North Korean agents for sending "a strong message" on the abduction issue during his speech in Tokyo on Saturday.

"(North Korea's) full normalization with its neighbors can only come if Japanese families receive a full accounting of those who have been abducted," Obama said during his 30-minute speech on Asian diplomacy.

Relatives of the abductees, including Shigeru Yokota, whose daughter was taken by North Korean agents in 1977, took heart from Obama's comments.

"I believe his speech sent a clear message to North Korea," said Yokota, 77.

"His message (on the abduction issue) was strong and firm," Yokota's wife, Sakie, 73, said.

The Yokotas and Shigeo Iizuka, chairman of the Association of the Families of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea, were seated near the front of the venue. When Obama mentioned the abductees' families, Sakie nodded several times with tears in her eyes.

The three had been hoping to meet privately with Obama, but were unable to do so. Nevertheless, Sakie was full of praise for Obama's speech.

"I could sense (Obama's) sincerity toward human rights and love, along with the abduction issue. I hope the Japanese government will stand with Mr. Obama and work to resolve the issue," Sakie said.

Iizuka had hoped to meet with Obama during his trip to the United States in April, but was not able to do so. He was mostly pleased with what he heard.

"I could see (Obama) brims with confidence. He spoke directly and with clarity," said Iizuka, 71.

"I thought he should've spent more time talking about the abduction issue. However, he said he'll stand firm against North Korea," Iizuka added. "I was relieved to hear that."

Obama arrived a few minutes late shortly after 10 a.m. at Suntory Hall in Minato Ward. About 1,800 attendees welcomed Obama with a standing ovation as the president stood smiling behind the podium.

Obama warmed up the audience further by saying, "Arigato."

Some members of the audience were busy taking photos of Obama, while others took notes.

Meanwhile, Obama stressed the United States and Japan must work together to bring about a world free of nuclear weapons.

Nagasaki Mayor Tomihisa Taue said he was "deeply impressed" by Obama's speech.

"I listened as a representative of the cities struck by the atomic bombs," Taue said. "I believe (Obama) will visit the bombed cities in the near future. I sincerely hope he'll meet with survivors of the atomic attacks."