(18 Apr 2024)
RESTRICTIONS SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tokyo, Japan – 18 April 2024
1. Various of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi and family members of victims abducted by North Korea posing for group photo
2. Thomas-Greenfield and the family members sitting down for talks
3. Pan of the family members of victims abducted by North Korea
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US Ambassador to the UN:
“We are all too familiar with the pain and the loss and suffering that you as the family members are here experiencing.”
5. Mid of talks
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US Ambassador to the UN:
“The United States stands with all the families, with all Japan and with the international community in pressing for a resolution that will allow all families separated by the regime’s policies to be reunited.”
7. Sakie Yokota, mother of Megumi Yokota who was abducted by North Korea
8. SOUNDBITE (English) Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US Ambassador to the UN:
“Let me assure you that this commitment is not dependent on any political party or administration, but it is rooted in the deeply rooted bonds between our countries and our people. Please know that this administration remains committed to raising this issue at every opportunity calling for the return of abducted Japanese citizens to their families.”
9. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary:
“This issue of abduction is not a historical one, but it is an ongoing problem. At this very moment, the victims are deprived of their freedom and cannot return to their home country. For the abductees, as well as their aging family members, I believe there is not a moment to waste.”
10. Wide of talks
11. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Sakie Yokota, mother of Megumi Yokota who was abducted by North Korea:
“I just want to meet her. I had put in a lot of effort into raising her. She is a very bright a girl. If she was in Japan, I just think how much she could have contributed to a better society – those are the thoughts I have when I see young people today, and I feel deep sadness. I’m now 88 years old. I just want to see her again, even if it’s just for once.”
12. Various of Hayashi escorting Thomas-Greenfield to greet the families of victims
STORYLINE:
The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations said Thursday that America would stand with Japan until every one of its citizens Tokyo says were abducted by North Korea decades ago returns home.
Japan says North Korea abducted at least 17 Japanese citizens, possibly many more, to train them as agents during the 1970s and 1980s. Twelve remain missing.
U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield began her visit to Japan with a meeting in Tokyo with the families of those who say their loved ones have been taken.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said there is no time to lose in bringing the people back.
Sakie Yokota, a mother who says her daughter was abducted by North Korea, told Thomas-Greenfield during the meeting that she would just like to see her daughter one more time.
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