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December 30, 2004
Greetings
Thank you for visiting THINK News Updates.
Due to the absence of the editor there will be no posting until January 3, 2005. Please check Google and/or AltaVista sites for news during this period.
Happy New Year!
With sincere wishes for the return of every kidnap victim in 2005,
The editor, THINK.
Posted by THINK at 04:02 PM | TrackBack
Soga holds on to hope of seeing her mother again
Posted by THINK at 03:26 AM | TrackBack
Japanese want tougher stance towards China, North Korea: poll
Posted by THINK at 03:25 AM | TrackBack
December 29, 2004
Shamelessness Peculiar to Japan's Ultra-right Forces
Korean News (Korean Central News Agency of DPRK)
Posted by THINK at 03:39 AM | TrackBack
Japan's 6-Point Plan Includes Suspension of Aid to N.K.
Digital Chosunilbo
The Korea Times ("Japan to Punish NK Over Abduction Issue")
Yahoo! News (Kyodo) ("Japan confirms 6-point policy on N. Korea, includes 'tough step'")
asahi.com : English ("N. Korea pressed for explanation")
Posted by THINK at 03:29 AM | TrackBack
December 28, 2004
N-talks stall on abductee dispute
Posted by THINK at 12:13 AM | TrackBack
December 27, 2004
Japan protests, hands over analysis on N. Korea probe
The Japan Times Online (Kyodo)
Japan Today ("Japan hands over its analysis on N Korea abduction probe")
Posted by THINK at 02:12 AM | TrackBack
Pressure on PM to get tough on N. Korea over abductee issue
Posted by THINK at 02:10 AM | TrackBack
December 25, 2004
N. Korea rejects Japan's proposal for meeting on abductions
Posted by THINK at 07:47 AM | TrackBack
Japan threatens retaliation against North Korea in kidnap row
Channelnewsasia.com (AFP)
VOA News ("Japan Warns North Korea on Abduction Issue")
Reuters ("Japan demands 'sincere' N.Korea reply on abductees")
Radio Australia ("Japan warns action against North Korea over kidnap victims")
Bloomberg.com("Japan to Respond 'Severely' to N. Korea on Abductees")
BBC NEWS ("Japan-N Korea kidnap row hots up")
International Herald Tribune (Reuters/AFP) ("Japan warns North Korea of backlash on captives")
Japan Today ("Japan increases pressure on Kim over abductions, hints at sanctions")
Daily Yomiuri On-Line ("'Sincere response' from N. Korea unlikely / Government steps up pressure on Pyongyang as evidence fails to convince")
Posted by THINK at 07:34 AM | TrackBack
Japan refuses North Korean demand to return remains in kidnap row
Posted by THINK at 07:29 AM | TrackBack
December 24, 2004
North Korea threatens to shun N-talks
Sydney Morning Herald (AP)
The Korea Times ("NK Threatens to Exclude Tokyo From Nuke Talks")
Posted by THINK at 07:26 AM | TrackBack
Japan skeptical of N. Korean evidence, to lodge protest
KYODO NEWS
San Francisco Chronicle (AP) ("Report: Japan to file protest with North Korea over abductions of Japanese")
The Japan Times Online ("Japan doesn't buy North's 'evidence' -- Pyongyang faces sanctions; Tokyo to assume Yokota still alive")
Yahoo! News (Kyodo) ("Main points of Japan's report on N. Korea's claims about 10 Japanese")
Yahoo! News (Kyodo) ("List of 10 Japanese abductees")
Yahoo! News (Kyodo) ("N. Korean photos of abductee Yokota not composite images")
Posted by THINK at 07:24 AM | TrackBack
Former abductee to quit city job, may teach at univ.
Posted by THINK at 05:48 AM | TrackBack
December 23, 2004
82% of lawmakers favor economic sanctions on N Korea
Posted by THINK at 05:47 AM | TrackBack
N. Korea says Yokota's husband angered at Japan's conclusion
KYODO NEWS
Yahoo! News (AP)("North Korean husband wants alleged remains of abducted Japanese back")
Japan Today("N Korea says Yokota's husband wants ashes returned")
YONHAPNEWS ("N. Korea Demands Return of Alleged Remains of Japanese Abductee")
BBC NEWS ("N Korea demands return of remains")
Digital Chosunilbo (VOA) ("North Korea Asks Japan for Return of Disputed Remains")
Posted by THINK at 05:43 AM | TrackBack
Japan to tell NKorea to start new probes on kidnap victims: reports
Channelnewsasia.com (AFP)
Japan Today ("Japan wants N Korea to account for 10 more missing Japanese")
Posted by THINK at 05:42 AM | TrackBack
December 22, 2004
Wrong Bones Trigger Calls for Sanctions
Posted by THINK at 05:40 AM | TrackBack
DPRK condemns Japan for instigating people's hostile emotion
Korean News (Korean Central News Agency of DPRK) ("Japanese Ultra-right Conservatives' Anti-DPRK Racket under Fire")
Posted by THINK at 05:10 AM | TrackBack
Bill to make human trafficking a crime
Posted by THINK at 05:07 AM | TrackBack
Story of Japanese abductees by North Korea appear in comic books
Yahoo! News (AP)
The Japan Times Online (AP) ("Tale of Yokota's abduction by North now recounted in comic-book form")
asahi.com : English ("PARENTS SUPERVISED STORY:Manga depicts Megumi ordeal")
Posted by THINK at 05:06 AM | TrackBack
Family anguish as hopes for truth on stolen girl turn to dust
Posted by THINK at 05:05 AM | TrackBack
Japan Wants Info on N. Korea Detainees
Guardian Unlimited (AP)
San Francisco Chronicle (AP) ("Japan to meet with abductee families before responding to North Korea on remains")
Posted by THINK at 01:46 AM | TrackBack
December 21, 2004
Japan PM seeks N.Korea response on abductees-Kyodo
Reuters
KYODO NEWS ("Japan to seek N. Korea response over abductions without deadline")
Posted by THINK at 08:45 PM | TrackBack
North Korea Sees Japan's Defense Policy as Aggressive
KCNA (Korean Central News Agency) ("Japan's Defence Program Outlines Assailed")
Posted by THINK at 08:41 PM | TrackBack
63% back N. Korea sanctions
asahi.com : English
Channelnewsasia.com (AFP) ("Japanese want sanctions against NKorea")
The Japan Times Online ("KOIZUMI'S PYONGYANG CONUNDRUM: Public wants sanctions -- but at what price?")
Posted by THINK at 08:38 PM | TrackBack
Japan to Return Fake Remains to North Korea on December 24
donga.com [english donga]
Japan Today ("Japan to provide ashes analysis data to N Korea")
Posted by THINK at 08:34 PM | TrackBack
December 20, 2004
Japan to Enact North Korean Human Rights Law
donga.com [english donga]
The Korea Times : Japan Pushes for NK Human Rights Law ("Japan Pushes for NK Human Rights Law")
Posted by THINK at 08:22 PM | TrackBack
N. Korea demands test results, ashes
The Japan Times Online (AP/Kyodo)
Japan Today ("N Korea demands test results, return of ashes said to be Yokota's")
asahi.com : English ("IT PLANS ITS OWN TESTS: North asks for return of remains")
Washington Times (UPI) ("North Korea asks Japan to return ashes")
Mainichi Interactive ("North Korea asks Japan to return ashes")
KYODO NEWS ("N. Korea demands test results, return of ashes said to be Yokota's")
Posted by THINK at 08:20 PM | TrackBack
December 19, 2004
Japan Says Time Running Out on N. Korea Sanctions
Reuters.com
Bloomberg.com ("Japan's Machimura Urges China's Further Help on North Korea")
Posted by THINK at 08:15 PM | TrackBack
December 18, 2004
Machimura asks ROK for help on abductions
Posted by THINK at 08:12 PM | TrackBack
Soga relieved to be able to live with reunited family
Posted by THINK at 01:47 AM | TrackBack
North Korea: children suffer, adults make politics
Posted by THINK at 12:28 AM | TrackBack
Japan, South Korea hold talks amid differences over dealing with North Korea
Khaleej Times Online (AP)
Reuters.com ("S.Korea, Japan Urge North to Resume Nuclear Talks")
Xinhua - English ("Japan, S. Korea agree to expand bilateral ties")
VOA News ("Japanese, South Korean Leaders Hold Talks")
Mainichi Interactive ("South Korean President sympathizes with Japan over ashes lies")
KYODO NEWS ("Roh expresses support for Japan's policy on abductions")
Yahoo! News (Kyodo) ("Koizumi, Roh cautious on sanctions, touch on history issues")
The Korea Times ("'Japan Should Refrain From Sanctioning NK': Roh Moo-hyun")
JoongAng Daily ("At summit, Roh cautions Koizumi on North stance")
Washington Times (UPI) ("South Korea against sanctions")
Mainichi Interactive ("Roh, Koizumi agree Japan should consider sanctions against N. Korea")
KYODO NEWS ("Gist of Koizumi-Roh talks")
Posted by THINK at 12:10 AM | TrackBack
US Officials Say Allies Have Unified Front on Negotiating with North Korea
Posted by THINK at 12:09 AM | TrackBack
Japan assures it's cool-headed with NKorea ahead of summit with South
Posted by THINK at 12:08 AM | TrackBack
December 17, 2004
Koizumi Vows to Continue Talks with N.K. Amid Calls for Sanctions
YONHAPNEWS WORLD SERVICE::ENGLISH NEWS
Guardian Unlimited (AP) ("Japan Delays Sanctioning North Korea")
Posted by THINK at 11:59 PM | TrackBack
China urges Japan, N Korea not to complicate talks
Posted by THINK at 11:56 PM | TrackBack
N. Koreans seek asylum in school
Posted by THINK at 11:54 PM | TrackBack
DPJ lawmakers to visit S Korea
Posted by THINK at 11:52 PM | TrackBack
Insult and injury - Why does North Korea do these things?
Posted by THINK at 11:51 PM | TrackBack
North Korea under the spotlight
Posted by THINK at 01:07 AM | TrackBack
Japan's foreign minister says Tokyo likely to slap sanctions on North Korea
Posted by THINK at 01:02 AM | TrackBack
December 16, 2004
Machimura Says Japan to Decide on N. Korea Sanctions Next Week
Posted by THINK at 11:56 PM | TrackBack
Test results on items from North set to be known Dec. 24
Posted by THINK at 11:55 PM | TrackBack
LDP lawmakers to study remittance of money via N. Korean ferry
Posted by THINK at 01:46 AM | TrackBack
Japan downplays N. Korean criticism over ashes dispute
Posted by THINK at 01:25 AM | TrackBack
December 15, 2004
S. Korea Voices Opposition to Calls for Sanctions against N. Korea
YONHAPNEWS WORLD SERVICE::ENGLISH NEWS
People's Daily Online ("S.Korean concerned about Japan's possible sanction against DPRK")
Xinhua - English ("S.Korean concerned about Japan's possible sanction against DPRK")
Japan Today ("S Korea opposes economic sanctions on N Korea")
Channelnewsasia.com (AFP) ("South Korea cautions Japan against sanctions on North Korea")
Posted by THINK at 01:56 PM | TrackBack
U.S. plays down Armitage's remarks on N. Korea sanctions
Posted by THINK at 01:53 PM | TrackBack
North Korea says Japanese sanctions would be 'declaration of war'
Channelnewsasia.com (AFP)
Reuters.com ("N.Korea: Japan Sanctions Would Be War Declaration")
ABC News Online ("North Korea furious at possible Japan sanctions")
Bloomberg.com ("North Korea Warns Japan Against Imposing Sanctions")
BBC NEWS ("N Korea warns Japan on sanctions")
VOA News ("Pyongyang Says Japanese Sanctions Would Amount to 'War'")
CNN.com ("N. Korea threat over sanctions")
China Daily ("N.Korea: Any sanctions would mean war")
The Korea Times ("Tokyo Warned Against NK Sanctions")
The Japan Times Online ("DNA test on remains failed due to Japan conspiracy: North")
KYODO NEWS ("N. Korea rejects Japan's finding that ashes are not Yokota's")
Korean News (Korean Central News Agency of DPRK)("DPRK Stand on Japanese Ultra Right Forces-Proposed Sanctions against DPRK Clarified")
Posted by THINK at 01:43 PM | TrackBack
U.S. Army deserter Charles Jenkins warmly welcomed on Japanese island, wife says
Posted by THINK at 05:23 AM | TrackBack
Japan unable to confirm whether Yokota's 'husband' genuine
Posted by THINK at 05:21 AM | TrackBack
North Korea accuses Japan of doctoring DNA analysis of alleged kidnap victim's remains
San Francisco Chronicle (AP)
KYODO NEWS ("N. Korea blasts Japan for saying ashes not Yokota's")
Posted by THINK at 05:12 AM | TrackBack
Seoul confirms abduction by North
International Herald Tribune
BBC NEWS ("Man held over S Korean 'kidnap'")
JoongAng Daily ("Man in custody for kidnapping cleric to North")
YONHAPNEWS WORLD SERVICE::ENGLISH NEWS ("Chinese Confirms Abduction of ex-Defector by N. Korea")
YONHAPNEWS WORLD SERVICE::ENGLISH NEWS("China Says Ex-Defector Caught in North Korea")
JoongAng Daily ("Lawmaker says pastor died after kidnapping")
Posted by THINK at 04:57 AM | TrackBack
December 14, 2004
Japanese urge sanctions on North Korea: poll
Channelnewsasia.com (AFP)
The Center for Public Opinion and Democracy (ARC-CPOD) ("Japanese Ponder Sanctions Against North Korea")
Asia News Network (Yomiuri) ("Poll shows support for sanctions on N. Korea growing")
Posted by THINK at 08:38 PM | TrackBack
DNA experts give reports on ashes to police
Posted by THINK at 08:36 PM | TrackBack
Upper house panel adopts resolution on sanctions on N. Korea
Posted by THINK at 08:22 PM | TrackBack
Pyongyang’s lies stiffen Japan’s resolve
AsiaNews.it
Daily Yomiuri On-Line ("Pyongyang spins web of lies")
Posted by THINK at 08:14 PM | TrackBack
December 13, 2004
N Korea warns about fate of Japanese abductees
Posted by THINK at 08:42 PM | TrackBack
Koizumi calls "unjust and abominable" North Korea's kidnapping of Japanese, Tokyo says no immediate plan for sanctions
Yahoo! News (AP)
YONHAPNEWS WORLD SERVICE::ENGLISH NEWS("Koizumi Cautious over Domestic Calls for Food Sanction on N. Korea")
SignOnSanDiego.com (Reuters) ("Japan PM raps North Korea but vague on sanctions")
Japan Today ("Koizumi brands N Korea's attitude on abduction 'abominable'")
The New York Times (Reuters) ("Japanese Leaders Threaten Economic Sanctions on North Korea")
Posted by THINK at 08:29 PM | TrackBack
Japan to finish examining N. Korea abduction evidence next week
Posted by THINK at 08:27 PM | TrackBack
Tokyo might force Pyongyang to bend
AsiaNews.it
YONHAPNEWS ("Japan to Suspend Food Aid for North Korea")
Posted by THINK at 08:07 PM | TrackBack
Japan pressured to impose sanctions on North Korea
Posted by THINK at 08:04 PM | TrackBack
Armitage urges Japan not to impose sanctions now on N. Korea
KYODO NEWS
Yahoo! News (AFP) ("US cautions Japan against economic sanctions on unpredictable North Korea")
The Japan Times Online ("Don't sanction Pyongyang yet: U.S.--TRICK PLAY SUSPECTED")
KYODO NEWS ("Japan in close contact with U.S. on N. Korea: Hosoda")
Posted by THINK at 01:44 PM | TrackBack
December 12, 2004
N. Korean abduction puzzle unfolds
Posted by THINK at 07:58 PM | TrackBack
Japan to Give N. Korea 'One More Chance' to Cooperate, Abe Says
Bloomberg.com
Washington Times (UPI) ("Japan considers deadline for abductee info")
Japan Today ("Abe wants to give N Korea deadline on abductee info")
Yahoo! News (Kyodo) ("Koizumi hints at eyeing deadline on N. Korea over false evidence")
Posted by THINK at 07:53 PM | TrackBack
December 11, 2004
Abductee Yokota may have taught Japanese to N. Korean agent
Yahoo! News (Kyodo)
Mainichi Interactive ("Yokota taught Japanese to Korean spy, says former abductee")
Japan Today ("Abductee Yokota may have taught Japanese to N Korean agent")
Posted by THINK at 05:28 PM | TrackBack
Japan should face N. Korea with eye on 'emancipation:' LDP's Takebe
Posted by THINK at 05:13 PM | TrackBack
Update completed
News entries between November 29 and December 10 are now updated. Please read and catch up. Thanks for your patience!
Posted by THINK at 04:05 AM | TrackBack
Japan Lawmakers Urge North Korea Sanctions
Reuters.com
Mainichi Interactive ("Pressure mounts for economic sanctions on North Korea")
The Japan Times Online ("Yokota's dad repeats call for sanctions against North Korea -- Failed DNA test casts doubts on man's claim to be abductee's husband")
Posted by THINK at 03:29 AM | TrackBack
Japan won't give food aid to N Korea
Japan Today
Yahoo! News (Kyodo) ("Japan won't provide aid to N. Korea despite possible WFP calls")
The Japan Times Online ("Yokota furor spells end to food aid for North Korea, Machimura says")
Posted by THINK at 03:27 AM | TrackBack
NEWS FOCUS:Koizumi faces major political dilemma over abduction issue
Posted by THINK at 03:25 AM | TrackBack
Jenkins' daughters register as residents of Sado
Japan Today
Mainichi Interactive ("Soga's daughters file resident registration forms in Sado")
Posted by THINK at 03:25 AM | TrackBack
December 09, 2004
Show your rage!
National Association for the Rescue of Japanese Kidnapped by North Korea(Sukuu Kai, or NARKN) and the family members of abduction victims are asking everyone to please write to Prime Minister Koizumi and tell him what you want him to do.
The Japanese government website has forms at:
http://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/forms/goiken.html (Japanese)
http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/forms/comment.html (English)
The editor will write and tell him it's about time he showed some anger towards NK, that it's no time for "dialogue". He says he will continue to communicate with the Stalinist nation and hope to see some sincerity from the counterpart. But is that really effective? A sincere nation does not return to long awaiting families remains of some unknown deceased saying that they are those of victims they themselves have kidnapped years ago. We've had enough. He must stop expecting any truth to come out from NK. Time has come for him to apply "pressure" to the liar's country.
Posted by THINK at 08:35 PM | TrackBack
Apologies
The editor apologizes for the delay in updating the site.
News entries including those covering the release of Mr. Jenkins, the return of the Sogas to Sado, the confirmation of "Megumi's remains" being fake, and the nation's growing rage will be posted in a few hours. Please come back later to learn more. Thank you.
Posted by THINK at 06:20 PM | TrackBack
Evidence from N. Korea fails to resolve 2 abduction cases
Posted by THINK at 03:53 AM | TrackBack
U.S. pledges to help Japan solve abduction issue
Yahoo! News (Kyodo)
Daily Yomiuri On-Line ("U.S. backs Japan's stance ")
Yahoo! News (AP) ("U.S. envoy discusses North Korea with Japanese officials")
Posted by THINK at 03:41 AM | TrackBack
Press anger flares over North Korea abductee
Posted by THINK at 03:22 AM | TrackBack
Japan says remains of second North Korean abduction victim also fake
Yahoo! News (AP)
Washington Times (UPI) ("N.Korea caught in second lie about remains")
Yahoo! News (Kyodo) ("Another set of remains from N. Korea not Matsuki's")
Posted by THINK at 03:21 AM | TrackBack
Abductee Taguchi may have served as Japanese instructor for agent
Yahoo! News (Kyodo)Mainichi Interactive ("Missing Japanese abductee taught North Korean spy who blew up airliner")
The Japan Times Online ("Taguchi tutored KAL bomber, abductee's families say")
Posted by THINK at 03:19 AM | TrackBack
December 08, 2004
Tokyo urged to sanction N Korea over abductees
FT.com
Channelnewsasia.com (AFP) ("Furious Japan seeks action against N.Korea for lying about kidnapping")
KRT Wire (Yomiuri) ("In Japan, calls grow for sanctions on North Korea")
Posted by THINK at 02:57 AM | TrackBack
Japan May Halt N. Korea Aid After Remains Prove False
Bloomberg.com: Japan
Channelnewsasia.com (AFP) ("Japan threatens to cut aid to NKorea after false evidence row")
Posted by THINK at 02:53 AM | TrackBack
Remains returned by N.Korea not Yokota's
Washington Times (UPI)
Guardian Unlimited (AP)("N. Korea Remains Are Not of Japan Citizen")
Mainichi Interactive ("Remains received from N. Korea not those of Megumi Yokota")
The Japan Times Online ("Remains not those of Yokota -- DNA test shows ashes of two others; aid now in doubt)
asahi.com : English ("North Korea caught in lie on Megumi remains")
Daily Yomiuri On-Line ("DNA tests provided vital info")
Daily Yomiuri On-Line ("Yokotas call for economic sanctions")
BBC NEWS ("Japan fury over abductee remains")
Reuters ("Japan protests to N.Korea over fake evidence")
VOA News ("Mystery Still Surrounds Remains Given to Japan by N. Korea")
MSNBC (AP) ("Japan protests N. Korean lie about abductee -- Pyongyang claimed remains were Japanese kidnapping victim's)
People's Daily Online ("Japan protests to DPRK over fake evidence")
asahi.com : English ("Parents of Megumi Yokota vent anger at `evil' Pyongyang")
The Scotsman ("Fury in Japan as ashes found not to be remains of kidnapped girl")
Posted by THINK at 02:46 AM | TrackBack
December 07, 2004
U.S. deserter begins life's 'last chapter' -- Now free, Jenkins arrives to live on Japanese island with family
CNN.com
BBC NEWS ("Jenkins starts new life in Japan")
Guardian Unlimited (AP) ("U.S. Deserter Wants Japanese Citizenship")
asahi.com : English ("Jenkins seeking Japanese citizenship -- He says his other priority is finding a job on Sado Island")
Mainichi Interactive ("Jenkins begins life in Niigata with Soga and daughters")
Posted by THINK at 02:37 AM | TrackBack
Deserter, Family Head to Wife's Hometown
Guardian Unlimited (AP)
Mainichi Interactive ("Jenkins family leaves for new life on Sado Island")
Japan Today ("Jenkins, family leave for Niigata")
European and Pacific Stars & Stripes ("Army deserter Jenkins leaves Camp Zama for island home")
Posted by THINK at 02:14 AM | TrackBack
December 06, 2004
Japanese Foreign Minister Cools Talk on North Korea Sanctions
Posted by THINK at 02:10 AM | TrackBack
December 05, 2004
Japan Cautious Over N. Korea Sanctions
Posted by THINK at 11:31 PM | TrackBack
U.S. Deserter Jenkins Says Risked Jail for Daughters
Reuters.com
Japan Today ("Jenkins says daughters were meant to become spies in N Korea")
Mainichi Interactive ("Jenkins says Pyongyang wanted to
turn his daughters into spies")
The Hindu News Update Service (PTI) ("N. Korea forcing kids into spying, says US army deserter")
Guardian Unlimited (AP) ("Jenkins: N. Korea Wanted Daughters to Spy")
BBC NEWS ("Jenkins children 'groomed as spies'")
NEWS24.com (SA) ("Deserter 'did it for his girls'")
Washington Times (UPI) ("Jenkins: NKorea wanted daughters as spies")
The Japan Times Online (Kyodo) ("Jenkins says Pyongyang tried to train daughters as spies")
asahi.com : English ("INTERVIEW WITH TIME MAGAZINE: Jenkins feared kids would become spies")
Posted by THINK at 01:53 AM | TrackBack
Deserter regrets 40 years in N.Korea
Posted by THINK at 01:52 AM | TrackBack
In From The Cold -- Deserter Charles Jenkins, who spent nearly 40 years in secretive North Korea, tells his story to TIME
Posted by THINK at 01:50 AM | TrackBack
December 04, 2004
Ex-spy says North Korea's info on Yokota suspicious
Posted by THINK at 03:37 AM | TrackBack
December 03, 2004
N. Korea plies Japan with wrong marriage dates
Posted by THINK at 11:28 PM | TrackBack
Lawmakers push for sanctions on N Korea
Posted by THINK at 11:22 PM | TrackBack