A delegation to North Korea from the ruling alliance aimed at restoring high-level talks for normalization of bilateral relations is expected to encounter thorny issues that remain between the two countries, according to experts.
The delegation, which leaves for North Korea today for a four-day visit, will consist of five members from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, three from the Social Democratic Party and one from New Party Sakigake. During discussions with the Korean Workers' Party, the delegation is expected to make inquiries about 10 Japanese believed abducted by North Korean agents in the 1970s. Pyonyang has consistently denied the allegations.
Some LDP members have been strongly demanding progress on the issue. As 15 Japanese women married to North Koreans are now in Japan on their first homecoming visit, the delegation wishes to at least make progress in ensuring that more such visits are realized. On the other hand, the delegation wants to shelve an alleged agreement under which Japan would pay postwar compensation to North Korea.