A Japanese official stated Sunday that progress on the issue of the Japanese nationals allegedly abducted by North Korean agents is necessary to the success of this week's North Korea-Japan summit.
The meeting in Pyongyang between Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il is scheduled for Tuesday.
Ruling Liberal Democratic Party Secretary General Taku Yamasaki made the remarks on a TV program aired in the morning. He was referring to the allegation that at least 11 Japanese nationals were abducted to North Korea from 1977 to 1983.