Deputy Foreign Minister Hitoshi Tanaka voiced reluctance Thursday to imposing immediate economic sanctions on North Korea, stressing the need to resolve disputes with Pyongyang via dialogue.
"At this point in time, we should make efforts to comprehensively resolve the issue based on dialogue and the deterrence (of the U.S. military presence in the region)," Tanaka told a news conference at the Japan National Press Club.
He also indicated, however, that sanctions may have to be considered if tensions on the Korean Peninsula escalate any further, saying, "We would not rule out all sorts of policies."
The key point, Tanaka said, is to build up trust and establish a mutual basis for talks ultimately aimed at normalizing diplomatic relations with the North.
"Through such a process, North Korea would have to open up itself to the international community and gradually alter (its policies)," he said. "That is one of the polices we are pursuing."
He also said that, once dialogue is held with North Korea on a multinational basis, the situation will start to evolve.
Tanaka is the former chief of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, which deals with North Korean issues, was a key figure in arranging September's historic summit between Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il.
Tanaka is reportedly in contact with a senior North Korean official -- often referred to by the media as "Mr. X" -- who is believed to be a close aide to Kim.