In doing so the Japanese reactionaries seek to prevent the DPRK-Japan Pyongyang Declaration from being implemented, pursue confrontation and stage a comeback to Korea, backed by the U.S. imperialists.

Japan's persistent smear campaign and its insistence upon unreasonable assertions over the "nuclear issue" and the "issue of abduction" are of no help to improving the bilateral relations and building mutual confidence.

Japan's settlement of its past is the core issue of the DPRK-Japan Pyongyang Declaration. Japan is projecting such unessential issue as the "abduction issue," while turning aside the issue of redeeming its past. This can be done only by those who do not want the improved relations between the DPRK and Japan. Japan's unprincipled and servile attitude toeing the U.S. line and its invariable pursuance of the hostile policy toward the DPRK are tarnishing its image. Politicians are required to face up to the trend of the times. Japan will be made to pay a very high price if it goes reckless, not sincerely redressing its past, true to the spirit of the Pyongyang declaration.