Tokyo, Jan. 16 (Jiji Press)--North Korea has asked for a visit to the country by Japanese lawmakers, House of Councillors member Antonio Inoki said Thursday.
The Korea-Japan Amity and Friendship Association made the request to Inoki in writing during his four-day visit to the country, the Japanese lawmaker told a news conference at Tokyo International Airport at Haneda upon returning from the trip.
He added that Kim Yong Il, secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and adviser at the friendship association, sought a visit by Keiji Furuya, Japanese minister for the issue of Japanese citizens kidnapped by North Korean spies decades ago.
Inoki, who belongs to major opposition Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), stressed the need to send a suprapartisan mission to North Korea. "I think hat things will go more smoothly if members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party visit the country," he said.
According to Inoki, Kim called for the lifting of a Japanese measure banning executives of the pro-Pyongyang General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, or Chongryon, from reentering Japan after leaving the country temporarily.