1.   French authorities had kept his suspected abduction secret in the hope he would be recovered alive.

2.   Hashimoto said earlier this month that Japan was investigating suspected abductions by North Korea.

3.   But it stated that nine Japanese had been allegedly abducted by North Korea in six separate cases, with two other persons involved in one suspected attempted abduction case.

4.   But Japan has been reluctant to extend fresh aid to Pyongyang, citing suspected abductions of Japanese nationals by North Korean agents.

5.   Diamacoune was placed under house arrest but denied having anything to do with the suspected abduction.

6.   Japan has been reluctant to extend fresh aid to Pyongyang, citing suspected abductions of Japanese nationals by North Korean agents.