Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi says Tokyo is seeking ways to hold talks with North Korea this month on the issue of abducted Japanese nationals.

In a news conference Monday after he was briefed on the results of the second round of six-party nuclear talks, Koizumi stated his desire to convene government-level talks with Pyongyang at the earliest date possible.

Following the briefing on the nuclear discussions, Koizumi reportedly ordered Tokyo to continuously exert efforts to handle the North