Japan says it will continue to give food aid to North Korea despite its dissatisfaction with Pyongyang's failure to clarify the fate of Japanese citizens kidnapped decades ago.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, speaking before parliament on Wednesday, said that despite the little progress in the abductee talks, there was still room to talk to the North and that the food aid would continue.

He added that Tokyo will deliver the aid through international organizations, but did not specify the exact time frame.

Koizumi stressed that it was necessary to employ methods of both dialogue and pressure, even as Tokyo continued to debate the possible use of strengthened economic sanctions against the reclusive North.

Koizumi's remarks come as public outrage over the abductee dispute is fueling calls for Japan to freeze the distribution of 125,500 tons of food aid, the second half of a promised humanitarian package, and to quickly impose hard-hitting economic sanctions on Pyongyang.