A Japanese newspaper has reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong-il ordered an investigation into the abduction of Japanese citizens, which has been a major sticking point between Pyongyang and Tokyo.

Sankei Shimbun quoted a North Korean official close to the issue as saying that the leader had ordered a thorough investigation to be carried out and that he is trying to resolve the matter.

North Korea admitted to the abduction of 13 Japanese citizens in 2002 during a summit between the two countries, which the North believed constituted a settlement of the dispute. However, Japan has demanded that Pyongyang punish those responsible for the kidnappings and locate all Japaness abductees still in the North.