The Japanese government expressed its disappointment Tuesday over Pyongyang's recent announcement that it is putting an end to its investigation into the suspected kidnapping of Japanese citizens. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda told a news conference Tuesday that the Tokyo government regrets the North's decision and that it would continue to request Pyongyang's cooperation in the matter as the safety of Japanese citizens may be at risk. On the prospects for the stalled Pyongyang-Tokyo relations, he said, "It depends on the North's response," He added that the Japanese government will keep a close eye on developments. Japanese Foreign Minister Makiko Tanaka said that, although the declaration cannot be confirmed as Japan has no diplomatic relations with the North, if proved true, the declaration would be extremely regrettable. On Monday, the North Korean Red Cross society was reported to have announced the declaration.