One of four Japanese Red Army Faction fugitives who received political asylum in North Korea after hijacking a Japan Airlines jetliner in 1970 dismissed speculation Tuesday that Pyongyang may expel them from the country.
It is thought that Pyongyang may consider the U.S. expulsion request amid signs of improving relations between the two countries.
In a telephone conversation with Japanese reporters visiting North Korea, Shiro Akagi, 52, said Pyongyang has never spoken to the fugitives about deporting them, adding that they are being treated the same as before.
He said that while the fugitives hope to return to Japan someday, they would never consent to being forcibly sent back.