The statement recalled that the Japanese authorities took the despicable measure of disallowing the return to Japan of the members of the congratulatory group of Koreans in Japan after their planned visit to the homeland with the best wishes of all Chongryon officials and other Koreans in Japan, thus blocking their trip, terming it a thrice-cursed tyrannical action.

The Japanese authorities' sanctions against the DPRK are, in essence, despicable and inhumane violation of human rights to pressurize Chongryon, the organization protecting life and rights of Koreans in Japan, the statement said, and went on:

The sanctions will spark off bitter condemnation by all Koreans in Japan and conscientious Japanese people and seriously affect the Korea-Japan relations.