An Asahi Shimbun survey over the weekend found that about 63 percent of respondents support economic sanctions against North Korea because of continuing problems over the abduction issue.

However, 25 percent said they were against such measures.

Respondents seemed to be split over taking swift action against North Korea following Japan's recent discovery that remains sent back by Pyongyang were not of abductee Megumi Yokota, but of two different people.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has said that Tokyo should carefully assess North Korea's intentions before imposing sanctions.

About 48 percent give high marks for Koizumi's handling of the issue, while 40 percent did not.

More men than women supported the idea of sanctions.

Among those aged 30 to 59, about 70 percent said they would welcome sanctions.

Also, while 61 percent of ruling Liberal Democratic Party supporters said they supported such steps, 71 percent of opposition Minshuto (Democratic Party of Japan) supporters gave the same reply.

Asked about North Korea's nuclear development programs, 46 percent expressed a great deal of concern, while 44 percent were a ``little'' worried.(IHT/Asahi: December 21,2004)