In a media availability with Prime Minister Fukuda in Tokyo Sunday the President reaffirmed his decision to remove the country from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Japan and North Korea have tension because of the North's abduction of Japanese citizens in the '70s, '80s.
“The United States will not abandon you on this issue. I am fully aware of the sensitivity of the issue here in your country."
Also defended decision to attend Olympic opening ceremony in China.
