Abe avoids commenting on Trump’ candidature for Nobel Prize

Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday declined to comment on US President Donald Trumps claims that he has nominated the American leader for this years Nobel Peace Prize, but instead praised Trumps efforts to defuse the North Korean nuclear crisis.
“I’m not saying (the claim) is untrue,” The Japan Times quoted Abe as saying to a Budget Committee session of the Lower House of Parliament.
“The Nobel committee won’t reveal who nominated (someone for a prize) or those who were nominated for fifty years. In accordance with this policy, I’d like to refrain from commenting,” he added.
Abe however, emphasised that Trump has worked bravely in resolving the nuclear problem and missiles from North Korea.
He also highlighted that Trump was actively collaborating to resolve the issue of kidnappings of Japanese citizens decades ago by the Pyongyang regime and whose resolution is one of the main priorities of Abe’s government.
Abe’s remarks followed Trump’s surprising claim on February 15 that the Japanese leader had nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work toward easing tensions with North Korea last year.