Japan gov't mum on whether missing journalist held hostage in Syria

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihida Suga speaks at a regular press briefing in Tokyo on Dec. 24, 2015. Suga did not say if the government has confirmed whether a Japanese journalist reportedly kidnapped in Syria is being held by an armed group, stating, "Ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals is the government's key responsibility. We are doing our utmost to make use of various networks of information and take necessary actions." (Kyodo) ==Kyodo