TOKYO, July 2 (Xinhuanet) -- Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said Friday he hopes to normalize diplomatic relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) as soon as possible, aiming within two years.

    "I hope to realize it as soon as possible. May be it would not take two years," the premier said on a Nippon Television Network Corp. discussion program.

    Koizumi paid two visits to the DPRK in September 2002 and this May. The two sides concluded a declaration on realizing a normal diplomatic relationship.

    Koizumi's tenure is to end in September 2006.

    The remarks came amid a neck-and-neck campaign for upper house seats between his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the opposition Democratic Party of Japan.

    Latest polls show that the Japanese are backing away from the premier for the unpopular pension reform laws and deployment of troops in Iraq. His approval ratings surged following the trips toPyongyang. The visits brought about reunion of former Japanese abductees and Tokyo's promise of food and medical assistance.

    The upper house election is scheduled for July 11. The LDP vowsto regain the majority. Enditem