Statement by Acting Foreign Minister Mikio Aoki (acting for Foreign Minister Yohei Kono) on the Safe Recovery of the Japanese Abducted in Kyrgyz

October 25, 1999

Today, according to a report from the Japanese Government's Local Headquarters in Kyrgyz, four Japanese (who were engaged in JICA Mineral Exploration Development Study) taken hostage near the border in the Kyrgyz Republic on August 23 were released at 16:15 Japan time (13:15 local time) and were protected in safety in Karamyk, Kyrgyz.
Counsellor Kuninori Matsuda from the Embassy of Japan in Russia confirmed the identity of the four persons and also the fact that they were all unharmed.
When I think of the plight of these four men taken hostage as well as the anguish experienced by their families, I am indeed delighted with their protection in safety. I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Askar Akayev of Kyrgyz and to those concerned of Kyrgyz and other countries for their endeavors.
The Government of Japan is determined to take a resolute and unyielding attitude toward terrorism in all its forms and also to take every possible measures to prevent a similar incident from recurring.
It is truly regrettable that such an incident has taken place. The Government of Japan, learning lessons from this case, will make further efforts to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals including those engaged in assistance activities in Central Asia and other parts of the world.

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