(* This is a provisional translation by "WIP ジャパン" for reference purpose only. The original text is in Japanese.)

Press Conference by Foreign Minister Taro Aso

Date: Wednesday, August 16, 2006, 1:04 p.m.
Place: Central Lobby, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

Seizure of a Japanese fishing vessel in waters surrounding the four Northern Islands

Question:
There was an incident today in which a Japanese fishing vessel was seized by Russia.

Minister:
As has already been partially reported, an incident occurred this morning in which a Japanese fishing vessel was shot at and seized by Russia. This must be considered an extremely serious incident involving human lives. Since the Russian Ambassador is presently away from Tokyo, I have had Mr. Harada, Director of the European Affairs Bureau, summon the Russian chargé d'affaires for an explanation of the incident. At the same time, he will demand that the seized vessel, as well as anyone who may be being held in custody, be freed without delay. In other words, my instructions are to demand an immediate release. There have been reports of one crew member dead. This has not yet been confirmed, but we will continue to attend to the matter with the greatest concern. I believe that in Moscow Ambassador Saito is lodging the same request with the Russian authorities. Once the matter has been investigated, I, too, am to make a direct protest to the Russian chargé d'affaires.

Question:
What about the safety of the Japanese crew members?

Minister:
I do not know the exact details at this point.

Question:
There are reports that one is dead, and another either dead or severely injured.

Minister:
I am unable to respond to that at the moment.

Question:
A short time ago, the Russian chargé d'affaires said that the seizure took place within Russian territorial waters. What do you say in regard to that?

Minister:
At this point I am unable to explain in detail what Russia is saying or the state of our investigations, and cannot, therefore, either concur with or gainsay that.

Question:
Are you considering the establishment of rules of some kind in order to avoid future incidents involving seizure and shooting?

Minister:
That has been one of a number of pending tasks for a long time.

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