(* 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 30, 2006, 6:15 p.m.
Place: Central Lobby, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

The shooting and seizure of a Japanese fishing vessel in waters surrounding the Four Northern Islands

The shooting and seizure of a Japanese fishing vessel in waters surrounding the Four Northern Islands

Question:
What is your view of the release today of the two crew members?

Minister:
It has been two weeks since the incident took place on the 16th. The two have been released without incident and while they are apparently tired they don't appear to be sick. From this point we are going to listen to what they say happened and deal with things from there.

Question:
What is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs thinking of doing in regard to Captain Sakashita whose confinement looks set to continue?

Minister:
This is related to Russian law, so will be judged and dealt with according to Russian law, So, I am not fully acquainted with the situation. This, too, is something that we will have to think about how to respond to once we have heard more about it from the two who have returned.

Question:
Are we correct in understanding that the Russian government has advised the Japanese government that it intends subjecting the captain to criminal prosecution?

Minister:
I am aware that there is an intention to do something of that sort.

Back to Index