(* This is a provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only. The original text is in Japanese.)

Press Conference by Minister for Foreign Affairs Masahiko Koumura

Date: Thursday, October 11, 2007, 6:22 p.m.
Place: Entrance to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

Kidnapping of a Japanese National in Iran
North Korean Issues

1. Kidnapping of a Japanese National in Iran

Question:
Regarding the kidnapping of the Japanese National in Iran, what is the current situation?

Minister:
I do not have any additional information, but while carrying on communications in a close manner between our local embassy and the Iranian Foreign Ministry, a situation has been set up under which a report will immediately be made if there is any development.

From now on I will be going to a dinner meeting (Iftar) to break the fast for the Ambassadors from Islamic Nations hosted by Yuriko Koike. I was told that the Ambassador from Iran will come, and I think that I will ask for him to do his best regarding this matter at the dinner.

Furthermore, the Ministry raised by one degree the level of Travel Advise & Warning that is "Recommendation to defer all travel". Besides for that, there are no particular new developments to report.

Question:
It appears that there have been some reports in the press of Iran that indicate that a large scale search activity is taking place in the Eastern portion of Iran. Do you have anything about that?

Minister:
Regarding that matter, considering that the general location is known, it is not difficult to imagine such activity may take place, but we do not have solid information about that. One more thing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been told that the members of the family have been disturbed by various kinds of excessive reporting and I would greatly appreciate if you could take this into consideration.

Question:
Regarding the criminal group in Iran, there is some information that says that they are requesting things such as the release of some of their concerned members. However, is it the case that you are not yet able to talk about the details of this?

Minister:
The situation is such that we do not know what requests there are.

Question:
Regarding the safety of the Japanese man, yesterday it was stated that confirmation was made that he is fine. Is it the case that since then you have not received any new information?

Minister:
As of this current time, it is unfortunately the case that we have not received anything. As of 10:30 p.m. last night, it was confirmed that he was fine.

Question:
There are some people that have taken the view that this kidnapping incident is similar to the kidnapping incident involving Belgian nationals. How does the Minister view this?

Minister:
I think that there are some elements about this that are similar and that there are some elements that are not similar. However, I also think that it would be better not to say anything at this point of time about the specific content.

Question:
Is it possible that it is the same group?

Minister:
I do not know about that.

Question:
Do the authorities in Iran and others have direct negotiations and direct contact?

Minister:
I also do not know about that.

Question:
Is it the case that still the Japanese side has not made direct contact? Is it also the case that you cannot announce this?

Minister:
I also do not know about that.

Question:
Do you have the intention to dispatch anyone from the Foreign Ministry headquarters?

Minister:
At the current time, we do not have that intention. Our expectation is to solve this at an early time. If unfortunately this drags out over a long time, we may have to think about doing something like that.

Question:
There are also some voices being raised asking why he went to such a dangerous place.

Minister:
As for that point, I will not comment about that now and instead I am focusing all of my forces on safely rescuing him. I am asking the people in Iran to make their fullest efforts in that regard and I believe that that is what we should do now.

2. North Korean Issues

Question:
The Ambassador from North Korea Mr. Song Il Ho had an interview and there are press reports that he expressed the following opinion. "Prime Minister Fukuda himself has said that he would place more emphasis on dialogue, and this is worthy of note. If the other party wants dialogue, we have no intention of avoiding that." What is your view on that?

Minister:
I would be very happy if they translated those words into practical and real actions.

Question:
Is there any kind of change that you can feel?

Minister:
I guess it is better that we see those kind of words coming out than for us to be swearing at each other. After all, it is concrete action that is important, and I would like to see that lead to such words. One often hears of the principle of "action for action" and that is why I would very much like to see concrete action.

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