(* 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: Tuesday, December 4, 2007, 9:20 a.m.
Place: In front of the Ministers' Room in the House

Main topics:

Cabinet Meeting and Informal Cabinet Meeting
Japan-China Relations
North Korean Issues

1. Cabinet Meeting and Informal Cabinet Meeting

Minister:
I gave a report to the Cabinet Meeting on my visit to China. At the Informal Cabinet Meeting I reported on the fact that Ms. Fumiko Saiga, Ambassador in Charge of Human Rights, was elected in the by-election of judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and that in this extremely difficult election she received the largest number of votes amongst the three winning candidates. Given that from the time before Japan acceded to the ICC I have served as the Chair of the Diet Members' League that promoted Japan's accession to the ICC, it is extremely rewarding for me personally that we have been able to put forth a judge in the first election held.

Related Information (Press Release)

2. Japan-China Relations

Question:
I would like to ask a question related to your visit to China. You have indicated that you were able to have a very frank exchange of views. Regarding the issue of gas fields in the East China Sea, which is a matter of concern, do you think that this issue can be resolved in a practical manner by the time of the visit to China by the Prime Minister?

Minister:
What we have agreed upon at this point in time is that resolving this matter is in the mutual interest of both sides. We have also agreed on conducting joint development across a very broad range. However, there is still quite a gap in our respective views on exactly where that range lies. If you are asking whether or not we have taken any steps closer to each other regarding that, the answer would be "No." Although we have not taken steps closer to each other's positions, we have both showed to each other that we both feel a strong will to resolve the issue. The Chinese side also has a strong will in this regard.

I hope that this issue will be resolved suddenly, rather than little by little. Now, that is my hope, and it is indeed a hope. Still, the Chinese side has stated that they also intend to make efforts at every level to resolve this issue by the time of the visit to China by Prime Minister Fukuda.

Under the current situation I cannot say "Yes" to the question as to whether or not in practical terms we have taken steps closer to each other's positions. However, it is a fact that we both have a strong will to resolve this.

Question:
Regarding the visit to China by the Prime Minister, now that December is already here and the Diet schedule and other factors must be considered, is there a high possibility of realizing that visit before the end of the year or not?

Minister:
Coordination is under way right now with a view to realizing it within this year at the earliest or at the beginning of the New Year and therefore I believe that if you wait a little longer you will know the outcome. Please be patient on this.

Question:
The delegation of the Democratic Party of Japan headed by President of the Party Ichiro Ozawa will leave for its visit to China on Thursday and is scheduled to meet with President Hu Jintao. What is the view of the Government of Japan on this?

Minister:
The Government of Japan does not make any particular comment on the exchanges engaged in by the members of the various political parties. From my own personal perspective, I do believe that the broader the fields of exchange there is between Japan and China the better it will be. As such I think that it is very good that exchanges take place in their respective fields.

Question:
It has been five years since there was a meeting between the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs and President Hu Jintao. Please describe your thoughts and impressions after meeting President Hu Jintao.

Minister:
Personally I have met him several times. I once again felt that President Hu Jintao prepares thoroughly for every meeting and speaks clearly at each of his meetings.

3. North Korean Issues

Question:
Regarding the Six-Party Talks, it seems that there will be a small delay in hosting the next round compared to what was originally arranged. What are your thoughts on when the next round will be held?

Minister:
Currently coordination is underway with a view toward holding the next round. Originally we had spoken of holding the meeting from around December 6 to December 8 and in fact this did come up at the Japan-China-Korea Three-Party Committee Meeting in Singapore. However, I have been informed that some difficult conditions have come up and that right now various coordination is underway toward realizing that.

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