(* 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: Friday, December 14, 2007, 14:30 p.m.
Place: In front of the Ministers' Room, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

Emergency Assistance for the Oil Spill Accident in the Republic of Korea
Assistance to the Chadian Police for Humanitarian Protection (PTPH)
Seizure of Japanese Fishing Vessels in Waters around Kunashiri Island
Response by the Government of Australia to the Research Whaling Vessels
North Korean Issues

1. Emergency Assistance for the Oil Spill Accident in the Republic of Korea

Minister:
The oil spill accident that occurred in the Republic of Korea is a large-scale incident involving 1.7 times the amount of oil as the Nakhodka vessel spill. In response to the request from the Government of the Republic of Korea, a decision has been taken to provide assistance to address both personnel and material needs. In terms of personnel needs, we will dispatch six experts to provide advice on cleaning up the oil as part of a Japan Disaster Relief Team that will depart for the Republic of Korea tomorrow. In terms of material assistance, we have decided to supply 10 tons worth of oil absorbent, which amounts to approximately 30 million yen in value.

This is the first time that Japan will send a Disaster Relief Team to the Republic of Korea. We have made this decision based on three perspectives: from the humanitarian perspective and in light of our friendly cooperative relations, as well as with a view to preventing pollution of the ocean.

I would like to extend my heartfelt concern to all those who have suffered from this accident.

2. Assistance to the Chadian Police for Humanitarian Protection (PTPH)

Minister:
Regarding the situation in Darfur and in the Republic of Chad, as part of our peace-building assistance we have made a decision to provide 2.2 million US dollars (approximately 240 million yen) in order to assist the activities of the police forces in Chad.

Refugees and evacuees come out from Darfur and are camped in Chad, but the police authorities in Chad are not necessarily able to properly handle the situation, and the situation there is becoming extremely dangerous. As such, the United Nations PeaceKeeping Operations conduct training and other activities for the police forces and Japan will provide them with facilities and equipment as part of our peace-building assistance.

Through next year's hosting of the TICAD IV and the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit, Japan intends to establish peace-building as a pillar of its efforts. This assistance will be provided as part of that overall effort.

Related Information (Press Release)

3. Seizure of Japanese Fishing Vessels in Waters around Kunashiri Island

Question:
Do you have any new information about which you can update us on regarding the issue of the seizure of fishing vessels by Russia?

Minister:
I have not received any briefing about which I can update you.

4. Response by the Government of Australia to the Research Whaling Vessels

Question:
Regarding the research whaling issue, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has stated that Australia is prepared to dispatch navy vessels against the research whaling that Japan intends to conduct. What are your thoughts on this?

Minister:
I have not yet received a proper report on this, and so I will refrain from commenting. However, Japan sends these vessels in line with the agreements and therefore there is no legal problem. Rather, this is an issue relevant to Japanese culture. Still, this is an issue that evokes emotional responses from many nations and considering that we cannot necessarily ignore these sentiments. Therefore, we think that this is research whaling and the purpose of the research is to enhance scientific understanding. I would hope that the situation could be understood in this manner, but I do understand that this is not something that can simply be explained and accepted based on reason, therefore we are struggling with this.

5. North Korean Issues

Question:
In the United States Congress it appears that there is an increasing amount of support being given to the view that North Korea should not be removed from the list of nations sponsoring terrorism. This morning, you stated that you do not see any positive outlook for progress in Japan-North Korea relations. What is your view in this regard?

Minister:
At any rate, it is important to move forward in a balanced manner on both sides. I believe that it is not necessary to maintain balance in a state of stagnation, but to maintain balance as one moves forward. That is why Japan also intends to make efforts so that Japan-North Korea relations do not lag behind. If the situation advances in an unbalanced manner, then it causes problems. We are determined to maintain balance and move forward, and, as much as possible, to make effort so that Japan-North Korea relations do not lag behind other matters.

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