(* 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 21, 2007, 9:13 a.m.
Place: In front of the Ministers' Room in the House

Main topics:

FY2007 Official Development Assistance (ODA) White Paper
2nd International MANGA Award
Seizure of Japanese Fishing Vessels in Waters around Kunashiri Island
Response by the Government of Australia to the Research Whaling Vessels
Visit to China by Prime Minister Fukuda

1. FY2007 Official Development Assistance (ODA) White Paper

Minister:
The Official Development Assistance (ODA) White Paper was released today. As ODA can be sustained only with the understanding and cooperation of the people of Japan, we release the ODA White Paper annually, and this time we focus such issues as climate change, African development and public-private partnerships in ODA. The White Paper provides specific examples of approximately 30 Japanese citizens involved directly in ODA and I am sure it will be of great interest. Please take a look to it.

Question:
The amount of ODA has been slightly reduced in terms of budget requests. What are your thoughts on the status of ODA budget requests, and what efforts are being made toward revival negotiations?

Minister:
ODA is fixed and the 3% downturn comes in relation to the budget allocated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, when you consider it together with the supplementary budget, I believe we have achieved a good result in terms of overall budget.

In revival negotiations, I intend to place emphasis on such issues as the need to enhance diplomatic power and staffing for diplomatic organizations. From 9:30 a.m. at LDP Headquarters, a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Division will be held and at that meeting I will consult with party members as I try to gain their support in budgetary negotiation efforts.

2. 2nd International MANGA Award

Minister:
Looking towards next year, from today submissions will be accepted for consideration in the 2nd International MANGA Award. Last year we received 146 entries and the Award proved a great success. We want to continue this success in the future. The Award serves to create ties between international manga artists and Japan, and this is useful in achieving the spread and development of manga overseas. It is for this reason that we will continue the Award next year.

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

Question:
With regard to the seizure of Japanese fishing vessels by Russia, yesterday the Russian side summoned the minister in the Japanese Embassy in Moscow to protest and also referred to the fishery agreement. What response has been made to this move?

Minister:
There is a decided framework in place between our two countries and the relevant authorities examine the possibility of infringements of that framework. We will do that in a thorough manner. However, since the Northern Territories are essentially Japanese territory, essentially we cannot formally accept such protests. I believe that it is important to make efforts to abide by what was agreed.

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

Question:
The Government of Australia has an intention to dispatch patrol vessels to monitor the research whaling vessels of Japan. What response will you make, based on Japan-Australia relations?

Minister:
On research whaling is in line with international agreements, so we will do it. Australia has also its own stance and states that they will monitor our research whaling, but at the same time also call for a calm approach from NPOs and other organizations. In the near future I will seek to speak with my ministerial counterpart in Australia in some means about a whole of this issue.

Question:
There is the possibility that the Australians will bring a case before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), and in such a case what would Japan's response be?

Minister:
No such case has yet been brought and we would respond at such a time if it was, but as Japan is engaged in research whaling in line with international agreements, I do not think that there are any problems with Japan's actions. To a certain extent I think this is an issue relative to Japanese and Australian cultures, or the issue of national sentiment, and therefore it would be difficult for the logic of each side to prove persuasive to the other. This kind of issue is a most difficult one, but in the near future in some means I will be seeking to speak with the Foreign Minister of Australia.

Question:
Will you ask for the understanding of the Foreign Minister of Australia?

Minister:
I will call for mutual understanding concerning our respective positions.

5. Visit to China by Prime Minister Fukuda

Question:
When do you expect an announcement to be made concerning the formal dates for the Prime Minister's visit to China?

Minister:
I expect that an announcement will be made in the very near term.

Back to Index