(* 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: Friday, March 9, 2007, 9.25a.m.
Place: in front of the Ministers' Room in the House

Main topics:

First Round of Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Negotiations
Japan-North Korea Working Group

1.First Round of Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Negotiations

Minister:
Japan-Australia EPA Negotiations are to take place in Canberra, Australia, on both April 23 and 24. These form a part of the strengthening strategic relationship between Japan and Australia. At the same time, much has already been said regarding these negotiations as to how they will variously affect domestic agriculture. They are being described as 'sensitive', but I believe that, on Japan's part, efforts must be made to ensure that they result in the maximum possible gains in various senses.

Question:
Will there be a move towards achieving liberalization of each of the five product categories comprising rice, beef, dairy products and others?

Minister:
Various factors will come into play from hereon in. This is a rather difficult topic for both countries, and there are many sensitive issues of just this nature; therefore I cannot make any easy predictions at this stage.

2. Japan-North Korea Working Group

Question:
The Japan-North Korea Working Group commenced as part of the Six-Party Talks, but, as before, both sides remained just as far apart. The abductions issue having been made part of the Six-Party Talks, what kind of approach, do you think, is appropriate to bring the issue forward?

Minister:
The key point here is that this is no longer an issue to be dealt with one-on-one, but has been made part of the Six-Party Talks. Basically, both sides must reach an outcome within the 60 days ending in the middle of April. If it is only negotiations with Japan that are lagging when the time comes for an outcome to be reached, the other countries will urge North Korea to speedily address the issue with Japan, and, if North Korea doesn't, will be hindered in reaching an outcome themselves. The sanctions will thereby remain in place. That things can be achieved only by all the six parties in league is the key point of the Six-Party Talks. It goes without saying that North Korea wants to proceed by dealing with Japan separately from the others, and we are repeatedly hearing reports of how Japan is becoming isolated. I think that that, however, amounts to nothing more than playing completely into the hands of North Korea.

Question:
It will be 30 days next week since agreement was reached at the past Six-Party Talks. What is the state of preparation for the commencement of the other three Working Groups?

Minister:
We are talking about having the next Six-Party Talks on March 19.

Question:
So, will the Working Group on Energy, for example, and others commence next week?

Minister:
Yes, I am sure they will.

Question:
Does it look as if the three Working Groups will commence from next week?

Minister:
I presume so. I haven't heard any details.

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