(* 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 Hirofumi Nakasone

Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2008, 9:19 a.m.
Place: In front of the Cabinet Meeting Room in the House

Main topics:

Official Visit to Colombia by the Minister for Foreign Affairs
North Korean Issues
The Stabbing Incidents Targeting Former Health and Welfare Ministry Senior Officials
Measures against Piracy Cases Off the Coast of Somalia

1. Official Visit to Colombia by the Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister:
After attending the APEC Ministerial Meeting, I visited Columbia on November 20 and 21. This was the first time in 23 years, since former Foreign Minister Shintaro Abe, that a Japanese Foreign Minister has visited Columbia. I met with the President and the Foreign Minister and we exchanged opinions on a wide range of subjects. More specifically, we agreed on entering into negotiations for an investment treaty, and I believe that bilateral cooperation in the economic field as well as in other fields will advance further. Japan has assisted Columbia in many ways, including the construction of 100 children's libraries. I attended a ceremony celebrating this. Columbia stresses the importance of education as a foundation for nation building and, with aid from Japan, has built 120 schools. I introduced the anecdote of "Kome Hyappyo" and talked about the importance of education and pledged Japan's continued aid.

Related Information (Press Release)

2. North Korean Issues

Question:
Regarding the Six-Party Talks, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has announced that they will take place on December 8. In what manner did the Japanese Government receive this news? Also, please tell us what kind of approach Japan intends to take toward the Six-Party Talks.

Minister:
I am aware of the news reports. As I have been continuously stating, I believe that the Six-Party Talks need to be held soon and that the verification protocol needs to be put into writing. So, from Japan's position, there is no objection and I think that this is a good thing. However, it is China that is hosting the Talks and is preparing for the meeting, and we are observing the progress. Regarding Japan's approach from here forward, I believe that Japan must cooperate with the other countries to ensure that the verification will be duly carried out, as I have just mentioned. We must work toward this end during the scheduled talks as well.

Question:
What are the points that need to be agreed upon in order for the verification to be duly carried out?

Minister:
As I said before, I understand that there have been agreements between the US and North Korea on the issues of taking samples and verification locations. Therefore, for the verification to be duly carried out, I believe these agreements must necessarily be put into writing.

Question:
Has Japan been informed of the Six-Party Talks that will take place on December 8?

Minister:
Our position on this is that we are content with the schedule.

3. The Stabbing Incidents Targeting Former Health and Welfare Ministry Senior Officials

Question:
What is your opinion on the serial stabbing incidents that targeted former Health and Welfare Vice-Ministers and their families. Please also tell us what future measures you think the Government should take?

Minister:
These types of incidents should not happen at all, and as the suspect is currently under investigation, all I know about the motive for these attacks are what I hear from news reports. I believe that thorough investigations must be conducted and the reason behind the attacks must be made clear in order to prevent such incidents from happening again. If the former Vice-Ministers' work as civil servants is the reason for the attacks, I find this very regrettable.

4. Measures against Piracy Cases Off the Coast of Somalia

Question:
Regarding the measures against piracy cases off the coast of Somalia, some media outlets are reporting that in the Government's original proposal, there is some consideration for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force to provide protection to vessels including non-Japanese ones. Could you confirm these reports?

Minister:
It is not clear how this idea can be legally evaluated. I believe it is being discussed within the Cabinet Secretariat. What Japan can do, and more specifically, what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can do is still under review and I cannot comment any further on this matter.

Related Information (Piracy)

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