(* 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: Friday, November 28, 2008, 9:50 a.m.
Place: In front of the Cabinet Meeting Room in the House

Main topics:

Opening Statements by the Minister
- (1) Termination of the Transport Activities by the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force
- (2) Visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda by Mr. Nobuhide Minorikawa, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs
Series of Terrorist Attacks in Mumbai, India
Situation in Thailand

1. Opening Statement by the Minister

(1) Termination of the Transport Activities by the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force

Minister:
At the cabinet meeting, a decision was made to terminate the transport activities by the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force in Iraq and other regions by the end of this year. Iraq and other relevant countries as well as the UN have expressed their appreciation for the transport activities by the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force. I too, would like to extend my gratitude to the members of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces for their efforts. Even after the termination of the transport activities, Japan will continue its assistance toward the reconstruction of Iraq. We will work to improve political dialogue as well as strengthen economic and business relationships in various areas including the fuel sector and establish a friendly long-term relationship. Additionally, the Iraqi Council of Representatives approved the agreement stipulating the US military presence yesterday. I welcome this as a decision that is conducive to the stability of Iraq.

Related Information (The Issue of Iraq)

(2) Visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda by Mr. Nobuhide Minorikawa, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister:
Japan is deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and strongly urges measures to address the humanitarian situation, an immediate ceasefire by armed groups and immediate observance of the existing Peace Agreements. From this viewpoint, it was decided to dispatch Mr. Nobuhide Minorikawa, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, from December 1 to December 4 to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda to urge the governments of these two countries to address the situation. Additionally, the Japanese Government has decided to extend emergency grant aid of approximately 7 million US dollars for humanitarian assistance to internally displace persons within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Parliamentary Vice-Minister Mr. Minorikawa will announce this decision to the governments of both countries.

Related Information (Press Release)

2. Series of Terrorist Attacks in Mumbai, India

Question:
Regarding the terrorist attacks in India, there are reports that Japanese nationals are trapped in hotels. Could you please comment on the current situation?

Minister:
We have been able to confirm the safety of all Japanese nationals residing in the area. However, I cannot give detailed information on the situation of the Japanese nationals trapped in hotels due to issues of safety.

Question:
As of yesterday, it was announced that there were 10 Japanese nationals in hotels and that their safety had been confirmed, however they had been unable to leave the hotel. Please comment on this.

Minister:
In order to protect the safety of these people, I would like to refrain from making any comments about the details of this matter.

Question:
Has there been an increase in casualties?

Minister:
I have not heard anything in regards to that.

Question:
There have been reports that there are five Japanese nationals in the Trident Hotel.

Minister:
In regards to whether there are Japanese nationals there, I would like to refrain from answering as this situation has not yet been resolved. It has also been said that the perpetrators sought out victims such as those of British nationality, and from this standpoint, I would also like to refrain from commenting.

Related Information (Press Release)

3. Situation in Thailand

Question:
What are your thoughts on the situation in Thailand and the upcoming ASEAN-related meetings?

Minister:
I am deeply concerned over this issue. I hope for a speedy and peaceful resolution. Regarding the ASEAN-related meetings, I believe that the Thai Government is discussing various issues, taking the current situation into consideration. At the moment, there has been no notification of a change in the schedule of the ASEAN-related meetings.

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