(* 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: Monday, June, 23, 2008, 2:00 p.m.
Place: Briefing Room, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topic:

Incorrect media reports on the Japan-North Korea Consultations

1. Incorrect media reports on the Japan-North Korea Consultations

Minister:
There have been some incorrect media reports and it would be greatly against our national interests if ignored. Therefore, I have promptly asked you all to gather here so that I can correct all of the facts in this regard. The media report that I am referring to was broadcast by TBS in a news program that started at 17:30 on Saturday evening, 21 June. After he returned from Beijing, Mr. Akitaka Saiki, Director-General for Asian and Oceanian Affairs for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs came to the Prime Minister's Office where he gave a briefing to the Prime Minister, the Chief Cabinet Secretary, myself and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister Nakayama, as well as others. The report on that meeting alleged that the talks had advanced in the direction of completely repealing the ban on entry of the Man Gyong Bong vessel to Japanese ports. That was the gist of what was reported and after that my photograph appeared and it was accompanied by a man's voice saying, "We should repeal the measures banning the entry of the Man Gyong Bong vessel to Japanese ports." The report went on to feature other opinions opposing this view and concluded that the meeting agreed that the entry is limited only to the case of transporting humanitarian assistance materials.

This is 100% a lie. Absolutely no media outlet had an interview with me. I believe that it is indeed terrible that such a 100% lie and falsified media report was broadcast on public airwaves. As a result of this an incorrect message was transmitted to North Korea alleging that the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan has recently decided to seek a full repeal of the embargo on the Man Gyong Bong vessel. This is something which is completely against our national interests. Sensing the need to rectify this situation, I promptly decided to ask you all to join me here.

Ambassador Song Il-Ho and Director-General Saiki carried out outside negotiations until the 11th hour and came up with a package which they brought to us. Given that that is what happened, this was not a meeting at which we talked about changing this or changing that. Ultimately, everyone present decided to approve that package. Although there was the opinion expressed that perhaps it would be better to alter some words for explanations to be used at the press conference held by the Chief Cabinet Secretary for better understanding, it was not the case that the package discussed between Ambassador Song Il-Ho and Director-General Saiki was going to be unilaterally changed by either side. The discussion focused on whether that package would be approved or rejected and ultimately everybody present decided to approve it. Those are the facts of what took place. The conversation was not one that focused on picking out the good parts of the package and giving instructions for which parts would be rejected. Indeed, both parties involved carried out negotiations until the final moment and brought us a package. Therefore, the choices that were presented to us were to approve or to reject that package. Against this backdrop nobody made any mention of any kind of complete repeal of the ban on entry of the Man Gyong Bong vessel to Japanese ports. From the beginning, there was only a choice to repeal the ban in order to allow for the transport of humanitarian assistance materials. However, there was a question regarding the actual meaning of transporting the humanitarian assistance materials, and there was a discussion that during the press conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary it would be advisable to refer to the answers to this question in a concise way. However, it is absolutely not a fact that there was any change in the package itself.

I will repeat myself once again. The allegation that the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan has under the current circumstances claimed the full repeal of the ban on entry of the Man Gyong Bong vessel to Japanese ports, is indeed a mistaken message to North Korea, which has extremely damaged our national interests. I would very much like those media making use of public airwaves to thoroughly consider that. I call upon you all for your cooperation in this regard.

Question:
Given that you have made this kind of statement about this incident, do you also intend to issue a formal written protest?

Minister:
I do not know whether or not a document will be issued, but, I can tell you that I certainly do intend to seek various opinions and lodge an official protest.

Question:
During the meeting that took place on 13 June weren't there any opinions expressed that were against the partial repeal?

Minister:
Ultimately, all people present granted their approval.

Question:
Will you call on TBS to repeal the report that they made?

Minister:
I would assume that if they have a conscience they will take their own initiative to repeal what they said. At the same time, of course, we call upon them to repeal that statement.

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