(* 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: Thursday, 26 June, 2008, 9:00 p.m.
Place: Kyoto

Main topic:

North Korea's Nuclear Declaration

1. North Korea's Nuclear Declaration

Question:
North Korea has submitted to China a declaration of its nuclear development program without including information on nuclear weapons. Immediately following that the White House notified Congress its intention to rescind North Korea's designation as a State Sponsor of Terror. I understand that the declaration will be subject to verification in the next 45 days. There are some points of views that as a result of this Japan has lost any leverage to manipulate the situation on matters such as the abductions issue. Could you comment on this and on the overall series of developments that have taken place regarding this issue?

Minister:
It is in itself good that North Korea submitted a declaration. I think so. The issue is its content. The content of this declaration must be thoroughly verified as a matter of course. Another thing is about the fact that the White House has notified Congress its intention to rescind North Korea's designation as a State Sponsor of Terror. That means a notification of its intent at the present moment in light of the policy of the United States to take "action for action." Naturally, I'm sure that the United States will conduct a thorough verification of the content of the declaration. Just as President Bush said in his press conference, the United States will never forget about the abductions issue and it will continue to cooperate with Japan. Therefore, we intend to see to it that all necessary efforts are made to thoroughly accomplish that during the next 45 days and move to link that to the abductions issue, and furthermore to link that to resolving the issue. Tomorrow I will hold bilateral talks with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and I will certainly bear in mind the need to thoroughly ensure that that is taken care of.

Question:
Were there any discussions during the G8 Foreign Ministers' talks on the situation in North Korea?

Minister:
Today we did not discuss North Korean issues. Tomorrow we will take care of that. Today we dealt with the situation in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and the situation in Pakistan, which is closely linked to Afghanistan. In particular, we have talked about the G8 strengthening its assistance to the tribal areas in the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan. In this regard, in this region alone, we decided to provide as much as US$4 billion and endorsed more than 150 projects currently planned or implemented by G8 members. Furthermore, as far as the issue of Afghanistan is concerned, the decision has been made to issue an independent document, separate from the chairman's statement. I believe that tomorrow I will be able to make a thorough announcement on this matter in the chairman's statement, or in the independent document on Afghanistan.

Question:
The declaration regarding the nuclear programs was required to be a complete declaration. What is your view on the fact that there has been no inclusion in that declaration of the nuclear weapons?

Minister:
Of course, it would be better for nuclear weapons to be included. However, it is most important to verify the declaration whether it will eventually lead to and contribute to complete abandonment of their nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs by North Korea given that this is an interim progress report.

Question:
In the event that, ultimately, a decision is made after verification that this declaration does not contribute in that regard, what will happen?

Minister:
In the event that it is deemed that this does not contribute, then I believe that it will lead to a determination on the part of the United States that this does not amount to "action for action." In the event that it does not contribute to the desirable outcome, then on our part we will certainly express our opinion to that effect to the United States, and if in the event that the United States also deems that it does not contribute, then naturally, I suppose that the United States will have the courage to reverse the decision that it has taken.

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