(* 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: Friday, September 12, 2008, 10:51
Place: Briefing Room, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

Opening Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs
- (1) Japan's Replenishment Support Activities under the Replenishment Support Special Measures Law (Exchange of Notes with Denmark)
- (2) Decision on the Logo and Catchphrase for Mekong-Japan Exchange Year 2009
North Korean Issues

1. Opening Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs

(1) Japan's Replenishment Support Activities under the Replenishment Support Special Measures Law (Exchange of Notes with Denmark)

Minister:
This afternoon I concluded an exchange of notes with Mr. Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin, Ambassador of Denmark to Japan, concerning replenishment for Danish vessels. This exchange of notes brings the total number of countries to which Japan is providing replenishment support in the Indian Ocean to eight. Denmark will newly dispatch vessels to take part in Operation Enduring Freedom-Maritime Interdiction Operation (OEF-MIO) and will contribute to activities to maintain peace on the high seas in the Indian Ocean. This is a good thing for the international community and also something for which Japan is most appreciative. It is of vital importance for Japan to block terrorists and pirates from freedom of movement in the Indian Ocean, and we are most appreciative of efforts to this end. In order to assist these efforts, we supply fuel and water to the vessels of said operations. Denmark's new participation in OEF-MIO is most appreciated.

Question:
You mentioned that the aim is to ensure that terrorists and pirates do not have freedom of movement in the Indian Ocean. Will the fuel that Japan provides be used in anti-piracy measures?

Minister:
Operation Enduring Freedom-Maritime Interdiction Operation (OEF-MIO) involves the vessels of all participating countries targeting all suspicious vessels. Although the primary aim is counterterrorism, as participating vessels are on regular patrol in the Indian Ocean, it is fair to say that by inspecting suspicious vessels they will also be of service in anti-piracy measures.

Related Information (Press Release)

(2) Decision on the Logo and Catchphrase for Mekong-Japan Exchange Year 2009

Minister:
With an eye to the Mekong-Japan Exchange Year 2009, we have decided upon the logo and also on the catchphrase "Together toward the future, Mekong and Japan." This logo and catchphrase will be jointly used by Japan and the countries of the Mekong region. From the perspective that developing of the Mekong region will be to the benefit of the countries of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), and that benefit to ASEAN will bring benefits to Japan, we have poured efforts into the development of the Mekong region, which has been relatively developing slowly in comparison with other ASEAN countries and the regions. In the exchange year of 2009 we aim to engage in a variety of exchanges in all areas.

2. North Korean Issues

Question:
What is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' view on the current situation in which it is reported that Kim Jong Il has not appeared in public due to his health problems? What impact do you think the current situation will have on meetings in which North Korea is involved, including Japan-North Korea consultations and the Six-Party Talks?

Minister:
There are various reports on this matter and due to the nature of the issue I cannot say what information the Japanese Government has, but it is certainly a fact that a variety of information is currently circulating. We will watch developments very closely with the utmost interest. Whatever the case, the Japanese Government will continue to monitor the issue and take a number of measures to ensure that the situation does not have an adverse impact on advances in the nuclear issue or the advancement of Japan-North Korea relations, including the abduction issue, and to minimize any impact should there be one.

Question:
The nuclear issue would appear to be in deadlock concerning the matter of inspections, and North Korea has also said that it will delay the establishment of an investigation committee into the abduction issue. Do you think that this could be due to the fact that decision-making at the highest level cannot be implemented?

Minister:
That is a probability, but we don't make judgment thoughtlessly and keep monitoring the situation closely.

Question:
Photographs from the United States have been released that would indicate that North Korea has built a new missile launch pad. What do you think about this development?

Minister:
If that is the case then it is truly regrettable. However, I would like to refrain from further comment on what information the Japanese Government has regarding this issue.

Question:
Have you had an exchange of opinions on this issue?

Minister:
We are always in contact, with the United States and with other countries as well.

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