(* 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 Katsuya Okada

Date: Friday, November 6, 2009, 5:45 p.m.
Place: Briefing Room, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

Opening Statements
- (1) The Ministerial Committee on Economic Partnership Agreements and the World Trade Organization
Assistance to Afghanistan
The Mekong-Japan Summit Meeting
The Issue of the Realignment of the US Forces in Japan
The Border Dispute between Cambodia and Thailand
Visit to Japan by Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell of the United States
Japan-Russia Relations
The Visit to Japan by President of the United States Barack Obama
The Granting of Voting Rights in Local Elections to Permanent Foreign Residents
The Ministerial Committee on Economic Partnership Agreements and the World Trade Organization

1. Opening Statements

(1) The Ministerial Committee on Economic Partnership Agreements and the World Trade Organization

Minister:
I convened a meeting of the Ministerial Committee on Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) before the Cabinet Meeting today. This committee consists of four ministers - the Minister for Foreign Affairs; the Minister of Finance; The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry; and the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The committee will hold meetings about once a month from now on. In the intervals between committee meetings, state secretary-level meetings will be held about twice a month. While we will continue to listen to various opinions, I think there is room for politicians to exercise a little more leadership when discussing this issue. When we go over minute details with ministry officials, the focus tends to be on protecting one's own area rather than on the significance of concluding an EPA. In light of this, we confirmed that the ministers should make decisions by consulting one another, identifying issues through politician-led discussions. Ministers other than the said four ministers - for example, the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare or the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications - will also take part as necessary. Also, there is a possibility that we will ask the Chief Cabinet Secretary to attend in some cases. I held the first of these meetings today. We went over the overall situation and decided to discuss a number of EPAs in detail at the next meeting. Also, given that the WTO Ministerial Conference on the Doha Round is scheduled to be held at the end of this month in Geneva, we agreed to hold the next meeting ahead of the conference in order to discuss the basic approach of the Japanese government beforehand.

2. Assistance to Afghanistan

Question (Okazaki, NHK):
I would like to ask you about assistance to Afghanistan and Pakistan. I assume that you are going to compile a specific proposal which will include a budget within today or tomorrow with the other ministers concerned. My question is, what is the current progress of discussions among the ministers? Also, the Chief Cabinet Secretary said at a press conference held this afternoon that there needs to be a comprehensive discussion of whether it is enough to provide assistance only to Afghanistan considering the situation of neighboring countries. Do you also share that opinion? Please tell us your thoughts in detail.

Minister:
Although it is true that I am currently discussing the issue with the ministers concerned, I think the process will continue beyond this week. We are in the finalization stage, with the aim of compiling a plan by some point early next week. The Prime Minister mentioned the budget in the Diet session today, but I do not know if the figure mentioned is correct since it was announced so suddenly. However, since the Prime Minister said it, I think the budget will be around that figure. Although it has not been decided officially yet, and although there might be some roughness, we expect that the financial authorities will respect the Prime Minister's statement. We are also considering whether we should cover only Afghanistan or assist both Afghanistan and Pakistan at once.

Question (Okazaki, NHK):
As a related question, can we assume that the figure of "400 to 500 billion yen" which the Prime Minister stated today in the Diet encompasses only Afghanistan assistance?

Minister:
That I do not know. We only know the questions and the answers given during the session - I would like to ask you to examine the nature of the answer given considering the kind of question asked.

3. The Mekong-Japan Summit Meeting

Question (Yamamoto, Nikkei Newspapers):
Concerning the first meeting between the heads of the governments of Japan and the Mekong region countries, which is currently being held, what is the significance of holding this meeting at this time? Could you please also tell us about how important you consider this region to be for Japan?

Minister:
The summit meeting will be held today and tomorrow, based on the groundwork laid at the Foreign Ministers' Meeting held recently during my visit to Cambodia. Among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the countries of the Mekong Region feel a certain amount of solidarity with each other as they share the Mekong River. The region is also characterized by significant disparities: for example, there is large disparity between Thailand on the one hand and Laos and Cambodia on the other. And then there is Myanmar. In this sense, I think it is highly significant that we discuss on a regular basis what Japan can do for the Mekong Region as a whole. Although I cannot reveal the content of the discussion before it takes place, we will be discussing economic development and international transportation networks - especially the East-West Corridor and the North-South Corridor - along with issues of "connectivity," as well as the environment and people-to-people exchange.

Question (Unidentified journalist):
On the same topic, how do you perceive the United States' dialogue-oriented policy toward Myanmar as well as China's increasing involvement in this region?

Minister:
I basically think we should welcome China's increased commitment in the Mekong Region. The US, too, is becoming more interested in ASEAN and the Mekong Region compared to the previous administrations. I think it is a positive sign that each country is working on boosting development in the region within their respective areas of strength. In relation to Myanmar, I think the countries have been roughly categorized in three groups. While some countries, such as China and India, provide significant economic assistance, the US and European countries have been imposing sanctions against the country. Japan takes a unique approach: it has shied away from providing large-scale economic assistance but has been extending civilian or NGO-mediated assistance on a small scale. Japan has not completely severed its relationship with the current Myanmar administration, but has urged it to change by maintaining ties. I think the US has recently shifted its policy in a visible way toward the stance taken by Japan. I hear that US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell recently visited Myanmar and met government officials and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Assistant Secretary Campbell arrived in Japan yesterday and I exchanged views with him on this issue. I think it has become extremely worthwhile for Japan and the US to tackle the issue of Myanmar together. What is essential is that the general election next year will be conducted in a fair, democratic, and open manner. The Government of Japan will work to ensure that this becomes a reality.

4. The Issue of the Realignment of the US Forces in Japan

Question (Kawasaki, Yomiuri):
It has been reported that the US Senate has decided to cut 70% of the US$300 million budget earmarked for the relocation of the US Marine Corps to Guam. Some see this as a budget cut on the part of the US Senate because the Futenma issue is not being resolved smoothly. I believe this has the possibility of affecting the relocation to Guam and is closely connected to the matter of by when a resolution to the Futenma issue will be made. What is your opinion on this?

Minister:
It is true that more than US$200 million was cut from the US$300 million allocated in the budget. The same thing happened when passing the budget authorization bill before the budget, but this decision was reversed as a result of coordination between the US State Department and the Senate. This time cuts are happening at the draft stage. I am not sure if the Futenma issue had a direct effect on this. However, I would like to point out that several months ago the same thing happened at the stage of budget authorization.

Question (Nakaima, Ryukyu Shimpo):
I would like to ask about the Futenma issue. According to an opinion poll conducted jointly by Ryukyu Shimpo and the Mainichi Shimbun, 70% are in favor of negotiations to relocate outside of Okinawa or outside Japan. Additionally, 70% are against the Kadena consolidation plan. This weekend a rally is scheduled to take place in Kadena as well. Within Okinawa prefecture, the call for relocation outside of Okinawa or outside Japan is deeply rooted. I am sure that you visited Okinawa several times before becoming Minister for Foreign Affairs, but I feel there is a need for you to do so again as Minister for Foreign Affairs to listen to voices of the people of Okinawa. Do you have any plans to visit Okinawa?

Minister:
Right now the Budget Committee is in session. Next week an APEC ministerial meeting will take place in Singapore. I must participate in these, but I would like to visit Okinawa once these have settled down.

Question (Nakaima, Ryukyu Shimpo):
Regarding the timing, once we enter into December the budget process will be in the final stages. You stated originally that what happens with the budget would be one indication of when this issue will be resolved. If this is so, then is it correct to understand that you want to realize a visit to Okinawa during November?

Minister:
There are various Diet deliberations which put limitations on the amount of time I have, but I would like to go as soon as possible.

Question (Takahashi, Jiji Press):
In relation to the topic of a visit to Okinawa, it is my understanding that the Kadena consolidation plan you are considering is a plan in which one and one equals less than one rather than a plan in which one and one equals two. Do you intend to make a decision on whether to adopt this plan by the time you make a visit to Okinawa or will you make a decision after having listened to the opinions of the local residents? What order are you planning to do things in?

Minister:
There are many opinions on this matter and it is not something for me to decide on by myself. Within the government, the final decision will be made by the Prime Minister. The process leading to that decision must be discussed by all ministers concerned. To answer your question, I believe the final decision will be made after thoroughly taking into account the opinions of the local residents. Everything, including whether one visit will be sufficient for this, or whether it will take two or three visits, is undecided at the moment.

Question (Murao, Yomiuri Shimbun):
Regarding the Futenma issue, you interviewed relevant people at the Ministry of Defense last week and this week there were the deliberations in the Diet. I would like to ask you again about the verification process; has there been any change in your position that the Kadena consolidation plan may be a possible alternative?

Minister:
It is true that I have heard many things from the Ministry of Defense as well as from the US side. As to what my thoughts are at this moment, I do not intend to state what they are at this interim stage. We are in the process of verification.

Question (Uchida, Asahi Shimbun):
Relating to the Futenma issue and the timing of your visit to Okinawa, you stated previously that you would visit once you had made up your mind about your position on the matter. Please tell us what made you change your mind to making the visit before your decision?

Minister:
I decided that it would be better to go with an open mind and make a decision rather than decide and then go.

Question (Uchida, Asahi Shimbun):
Is the increasing objection in Okinawa one of the reasons behind the delay in governmental decision making on various issues?

Minister:
When I said "make a decision," I meant deciding my own personal feelings and position. I did not say that I would visit Okinawa after the government had made a decision.

5. The Border Dispute between Cambodia and Thailand

Question (Oh, Reuters):
There is some diplomatic friction between Cambodia and Thailand right now which has led to the recalling of ambassadors. Is there any possibility that Japan will step in to mediate?

Minister:
This is a delicate situation. Currently, the heads of state of both countries are in Japan, but I believe this is not a matter to bring up at the Mekong-Japan Summit Meeting. However, I am scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva of Thailand tomorrow and Prime Minister Hatoyama is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with each of the leaders. So I believe there may be a possibility that this subject will be discussed then.

6. Visit to Japan by Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell of the United States

Question (Jimbo, Videonews.com):
I heard that during your meeting with Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell yesterday he said that in order to resolve the stalemate situation of the International Whaling Commission (IWC), Japan and the US should agree to act positively on this issue, and you agreed to this. Please tell us the truth of the matter. Additionally, is there any possibility that this matter will come up on the agenda of the Japan-US Summit Meeting next week? I have also heard that Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee of the United States, Senator John Kerry, sent you a letter along the same lines. Is this true? Please tell us the facts on these three points.

Minister:
I have no memory of this matter coming up during my meeting with Assistant Secretary of State Campbell. However, we discussed many topics so I may have forgotten. I will confirm this. Either way, I have heard this on a foreign ministerial level at various places and I believe it is a matter of Japan's diplomacy which must be thoroughly discussed. Each country has its own food culture and, at the same time, I believe that it is only natural to set a certain limit in consideration of the preservation of a species. If we pass that limit, I am sure there would be various arguments.

(Additional information) Minister for Foreign Affairs Okada did not discuss the IWC with Assistant Secretary of State Campbell.

Question (Jimbo, Videonews.com):
Please tell us what is on the agenda of discussion for the summit meeting and about the letter from Senator Kerry.

Minister:
We are not yet at a stage where we are ready to discuss the content of the summit meeting. I cannot comment on anything as we basically will not know many of the topics the US side will bring up until the meeting. As for a letter from Senator Kerry, I have not seen one to date, but perhaps one is in my inbox.

7. Japan-Russia Relations

Question (Sato, NHK):
I have a question on Japan-Russia relations. Minister of Land，Infrastructure，Transport and Tourism Seiji Maehara visited Nemuro, Hokkaido, the other day to meet with former residents of the Four Northern Islands. During the meeting, they explained to Minister Maehara the current situation, that more than half of the people who used to live on the Islands had passed away and that the average age of the people left had shifted above 76 years old. They also expressed strong expectation for the Hatoyama Administration, which has a deep connection with Russia. Now let me ask you two questions. What is the stance of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) for negotiations of the territorial issue? Will it be different from the one held formally by governments led by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)? This is what the people in Hokkaido sincerely want to know. Vice-minister level consultations took place last month and an upcoming diplomatic schedule will include an APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. With that in mind, and with Russia proposing "a flexible approach," will Japan act to get the ball rolling? These are the two questions that I want to ask.

Minister:
I had an opportunity to exchange views with some representatives who visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the other day. This is an issue which requires us to take the other party's opinion into account. It would be inappropriate to elaborate on what procedures the negotiation will follow and what kind of diplomatic cards we have in our hand. We seek to settle the Northern Territories issue as soon as possible. For its part, Russia expressed its expectations of Prime Minister Hatoyama during a summit meeting in New York two months ago. There was also a proposal to hold a minister-level meeting - it was suggested that a foreign ministers' meeting be convened promptly to discuss matters not limited to the Northern Territories issue. While the diplomatic schedule is filled with many events, I would like to visit Russia, if the situation permits, and should there be any possibility for the Northern Territories issue to move forward, after the current session of the Diet ends and before the new session of the Diet begins. Nothing concrete has been decided yet.

8. The Visit to Japan by President of the United States Barack Obama

Question (Beppu, NHK):
A Japan-US summit meeting is scheduled for next week. Japan will be the first destination in President of the United States Barack Obama's first trip to Asian countries since he assumed the office of President. What points does Japan, as a host, want to confirm with the United States? What sort of things do you think would need to happen in order to be able to consider his visit to Japan a success?

Minister:
Generally speaking, President Obama's upcoming visit to Japan is based on a summit meeting in New York, in which the two leaders built a relationship of trust. I expect for them to discuss a broad range of matters, including Japan-US relations and the roles that Japan and the United States should play in the Asia-Pacific region and when addressing global issues. I wish for the results of the meeting to be announced in a forward-looking manner. Recent media coverage is solely on the issue of the relocation of Futenma Air Station, but the upcoming summit meeting is not being planned only for a discussion of this issue. I have said this many times in my press conferences.

9. The Granting of Voting Rights in Local Elections to Permanent Foreign Residents

Question (Nanao, Nico Nico Douga):
My question is on the granting of voting rights in local elections to permanent foreign residents. Last year's May 20 article in your blog stated that "My basic policy for promoting efforts to grant voting rights in local elections to permanent foreign residents is to cherish the co-existence of many cultures and recognize diverse values." I think the discussion on foreigner voting rights will be deepened further in and outside of the Diet. The policy you stated is not stipulated in the DPJ's Manifesto. How will the policy benefit Japan specifically? Please tell us your view as the head of Japan's diplomacy.

Minister:
How I personally view the issue of foreigner voting rights is just as you described. As a member of the Cabinet, however, I will follow the policy of the Hatoyama Administration, which the Prime Minister clarified in Diet deliberations the other day.

10. The Ministerial Committee on Economic Partnership Agreements and the World Trade Organization

Question (Yoshida, NHK):
I want to ask a question on the Ministerial Committee on Economic Partnership Agreements and the World Trade Organization. In your opening statement, you said you intended to take up several EPAs in detail at the next meeting. How will you decide which EPAs to focus on considering that Japan is currently advancing negotiations with four countries and one region? This is my first question. Many businesspeople are strongly calling for an EPA with the European Union (EU). Still negotiations have not been started. My next question is: how do you wish for the Ministerial Committee to handle this situation?

Minister:
Although this has not yet been put on the agenda for concrete discussions, there are several EPAs that businesspeople are calling for other than the one with the EU. Naturally I want them all to be discussed, but the decision will depend on the results of the next meeting, during which we will focus our discussion on EPAs that are currently under negotiation. Whether we will cover, during the next meeting, all the EPAs under negotiations, or select just a few of them, will be determined following discussions among state secretaries. We need to discuss EPAs with Australia and India. A Japan-EU EPA, over which substantial negotiations have yet to start, is also an important topic for discussion, although I am not saying that other EPAs are not important. We must clarify what the issues are and what actions we need to take in order for the issues to be resolved on a political level.

Get Acrobat Reader (Open a New Window)

Back to Index