(* 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: Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 11:20 a.m.
Place: Briefing Room, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

Measures against Novel Influenza A (H1N1)
Japan-Russia Relations (Four-island Non-visa Exchange Program)
North Korean Issues
Relocation of the US Marines in Okinawa to Guam

1. Measures against Novel Influenza A (H1N1)

Question:
Regarding Novel Influenza A (H1N1), there have been media reports stating that the travel warning for Mexico is being reconsidered. Are you actually discussing this?

Minister:
Yesterday, Dr. Chan, Director-General of WHO stated that current situation remains in phase 5. I believe that the decision to move to phase 6 will depend, naturally, on the future infection situation of each country. What Japan must do now, first of all, is to continue with our efforts in gathering information. Regarding the review of the travel warning, as I have just stated, we will consider this taking into account the situation going forward. We have not yet made a decision to change this at the moment.

Question:
Due to a suspicion that a passenger flying on Shanghai Airlines on a flight from Haneda to Shanghai yesterday had Novel Influenza A (H1N1), passengers, including some Japanese nationals, are being detained at a hotel. What is the situation of these passengers now?

Minister:
A passenger on the May 17, 2:30 p.m. Shanghai Airlines flight from Haneda to Shanghai, flight 816, showed signs of a fever. Passengers in proximity of this passenger, those seated within three rows in front and behind, were held at a hotel in Shanghai until test results came out. At 10:44 a.m. today, all of the passengers were released. I believe that this means that the passengers were not infected by Novel Influenza A (H1N1).

Question:
Has it been confirmed that the passenger that originally showed symptoms was not infected as well?

Minister:
Yes.

2. Japan-Russia Relations (Four-island Non-visa Exchange Program)

Question:
Regarding the non-visa exchange, the second visit is scheduled from May 22. Do you think it will take place?

Minister:
It is regrettable that preparations for the first visit were not completed in time. Mr. Yabunaka, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs conveyed our regret to the Russian Ambassador along with a request to ensure that the second visit will take place. Currently, we are coordinating with the Russian side to make this happen according to schedule. The Russian side cited internal procedures as the reason for the delay and they have stated that they will make efforts to complete internal procedures as soon as possible, and we are also strongly expecting that this will happen. Additionally, yesterday, in Moscow, the Japanese Ambassador strongly requested the Russian Vice Minister to make sure that the second visit can take place without difficulties.

Question:
Was there a response from the Russian side?

Minister:
I have received the explanation that they are currently coordinating with the relevant ministries and agencies.

3. North Korean Issues

Question:
On a TV Asahi program, Mr. Soichiro Tahara stated that Ms. Yokota and Ms. Arimoto have already died and that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs knows that they are no longer living. What is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' position on this?

Minister:
When I heard about this, I thought that it was extremely regrettable and unfortunate. It is a statement that is extremely misleading. The Ministry's position, as you all know and as is written in the Ministry's pamphlet on the abduction issue, is that as long as there is no convincing explanation from the North Korean side, we make it our premise that all of the victims whose safety is unknown are still alive, and strongly demand North Korea to secure the safety of all the victims, realize their immediate return to Japan, carry out a thorough investigation, and extradite those responsible for the abductions. This is Japan's position on this matter. Therefore, Mr. Tahara's statement that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also aware that the victims are no longer living is a complete mistake and it is very regrettable. We are making efforts to realize the return of the victims as soon as possible. There was something like a clarification in the newspaper; however, I believe that Mr. Tahara himself has not made any clear clarification. The newspaper reported that he is "very sorry to have made a statement regarding an issue that concerns life and death without showing a tangible information source." His statement was focused on the point that he had not revealed his information source. This is an extremely serious matter, and it was a very disrespectful act towards the many people who are working hard for the return of the victims.

4. Relocation of the US Marines in Okinawa to Guam

Question:
The newly elected President of the Democratic Party of Japan, Mr. Yukio Hatoyama, stated at a press conference that regarding the Futenma Air Station, he would keep firm in working towards relocating the air station to outside of Okinawa prefecture. What are your thoughts on this matter?

Minister:
Did Mr. Hatoyama say where outside of Okinawa?

Question:
He did not say where exactly, just outside of Okinawa.

Minister:
If he does not state where outside of Okinawa, his statement has no concreteness. The people of Okinawa desire its relocation to outside the prefecture. This issue has been decided on after thorough discussion between Japan and the US, and a roadmap has been established from the viewpoint of reducing the burden of local communities in Okinawa while maintaining deterrence. The relocation of US Marines in Okinawa to Guam has been decided based on this viewpoint. I believe that the realization of the relocation, as soon as possible and without any difficulties, will prove beneficial for the people of Okinawa.

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