(* 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: Friday, May 22, 2009, 8:35 a.m.
Place: Entrance hall, Prime Minister's Office

Main topics:

Opening Statement
- (1) Travel Warning on Infectious Disease for Mexico and Visa Measures Relaxed
- (2) Attendance at the Ninth ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Foreign Ministers' Meeting
Prime Minister Aso's Statement regarding the Northern Territories during the Japan-Russia Summit Meeting
North Korea's Navigation Warning

1. Opening Statement

(1) Travel Warning on Infectious Disease for Mexico and Visa Measures Relaxed

Minister:
Regarding Novel Influenza A (H1N1), based on the most recent conditions, we have made a decision to change the travel warning on infectious disease recommending the postponement of any unnecessary and non-urgent trips to Mexico and the consideration of early evacuation to a warning to be very cautious, the same warning issued for other countries that are experiencing outbreaks. This was decided today, May 22. Additionally, the temporary suspension of visa exemptions for Mexico has been lifted as of the same day.

Question:
In relation to Mexico, what is the reason for relaxing the travel warning regarding infectious disease?

Minister:
There were many reports this morning at the Headquarters for Countermeasures against Influenza A (H1N1) regarding the mild virulence of the influenza, the situation of the disease spreading throughout Japan, and the effectiveness of drugs; a comprehensive decision was made based on these reports.

Related Information (Press Release)

(2) Attendance to the Ninth ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Minister:
If the approval is given at a Cabinet Meeting, I plan to visit Hanoi, Viet Nam, from tomorrow, Saturday May 23 to Tuesday May 26 in order to attend the Ninth Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). A wide range of topics will be discussed at this meeting such as the current financial situation, climate change, the issue of the Korean Peninsula, and Novel Influenza A (H1N1). I would like to take an active part in these discussions. Additionally, in preparation for any outbreaks of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) in Asian countries, anti-viral drugs enough for 500,000 people will be stockpiled through a Novel Influenza A (H1N1) countermeasures project launched under the initiative of Japan. The opening ceremony for this will be held during ASEM and I am scheduled to attend. I also plan to have bilateral meetings with my counterparts from various countries.

2. Prime Minister Aso's Statement regarding the Northern Territories during the Japan-Russia Summit Meeting

Question:
Regarding the report in this morning's Asahi Shimbun that at the Japan-Russia Summit Meeting held recently, Prime Minister Aso stated that "the 1956 Declaration will never bring about a resolution," referring to the 1956 Japan-Soviet Joint Declaration including the return of two islands, please tell us whether there is any truth to this matter as well as to whether the meaning of this statement differs from the Government's policy up until now.

Minister:
I would like to refrain from making any comments on actual exchanges in diplomatic negotiations. Of course, Japan's policy regarding the Northern Territories has not changed. A peace treaty should be concluded by resolving the issue of the attribution of the Four Islands. I do not know the details of the news report. However, our policy has not changed.

Question:
Does this mean that there was no statement that differs from the Government's policy?

Minister:
I cannot comment on the specific contents of the meeting.

Question:
Regarding the Four Islands, yesterday Prime Minister Aso made a statement relating to this issue at the budget committee at the House of Councillors. Does this mean that Japan will aim for the return of all four islands based on their attribution?

Minister:
This is the policy that the Government established. There is no change to the policy to conclude a peace treaty by resolving the issue of the attribution of the Four Islands.

Question:
Does this mean that all four of the islands must be returned at the same time instead of resolving the issue step by step?

Minister:
We must first resolve the issue of the attribution of the Four Islands.

3. North Korea's Navigation Warning

Question:
North Korea issued a warning for ships to stay away from neighboring waters. What is the Japanese Government's take on this?

Minister:
Regarding this issue, a Japan Coast Guard patrol ship received a warning issued by North Korea by chance, and the Japan Coast Guard issued a navigation warning as part of its responsibility to the international community. We do not know the reason why North Korea specified this area for a navigation warning.

Question:
Is there any possibility that something which threatens the security of Japan might happen, such as the launch of a missile by North Korea?

Minister:
As I just stated, we do not know the reason North Korea specified this area for a navigation warning. However, we will make efforts to gather information.

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