(* 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 26, 2009, 8:57 a.m.
Place: In front of the Ministers' Room in the House

Main topic:

North Korea's Nuclear Test

1. North Korea's Nuclear Test

Minister:
As I am sure you all know, a UN Security Council informal meeting was just held, which strongly protested and condemned North Korea's nuclear test and requested North Korea to comply completely with relevant Security Council resolutions. Additionally, a decision was made to swiftly begin procedures for a Security Council resolution, which was announced by the President of the Security Council. As this incident is a serious one that will negatively affect the peace and stability of the region, Japan intends to take an active role in the drafting of this resolution.

Question:
Regarding the resolution that you just mentioned, what does the Japanese Government want to include in it, in concrete terms?

Minister:
Although it is difficult to predict what issues will included right now, our basic stance is that Japan takes necessary action for the drafting based on thorough discussion with other countries.

Question:
In the case of the previous Presidential Statement, you said that China and Russia's response was the key issue. For the resolution this time, I think that there must have been various exchanges of information and opinions at all levels. Do you feel any difference in the degree of enthusiasm now?

Minister:
The presidency of the Security Council is currently held by Russia and you noticed the president's announcement. Additionally, during my meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi yesterday at ASEM, Minister Yang stated that China could not tolerate the situation regarding North Korea either. Separate from the Security Council statement, an ASEM Chairman's Statement will be issued today, where we will express our unified stance regarding North Korea's action as ASEM. China, along with Japan, the ROK, and other countries as well, including Viet Nam, the current host country, will discuss this together. Based on these situations, I believe that this time we have good coordination among the countries concerned.

Question:
Were you present at the Japan-US Summit Teleconference?

Minister:
No, I was not. I was in Hanoi at the time, so I had a telephone conference with Secretary of State Hilary Clinton. We talked about the need for a strong resolution, and the need for that resolution to be a swift one, and that we should work together in cooperation.

Question:
Regarding this strong resolution, does this mean that you will ask for a resolution which includes new economic sanctions?

Minister:
Although Japan is in constant deliberation over the matter of sanctions against North Korea, in the case that the international community decides to take measures against North Korea, each country must move in step with one another and keep to those measures regardless of Japan's own decision. Therefore, taking into consideration the consultation in the Security Council and various opinions, I think we have, in Japan, the Government must make a decision, I suppose.

Question:
I believe that you mean that Japan's own sanctions will also be considered. Am I correct in understanding that Japan's position is that the UN resolution must include new sanctions?

Minister:
When I said that a strong resolution must be issued I meant that this was something discussed among various countries. Considering that regardless of the strong Presidential Statement issued last time North Korea has committed another violation, I believe that the resolution needs to be a solid one.

Question:
About the UN deliberations up until now, there was an agreement this morning Japan time that first this incident must be condemned. What is your assessment of UN deliberations up until now?

Minister:
I myself was in Hanoi when they discussed the issue in the UN, so I do not know the details; however, the response this time was extremely fast. I believe that each country has a strong awareness of North Korea's nuclear test, and that we share the view that this incident is unforgiveable. I believe this issue will be discussed intensively at the Security Council.

Question:
Regarding the timing of North Korea's nuclear test, what was the backdrop to this and why was the test conducted at this time?

Minister:
I believe that it is not appropriate for me to comment on that.

Question:
Has the Japanese Government confirmed that a nuclear test did indeed take place?

Minister:
Currently we are verifying this. North Korea did announce that a nuclear test was conducted; however, we are still verifying the matter.

Question:
Up until now, Japan has put emphasis on the Six-Party Talks. Given the nuclear test this time, what is the outlook for the Six-Party Talks?

Minister:
I believe that the Six-Party Talks are the most realistic and effective framework that we have in dealing with North Korea, so I think that handling North Korean issues through this framework continues to be the most appropriate course of action.

Question:
Even though North Korea has stated that it will not attend the Six-Party Talks anymore, do you still place importance on the Talks?

Minister:
North Korea has stated that it will withdraw and has also shown strong opposition to the previous Presidential Statement. However, I still believe that working through the framework of the Six-Party Talks continues to be the most appropriate action to take.

Question:
What is the outlook for Japan-North Korea Consultations regarding the abduction issue?

Minister:
Regarding this issue, we reached an agreement for a reinvestigation during the Japan-North Korea Working Level Consultations last year. North Korea has not renounced this. Japan has stated that once the reinvestigation starts, we will fulfill our promise regarding the current measures being taken against North Korea, such as the restriction on chartered air travel and the restriction on personnel exchanges, so I would like North Korea to fully commit to this. In my honest opinion, I believe that the situation around this issue is becoming difficult. However, the abduction issue is one of Japan's most important issues, and we will continue to work with North Korea on it.

Question:
Did you receive any information from the US or China this time stating that there may be a nuclear test?

Minister:
As far as I know, we did not receive any prior information (from North Korea) regarding this.

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