(* 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 29, 2009, 8:54 a.m.
Place: In front of the Ministers' Room in the House

Main topics:

UN Security Council Resolution regarding North Korea's Nuclear Test
Re-designation of North Korea as a State Sponsor of Terrorism by the US

1. UN Security Council Resolution regarding North Korea's Nuclear Test

Question:
It seems that deliberations toward a UN resolution are advancing in New York. Is it optimistic to think that a resolution will be adopted by the middle of next week?

Minister:
I believe that there is a common understanding that the resolution should be issued swiftly. We (the Permanent Mission of Japan to the UN) are currently working vigorously in New York for that reason. I think that everyone is working in hopes of concluding this by the middle of next week or even earlier.

Question:
Some media reports are saying that it seems that instead of just imposing sanctions, the possibility of imposing sanctions with conditions - "if you do this, we will do something in return" - has come up within the discussion at the UN.

Minister:
I would like to refrain from commenting on the actual contents of the resolution, as the Deliberations are being conducted intensively. That said, Japan has thoroughly conveyed its position to New York (through the Permanent Mission of Japan to the UN) that it is important for international society to swiftly adopt a strong resolution through a united effort and send North Korea a further message.

Question:
Talking of the cargo inspections instructed in UN Resolution 1718, if Japan conducts official inspections or cargo inspections, especially in international waters, I think that new laws will be necessary. What is the situation regarding any consideration of the legislation?

Minister:
As this issue is currently under deliberation as well, I would like to refrain from commenting on this.

2. Re-designation of North Korea as a State Sponsor of Terrorism by the US

Question:
Regarding the re-designation of North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism by the US - I believe that Prime Minister Aso made a comment at the budget committee of the House of Councillors yesterday that things are moving in such a direction, suggesting that he has requested that the US side put North Korea back on the list.

Minister:
First of all, the re-designation of North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism is an issue of US domestic law, not something for Japan to decide. Regarding Prime Minister Aso's response to a question by a ruling party committee member at the House of Councillors, the original question concerned financial sanctions and the removal of North Korea from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. I did not take the Prime Minister's response to be a direct statement regarding North Korea's removal from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. I believe that the meaning of his response was that we will move in such a direction, that we will send a strong message out, within the general context of things. I believe you will be able to see this if you look at the minutes of the meeting.

Question:
Is it the Japanese Government's position that it is desirable for North Korea to be put back on the list of state sponsors of terrorism?

Minister:
This is something for the US to decide. And, since this is an issue for the US to consider, from our position, the most important thing right now is the early conclusion of the UN resolution. Fortunately, discussions are occurring in a constructive and positive way, and so we will continue to work vigorously.

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