(* 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, August 4, 2009, 11:37 a.m.
Place: Briefing room, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

US-North Korean Relations (Detention of US Journalists in North Korea)
Ban on Exports to North Korea

1. US-North Korean Relations (Detention of US Journalists in North Korea)

Question:
It has been reported that former United States President Bill Clinton is on his way to Pyongyang. Please tell us what you know about this.

Minister:
I am aware of the media reports. However, the Government of Japan is not in a position to comment on this. Nevertheless, the Government has been watching for any change in the situation regarding the detained US journalists with great attention and it goes without saying that we hope for an early resolution.

Question:
It is natural to assume that the US and North Korea may use this opportunity to come to hold direct dialogue on North Korea's denuclearization and other issues. Could you tell us the Japanese Government's position on the possibility of the US and North Korea holding direct talks?

Minister:
Regarding this matter as well, I believe it is inappropriate to prejudge what direction the situation may take or what may happen. However, this is not just an issue of the US and North Korea - as a UN Security Council Resolution has been adopted regarding North Korean issues and Japan is also concerned about the abduction issue to which we hope for a resolution at the earliest possible date, we request that North Korea return to the Six-Party Talks.

Question:
Has there been any communication with the US side regarding former President Clinton's visit to North Korea?

Minister:
I would like to refrain from making a comment on that.

2. Ban on Exports to North Korea

Question:
Regarding the implementation of sanctions to ban all exports to North Korea in June, the Buraku Liberation League which has friendly relations with North Korea and news agencies related to the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, are now unable to send magazines such as medical journals, organizational magazines, and Sekai (published for the market)to North Korea , which they had sent to North Korea before the ban. Please give us your opinion on whether such a situation is appropriate as an implementation of a complete export ban.

Minister:
Regarding exports to North Korea, we have indeed banned all exports based on a Cabinet decision made on 16 June. However, in the second section of that decision it clearly states that items that are for humanitarian purposes will be treated as an exception to this measure. I believe that each ministry is implementing the measure appropriately based on the Cabinet decision.

Question:
Do you think that this situation in which medical journals and organizational magazines cannot be sent is regarded as appropriately handled?

Minister:
That is not a decision that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made. I believe it would have been a decision of the Ministry of Finance or the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Of course, I cannot say anything irresponsible - you said medical journals, but I do not know if the magazines you are talking about are purely medical. I also think that there are various issues such as whether they will be distributed on a large scale, what manner they will be delivered in, or whether they will be sent to individuals. As I stated earlier, I believe it is something that the relevant Ministry should appropriately decide.

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