(* 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 Katsuya Okada

Date: Friday, July 16, 2010, 3:50 p.m.
Place: MOFA Press Conference room

Main topics:

Opening Remarks
- (1) Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Fillon of the French Republic
- (2) Extension of Counter-Piracy Operations off the Coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden
- (3) Diplomatic Schedule
Kabul International Conference on Afghanistan
ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
US Military Realignment Issue
Centenary of Japanese Annexation of Korea
National Policy Unit
East Asian Community Initiative
Dispatch of PKO Units to Sudan
Visit to China by Vice Minister Yabunaka

1. Opening Remarks

(1) Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Fillon of the French Republic

Minister Okada: Firstly, I paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Fillon. I think that we were able to engage in a very meaningful exchange of views for about 30 minutes. I heard that prior to that, Prime Minister Fillon and Prime Minister Kan conducted a very productive exchange of views centering particularly on economic issues The same holds for the meeting with British Foreign Secretary yesterday, but Prime Minister Fillon told me that although there may have been a time when French interest in Japan waned somewhat, the two countries should re-acknowledge their importance and establish strong relations. In response, I said that perhaps the fact that Japan has had a different prime minister and a different foreign minister almost every year could have been a factor. Since Prime Minister Fillon himself has deep interest in Japan, I told him that we would like to firmly deepen exchanges between Japan and France at various levels. In addition, we exchanged views on the issue of assistance to Afghanistan, (the situation in) Iran, African development, and in relation to that, innovative financing, in which France has deep interest.

(2) Extension of Counter-Piracy Operations off the Coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden

Minister: At today’s Cabinet meeting, a decision was made on extending counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden. This Cabinet decision extends the current mandate for anti-piracy operations, which expires on the 23rd of July, by one more year. I commented that piracy off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden continues to be a serious threat not only to Japan, but also to the international community, and that for Japan, which is a seafaring and trading country, ensuring safe maritime navigation is an extremely important task. As we wrote in our manifesto for the House of Councilors election that we intended to extend the anti-piracy operations of the Self-Defense Forces, I said (at the Cabinet meeting) that these operations, which have been highly appreciated by various countries, are extremely important from the perspective of protecting the lives and property of the Japanese people and ensuring safe maritime transportation. It was decided without objections at the Cabinet meeting.

(3) Diplomatic Schedule

Minister: With regard to my schedule for next week, I will be visiting Afghanistan, Vietnam, and Laos from the 20th (Tuesday) to 25th (Sunday) of July. In Afghanistan, I will be attending the Kabul International Conference on Afghanistan, where discussions are expected to be held with regard to progress in the nation-building policy announced by the Afghan Government, its future goals, and how the commitment of the international community ought to be.
After that, I will go to Vietnam to attend a series of ASEAN-related conferences such as the ASEAN-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the EAS (East Asia Summit) Foreign Ministers’ Informal Consultations, the Mekong-Japan Foreign Ministers' Meeting, and the ARF Ministerial Meeting. At the same time, as the foreign ministers of various countries will be gathered there, I plan to hold bilateral meetings, shall I say, or talks with a considerable number of foreign ministers.
In addition, I will not be going to Vietnam merely to attend conferences. I will be visiting that country to meet with Vietnamese leaders. The same holds true for Laos. I hope to conduct a fruitful exchange of views.

2. Kabul International Conference on Afghanistan

Nezu, NHK: With regard to your overseas trip that you mentioned earlier – the Kabul International Conference on Afghanistan – I believe that due to the Diet schedule and other reasons, you have so far been unable to attend Afghan reconstruction conferences, but now that you will be attending this time, please tell us once again about your enthusiasm and the like regarding how you intend to directly explain Japan’s position.

Minister: President Karzai visited Japan recently, and we exchanged views on various matters. At the upcoming Kabul International Conference on Afghanistan, the Afghan Government will of course be announcing to the international community what it plans to do, but at the same time, since the foreign ministers of various countries will be participating, I believe that this conference is an opportunity for the international community to proclaim domestically (in Afghanistan) and internationally that it intends to firmly support Afghanistan. Therefore, I plan to speak about Japan’s specific assistance plans from that standpoint. We intend to extend up to $5 billion over five years, but I also plan to speak about the intentions of the Government of Japan to actively engage in efforts to deal with the issue of reintegrating (former) Taliban soldiers into society, for example. Such matters as governance and prevention of corruption are indeed important, and while we spoke about these matters when President Karzai and his party including the Afghan finance minister and the foreign minister visited Japan recently, these matters are important, as the Japanese people’s tax money is involved. At the same time, however, I would like to convey a message that we trust the current Afghan Government and that we intend to firmly support it. It is useless to keep saying things that will put them in a bind, shall I say, but I believe that it is very important to clearly convey our intention to firmly support them when times are tough such as now, although I think that the international community, of course, will not remain generous forever.

3. ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)

Saito, Kyodo News: I would like to ask a question in connection with your tour overseas.

Minister: I do not like the word tour overseas very much. I prefer that you not use it.

Saito, Kyodo News: Then let me refer to it as an official trip. This is not about Afghanistan, but rather about the ARF. You mentioned that when you attend the ARF, there might be various bilateral meetings. I recall that Pak UI Chun, the foreign minister of North Korea, will be participating in the ARF this time and that North Korea has already announced that. Please tell us whether you have any hopes of holding a meeting with him there or have any intention to call on him for a meeting.

Minister: At this moment, nothing specific has been decided.

Saito, Kyodo News: I think nothing has been decided, but what I am asking is about your own feeling now – whether you would like to meet with Foreign Minister Pak UI Chun if you had the opportunity.

Minister: I think it is better not to speak in advance about which country’s foreign minister I wish to meet or do not wish to do so. There is the other person and there are other surrounding countries, so I would like to speak about it when a decision has been made.

Beppu, NHK: My question is related to Mr. Saito’s question. You will be inside the same room as Foreign Minister Pak UI Chun.

Minister: The same room?

Beppu, NHK: I mean the same conference room.

Minister: Well, that may be so. I thought you meant we would be staying in the same hotel.

Beppu, NHK: You will be in the same conference room, but as you know that the ARF is the only multinational framework in which North Korea participates, it can be expected that when coming into contact, he may pass by you, or when you are speaking with some other people, he may join the conversation. How do you intend to respond in such cases?

Minister: I will just act naturally. As for the rest, I would like to tell you about what happened.

Saito, Kyodo News: Please excuse me for asking a related question, but actually, I was slightly surprised upon hearing the comments you just made. In other words, to come into contact with North Korea amid the current situation in which Japan has imposed additional sanctions and taken a tough position against North Korea, which has conducted nuclear tests and caused various incidents such as the sinking of an ROK patrol ship – amid this situation, I had thought that it could never be presumed that you would meet with the North Korean foreign minister. Therefore, I expected that you would reply that there was no such possibility. However, that does not seem to be the case, so I began to think that that possibility cannot be completely denied. Let me ask you once again to confirm that point, but do you have any intention not to meet with the North Korean foreign minister?

Minister: I believe that it would be discourteous to publicly announce in advance that I would definitely not meet with a certain person, regardless of who that person is. Therefore, I feel that my earlier response was sufficient.

Beppu, NHK: This is from a slightly different perspective, but at the ARF meeting and various ASEAN meetings before that, Japan is in a position to blame on North Korea for the patrol ship sinking incident mentioned earlier. As such, what kind of message do you intend to convey to participating countries and what kind of message would do you want other countries to tune in to?

Minister: As a president’s statement was issued at the UN Security Council, even though this is basically a kind of product of compromise, I believe that discussions will be held based on this. Of course, the ROK, which is a party that is directly involved, will be present, so I think what the ROK says will matter. On the other hand, I do not think that this should be allowed to simply turn into an exchange of accusations. In other words, since there are many other issues besides this issue that must be discussed, I think that even though the Cheonan incident is truly a terrible matter, we basically must not allow this once-in-a-year opportunity to end up in a mere exchange of accusations just because of that incident.

Nishino, Kyodo News: My question concerns your bilateral meetings. While a lot of attention is focused on North Korea, as US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the foreign ministers of the ROK and China will be coming there, may I take it that you intend to hold meetings with them?

Minister: Currently, various arrangements are being worked out. I would like to speak about them when they become definite. In addition, foreign ministers of ASEAN countries will be coming, so I would like to make the most of these opportunities.

Nishino, Kyodo News: In connection with Secretary of State Clinton’s Asian visit, US authorities have indicated their view that if a Japan-US foreign ministerial meeting were to be held, discussions would be held on a wide range of issues including the Futenma (Air Station) issue. Since the Government of Japan is still working out arrangements, does it mean that coordination is not proceeding smoothly?

Minister: I think that the United States makes a lot of comments, but the schedule has not been determined yet. Therefore, I would like to notify you as soon as the schedule has been finalized. Basically, there is no doubt that we are moving in the direction of holding a meeting.

Beppu, NHK: In relation to the ARF, I believe that Japan has a message in connection with the Cheonan incident. However, there are many countries participating in the ARF; there is China, whose position is different from that of Japan; and the 10 ASEAN member countries all have diplomatic relations with North Korea. Do you feel that it is not very easy to get members of the ARF to tune in to Japan’s position – not easy to get everyone to say, “Yes, that is right,” or “What Japan, the United States, and the ROK are saying is correct?”

Minister: I think that depends on what level of results we seek. As a president’s statement has been issued – a president’s statement in line with what was decided at the UN Security Council – I believe that many countries will naturally support us if it is around that line.

4. US Military Realignment Issue

Higa, Kyodo News: We are given to understand that there are prospects for a meeting with US Secretary of State Clinton. If the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and US Secretary of State were to discuss the Futenma issue at this time, what matters would they discuss?

Minister: Regarding the current situation, there is an agreement between Japan and the United States, so the status of that agreement may be discussed, but these are still very much working-level discussions, so I do not think that we will go into very much depth.

Uesugi, Freelance: I have a question about the Futenma issue. According to the Japan-US agreement of May 28th, all construction methods will be finalized; the location, configuration, and construction method of the replacement facility will be decided, and studies completed by the end of August. Could you please tell us specifically what completion will entail?

Minister: Firstly, the end of August is for the expert study. It is nothing more or less than that. The experts will study technical feasibility based on their expertise. As a result of this study, conclusions will be made regarding the construction methods and location. The actual decision will be made at the 2+2(meeting), so the government will make its decision in line of a number of factors, including a wide range of political considerations, and the possibility of acceptance by Okinawa. Please consider the results at the end of August to be no more than the conclusions by the experts.

Uesugi, Freelance: Is it possible that the experts will decide on multiple proposals?

Minister: Firstly, their discussions are still ongoing, so I think it is best not to speak too much of this. However, I have mentioned the possibility of multiple proposals at an earlier press conference here.

Takimoto, Ryukyu Shimpo: Will the conclusions of the study by the experts made by the end of August be released to the public?

Minister: This is one of the things that have yet to be determined.

Inoue, Kyodo News: So the 2+2 will make the decision based on the discussions by the experts. When will this 2+2 meeting be held? As President Obama is expected to visit Japan in November, will you hold the 2+2 meeting before that? Please let us know the outlook.

Minister: This has not yet been decided. I think that it is better to avoid answering your question at this time, because I still have not consulted sufficiently with the Prime Minister or the Chief Cabinet Secretary.

Nishino, Kyodo News: You said that it has not been decided whether the negotiations between the experts will be made public. I find this a little difficult to understand, because if they are not made public at some stage in order to make a political decision or gain the understanding of Okinawa, then there will be no standards, or reference for obtaining understanding or making a political determination. You just stated that the matters relating to the timing of the 2+2 have also not yet been decided, but could you provide information on this in a little more orderly way? Please answer, as it appears that under the process you are considering, November has also still not been decided.

Minister: If I could make the decision only by myself, then I would have done so already, but a new government has started, so I think that we must consult on this thoroughly. We still have not reached that stage. I think that common sense would dictate that once the conclusions from the experts’ study become available, we will naturally start discussions with the prefecture of Okinawa as well. But, I would like to thoroughly study whether to publish this extensively, or whether to publicize it anyhow, given its inherent nature as a study by experts, or whether to purposefully not publish it, even if it becomes de facto public knowledge. The Japan-US agreement makes no mention of such matters. I am not saying that we will not publish it. I am saying that we have not decided.

Yamauchi, Nikkei Shimbun: Regarding the Futenma issue, it has been reported by the media that the US Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a draft budget that includes a 70% reduction to the government’s original proposal for the cost of a relocation to Guam. There are some who believe that the situation in the US Congress have made the relocation to Guam even more uncertain; what are your views on this?

Minister: Is the matter of the US Senate something that happened recently? I have not heard very much of this news. The reasons are not clear, but it is certain that in view of the current situation in Guam, there are some who point out that it will be difficult to move ahead on the current schedule, due to such matters as environmental impact, so the conclusion may have been based on such factors. I would like to refrain from commenting, because I still have not gathered information about this thoroughly.

Nishino, Kyodo News: This is in relation to the earlier question. I ask this with the understanding that there were many factors, such as the elections, but isn’t it problematic that the Japanese government still has not decided on how to proceed with the Japan-US agreement, at the stage when a meeting between the Japanese Foreign Minister and US Secretary of State is being coordinated? Of course, it is unmistakable that the issue is of a great concern between Japan and the United States, and it is vital to confirm the process for these matters together, regardless of whether there is a change of governments or an election. Will this mean that you will travel to the United States without having decided anything? Without anything being decided?

Minister: As I said, we have not yet decided whether to make an extensive public release at the end of August, or such matters, including the 2+2, but we must view the status of how things are progressing. On top of this, we must move forward while gaining the understanding of the residents of Okinawa, so there are many matters that we must consider on the run, rather than deciding everything neatly beforehand. It is not that we have not made any decisions; Division-director level experts are currently discussing this, while maintaining close contact. This is being done according to the government’s policy for dealing with the issues.

5. Centenary of Japanese Annexation of Korea

Asaka, Freelance: The Chosun Daily has reported that on the centenary of the annexation of Korea, the Government of Japan will make a statement that may go further than the statement by Prime Minister Murayama in 1995. What are your thoughts on this?

Minister: I think that this article was written based on speculation, and I do not think it necessary to comment about every such matter. The government is currently considering what to do on this centenary.

Saito, Kyodo News: This is in relation to that matter. I am referring to a dialogue between the two governments for the centenary of the Japanese annexation of Korea, and it has no relation to the report by the Chosun Daily. From what I am told, there is an increasing sense of expectation in South Korea that the Japanese Prime Minister will announce a new statement on the occasion of the centenary of the Japanese annexation of Korea. Japan already made the Murayama Statement when Tomiichi Murayama was Prime Minister, but do you as Minister of Foreign Affairs or personally feel that it is sufficient, or do you believe that a new statement should be made that goes beyond this or; that the Prime Minister should make a new statement and send it as a message to South Korea? Please tell us your views on this.

Minister: I am the Minister of Foreign Affairs, so I do not think that there are personal views on these types of matters. And the government is currently making a wide range of considerations. The government is currently considering the response that it should take to mark this period of 100 years, and I would like to refrain commenting on the details of those considerations. I will also state that although Prime Minister Murayama made a statement on the 50th anniversary (of the end of WWII), Prime Minister Koizumi of the LDP also made a similar statement on the 60th anniversary.

Saito, Kyodo News: I would like to confirm your statement just now in order to avoid misinterpretation. Could you provide some information on what you are considering? Are you now considering the draft text of a statement that you will release in the future, or do your considerations include whether or not to make such a statement?

Minister: We are considering what dialogue to engage in.

6. National Policy Unit

Ukai, Asahi Shimbun: I have a question about the National Policy Unit. Apparently, its role will be revised to make it an institution for offering opinions to, or advising the Prime Minister. I believe that the original concept was for it to propose both domestic and foreign policies, but what role do you think that the National Policy Unit should play in foreign affairs in the future?

Minister: Firstly, I think that it is fine for the role of the National Policy Unit to change according to the Prime Minister of the time. It would be different if some sorts of law were enacted, but there is currently no such law. I think that there is the matter of what form is most convenient for the Prime Minister. The original idea was to skip the Chief Cabinet Secretary and the Minister of State as head of the National Policy Unit would take over its coordination role. But I think that it is fine to have a great deal of trial and error. Next, regarding foreign affairs in the unit’s new role, we have also not yet exchanged views on how to handle this. The Chief Cabinet Secretary, who originally has this authority, will conduct mutual coordination. So this is a case of the Chief Cabinet Secretary acting on behalf of the Prime Minister, who has the authority of mutual coordination, or as the one carrying out this authority. Generally speaking, mutual coordination naturally involves everything. But when it comes to foreign affairs, my belief is that we cannot have two-track diplomacy, so the question is how to harmonize these matters. This is actually an issue that every country has. Fortunately, I think that Minister Sengoku and I have formed a relationship that allows for extremely thorough communication, so I intend to move forward while consulting thoroughly.

7. East Asian Community Initiative

Nanao, Niconico Video: This is a question from our viewers. I think that the National Policy Unit was one of the biggest features of the Hatoyama administration, but I think that another feature was in relation to the East Asian community initiative. Will the current administration take concrete steps to develop and expand the East Asian community initiative hereafter?

Minister: I essentially would like to answer, “Yes.” It is my understanding that not only former Prime Minister Hatoyama, but Prime Minister Kan as well is extremely interested in an East Asian community. It is consequently my understanding that is very important for the Kan administration to further develop this initiative.

8. Dispatch of PKO Units to Sudan

Shimada, Hokkaido Shimbun: I would like to ask a question once again about PKO. As the plan to send PKO units to Sudan has been shelved, I believe that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had wanted to dispatch PKO units from the standpoint of making international contributions, but please tell us about your thoughts, shall I say, or your feelings with regard to shelving the plan this time.

Minister: Generally speaking, it was regrettable, but of course, PKO units should be dispatched only after relevant ministries and agencies have reached an agreement in a proper way. If it did not come true due to various reasons, I think that it could not be helped. If an opportunity comes up again, I hope that Japanese PKO units can play an active role, following the case of their dispatch to Haiti.

9. Visit to China by Vice Minister Yabunaka

Noguchi, Nippon Television: The Vice Minister is currently visiting China. Could you please tell us the purpose of his visit to China, and whether you gave him any instructions before he left? Also, former Prime Minister Hatoyama and Premier Wen Jiabao agreed to discuss joint development of gas fields, but these still have not started; could you tell us whether there are any obstacles to their proceeding, and your outlook?

Minister: Firstly, there are no particular obstacles to discussing joint development of gas fields. We intend to set a firm schedule, and then move forward with discussions. This process has not stalled or anything of the sort. The mutual schedule, that is of the director-general level, of the both sides, is now being coordinated. On the current trip, the Vice Minister went for an exchange of views with the Government of China and party officials. Although I also plan to hold a meeting with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi at this point (on the occasion of the ASEAN related meetings), I have expectations of a wide range of significant exchanges of views before that meeting. I think that the Foreign-Ministers’ meeting will be based upon such things.

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