Top > Announcement > Press Conference by Foreign Minister > July 30, 2010

(* 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 30, 2010, 3:35 p.m.
Place: MOFA Press Conference room

Main topics:

  1. Opening Remarks
    • (1) Convening of Extraordinary Diet Session
    • (2) Meeting with G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, and Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development, of Sri Lanka
    • (3) Emergency Grant Aid to Sudan
  2. US Military Realignment Issue
  3. Northern Territories Issue
  4. Removal of Travel Restrictions to Northern Province of Sri Lanka
  5. Peace Memorial Ceremony in Hiroshima
  6. Takeshima Issue
  7. Democratic Party of Japan Presidential Election (Omitted)
  8. Situation in Iran
  9. Twisted Diet (Omitted)

1. Opening Remarks

(1) Convening of Extraordinary Diet Session

Minister Okada: Firstly, the opening ceremony for the (175th) Diet session was held a while ago in the presence of His Majesty the Emperor. Although it will be short, this will be the first Diet session since the composition of the House of Councillors changed as a result of the Upper House election. As such, we would like to firmly brace up and try to do our best. With regard to foreign affairs, there fortunately are many cases in which deliberations on treaty drafts and the like culminate in unanimous approval. With the ruling and opposition parties carefully and properly conducting discussions, I hope that various treaty drafts and bills will be passed after going through ample Diet deliberations. I would also like to take time to carefully provide various explanations and the like not only to the members of the ruling parties but also to the members of opposition parties as much as possible.

(2) Meeting with G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, and Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development, of Sri Lanka

Minister: Secondly, I held meetings yesterday with External Affairs Minister Peiris and Economic Development Minister Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka. All together, the meeting lasted slightly over two hours, so we were able to discuss many things. I brought up the issue of human rights violations that reportedly happened during the closing days of the civil war and at first engaged in a rather extensive exchange of views on how to deal with this issue. Since what became an issue in the course of this discussion was a United Nations panel, should I say, or as there was a friction with the United Nations at one time, we exchanged views on what the people of Sri Lanka themselves are trying to do on their own initiative and in response to that, what kind of role the three experts, shall I say, or the panel under the UN Secretary General are to fulfill. In relation to this issue, we also exchanged views on the fact that the news media and NGOs are having difficulties gaining access to the Northern Province, where conflict continued until the end. Prior to this, the two ministers exchanged views with Japan Platform, and as they said that they would exempt NGOs affiliated with Japan Platform from such restrictions, I feel that in that sense, many Japanese NGOs would be able to gain access. I told them that they should take advantage of such NGOs and firmly tackle the issue of guaranteeing, shall I say, or improving the livelihood of internally displaced persons.
   With regard to the media – of course some media, including Japanese media, have already entered the region, but we are asking for further improvement – the two ministers said that they would like to be more open about giving a lot of opportunities to foreign media, including Japanese media, to do news coverage. Nevertheless, permission is required, but with regard to granting permission, the two ministers took a very positive stance on issuing permission without attaching various conditions. As such, if some of you can actually do coverage of the current situation in northern Sri Lanka, your media reports would properly convey to the Japanese people information on the current situation in Sri Lanka’s northern region. Although I will not speak about the current situation, I said that the Japanese people would properly understand the current situation as a result of such activities; that the situation has really improved to such an extent – for example, as it is rather difficult for the Japanese people to comprehend if they were merely told through words that the number of internally displaced persons has diminished this much or that the people’s livelihood has stabilized to such an extent, it would be easier for us to provide full-fledged assistance if this were actually conveyed via the media. If any of you wish to do so but have difficulty communicating with the Government of Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs intends to work hard to help promote that.

(3) Emergency Grant Aid to Sudan

Minister: Thirdly, at today’s Cabinet meeting, I spoke about the issue of emergency grant aid to Sudan. It has been decided that Japan would provide through the UNDP (United Nations Development Program) an emergency grant in the amount of approximately 8.17 million US dollars or 768 million yen to assist the conduct of the referendum in Sudan scheduled to be held in January next year. This referendum, as you may know, will be held as part of the final phase of the implementation process of the comprehensive peace agreement of 2005. In consideration of its importance, this assistance is to be extended so that the referendum will be conducted in a fair and smooth manner. I spoke about this at today’s Cabinet meeting.

2. US Military Realignment Issue

Takimoto, Ryukyu Shimpo: Yesterday, an appeal court decision was handed down with regard to a lawsuit over aircraft noise emanating from Futenma Air Station in Okinawa. The ruling included acknowledgement of health damage due to low-frequency sound waves peculiar to helicopters that was not recognized in a lower court ruling. Completing the relocation of Futenma Air Station as soon as possible has traditionally been sought from the standpoint of removing danger posed by the air station. I feel that the existing danger or damage due to noise within the context of removal of the danger posed by Futenma Air Station indicates that it is imminent to do what needs to be done right now. What do you think of the current situation with regard to those things?

Minister: I feel that we must take the ruling seriously. In order to reduce such damage from noise, we would like to work hard at discussing the issue with the US military, the US side. Noise reduction is included in the Japan-US agreement (of the Security Consultative Committee). We would like to hold thorough discussions with the US Government. While there is the Japan-US Joint Committee, I intend to hold thorough discussions at my level if progress is not made or is insufficient. Since a ruling has been issued, I hope to hold talks with US Ambassador Roos on this occasion or some other occasion.

Higuchi, TBS: I would like to ask a question related to Futenma Air Station. While this question has repeatedly been asked at this venue, after the conclusion of consultations by experts by the end of August, a subsequent meeting of the 2+2 has already been decided, and I believe that coordination between Japan and the United States or within Japan over the Futenma issue will continue for a long time. What is your view on the positioning of the governor’s election in November?

Minister: The governor's election is not written in the Japan-US agreement; nor is it considered as a premise. As for Japan-US talks, we would like to make efforts so that the end-of-August (deadline), which have been firmly decided, and the 2+2 meeting will be promptly implemented.

Takimoto, Ryukyu Shimpo: This is in connection with the question related to the Futenma issue that was just asked, but as you have continuously been speaking about gaining the understanding of the local Okinawan communities, there are reports that Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Fukuyama is now set to go to Okinawa next month to start talks with Okinawa. Please tell us whether it has been determined that the talks with Okinawa should start by the time of the Japan-US agreement on the end-of-August deadline and how the talks with Okinawa should be conducted.

Minister: We need to listen closely to Okinawa’s views on various items especially for easing Okinawa’s burden that are also mentioned in the Japan-US agreement. The noise issue that came up earlier is also a part of those items, and although there still exists a forum for talks at the level of a working group – was it called that or was it called a working team – I feel that there could be a forum for listening to Okinawa’s opinions more properly. Therefore, various discussions are going on within the government right now.

Takimoto, Ryukyu Shimpo: This is for confirmation. The working team that you just mentioned – which one are you referring to? Do you mean a consultative body in which the Governor of Okinawa and the central government will participate?

Minister: No, it is not a gubernatorial level, but rather a division chief level one.

Takimoto, Ryukyu Shimpo: Is it one in which the local communities participate?

Minister: Yes, it is the one that is held in Okinawa.

Takimoto, Ryukyu Shimpo: Is it one on the Futenma issue?

Minister: Rather than about Futenma only, it will take up the issue of all military bases in Okinawa.

Takimoto, Ryukyu Shimpo: Is it a working team in which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a part?

Minister: Yes, it is.

Takimoto, Ryukyu Shimpo: I understand. Thank you very much.

Ichihara, NHK: While consultations by experts are being conducted until the end of August, it has been reported that deputy director-general level talks will be held next week. On what matters do you expect the talks will focus on, given that deputy director-general level talks will be held at this timing?

Minister: Since I cannot answer questions concerning the details of issues that are ongoing, we would like to hold thorough discussions aiming at the end of August. Discussions were held on determining the position and construction method as written there (in the agreement), aiming at the end of August, previously at the division director level, but the discussions are currently being held at the deputy director-general level.

3. Northern Territories Issue

Shimada, Hokkaido Shimbun: I have a question concerning the Northern Territories. The other day, there were some reports that a Japanese national acquired a visa from Russia and went to Etorofu Island on a business trip. Actually, when I interviewed that company president, he admitted the fact and also mentioned that many other businessmen have been going there for such purposes as providing guidance on fisheries processing technology or purchasing fish, for example. In reality, many such Japanese nationals have apparently been going there, but one thing I would like to know is in what way you have a grasp of this situation. The other question is that as I feel that this could lead to strengthening the Russian side’s effective control over the islands, tell us whether you have any plans to conduct investigations, etc. on this matter.

Minister: First of all, I am aware that there were such reports. However, it would be extremely regrettable if that were true. I believe that it is necessary to lodge a strong protest against the relevant Japanese companies. At the same time, I am thinking about demanding an immediate halt to involvement in business projects. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been trying to make contact, but the current situation as of noon today is that we have hardly been able to contact these persons. In other words, if we look at the specific details of the relevant business projects and the responses, etc., and find that there are projects that seem to be premised as if the Russian Federation has jurisdiction over the Northern Territories, that would be incompatible with our position concerning the Northern Territories. If a Japanese national enters the Northern Territories under illegal occupation by the Russian Federation, including complying with their immigration procedures, it would be tantamount to entering the islands as if they were Russian territory. This would be in violation of the Cabinet understanding of September 19, 1989.
　
Shimada, Hokkaido Shimbun: Confirmation is being made at the moment regarding investigation of the relevant person, but do you have any specific plans as to conducting an investigation or think that an investigation should be conducted?

Minister: I think that we need to fully grasp the facts. Therefore, if there is information that there are other similar cases, we need to investigate the actual situation. I believe that we must at least firmly issue a warning, or in other words, we need to fully inform that there exists what is called a Cabinet understanding and that what they are doing violates that.

4. Removal of Travel Restrictions to Northern Province of Sri Lanka

Tanaka, Nihon Internet Shimbun: You said in your opening statement that the Japanese media will be able to enter Sri Lanka without permits.

Minister: No, there is a permit system, but various conditions will not be added that make it impossible in practice to enter the region.

Tanaka, Nihon Internet Shimbun: As you say. I have been to the Northern Province of Sri Lanka twice before, staying at places like hostels and walking all around seeing how the Tamil lived, so if we can now enter it will be instantly noticeable, what has changed, what is happening with the internally displaced persons, or whether they are not able to return. The problem is that no matter what we say here, when we go through a checkpoint, the people there throw up all kinds of excuses to prevent us from passing. Will prior coordination via the Embassy route be made to prevent this from happening, or will you provide some sort of backup when journalists enter the area?

Minister: The question is whether this applies to all journalists. I think that the Sri Lankan side will have their own views, but in our talks yesterday, both Ministers were speaking about Japanese media, and we also intend to have the Embassy work on this.

Tanaka, Nihon Internet Shimbun: So what would happen if Nihon Internet Shimbun wanted to enter?

Minister: As I said, this does not necessarily apply to all journalists, but we would provide backup to you, Mr. Tanaka, so that you can be fully active there.

Tanaka, Nihon Internet Shimbun: Thank you.

5. Peace Memorial Ceremony in Hiroshima

Nishioka, Mainichi Newspapers: My question is on the participation by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and US Ambassador Roos, in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony. As a minister who has listed nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation as key challenges, please tell us your views of this.

Minister: I think that it should be very welcomed. At the same time, since I am aware that Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will also be making a statement at the ceremony, I very much hope that he will speak frankly. The participation by Ambassador Roos will also be the first time for a US Ambassador to attend in such a way, so although there may be various arguments within the US Government, I am very pleased that he will be attending amid this.

Okada, Chugoku Shimbun: In relation to this, the areas hit by the atomic bombs are asking for President Obama to visit the sites of the bombings. Do you think that the participation by Ambassador Roos, as the first attendance by a representative of the United States, will have a favorable influence on that?

Minister: This is essentially something to be decided by the Government of the United States, and not Japan, so I question whether it is appropriate for the Government of Japan, or for me in my role as Minister of Foreign Affairs, to comment. This will be a first step, so if the Ambassador comes, then we intend to wait quietly for the next step. But I think that this will ultimately be decided by the United States.

Yoshinaga, Mainichi Newspapers: This is in relation to the topic of Hiroshima just now. You have said that at the coming session of the United Nations General Assembly, you would like to hold a conference of the Foreign Ministers of non-nuclear weapon states, and for Japan to play a leading role to some extent. I would like to ask if there will be some impact or benefit for this if UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon or Ambassador Roos attends, or someone from the United States, or Britain, or France, which have not come before.

Minister: Firstly, General Secretary Ban Ki-moon will be coming as a representative of the United Nations, so I think that this will give a big boost to a commitment in the United Nations to eliminating nuclear weapons, and nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Of course, General Secretary Ban Ki-moon has always been passionately committed to the issue of nuclear weapons, so I think that if this is better communicated around the world, then it will give a boost to worldwide nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. I also think that the fact that representatives from France and the United States will be coming shows that the commitment to a world without nuclear weapons is a global challenge, regardless of whether a country itself has nuclear weapons.

6. Takeshima Issue

Asaka, Freelance: I have a question about the Takeshima issue. The South Korean Coast Guard is apparently providing tours of Takeshima as one-day chief of lighthouse to international students. I believe that this is an attempt by South Korea to appeal to the international community over the fact that it has effective control over the island, but what are your views on this, sir?

Minister: As to various issues on Takeshima, Japan has been conveying its position (to South Korea). I do not intend to speak further in detail on this topic at this time, but the Government of Japan has asserted its stance clearly.

Asaka, Freelance: You just said that you will not speak in detail. There has also not been a detailed response from the government to the written questions submitted to the Cabinet by the Diet. I believe that the Japanese people are very interested in when and how the Japanese government claims sovereignty over Takeshima against South Korea. Do you intend to make a public statement on this?

Minister: The practice of refraining from speaking on every detail of diplomatic negotiations remains unchanged since when the current opposition party was the ruling party.

Saito, Kyodo News: I would like to make a confirmation on this matter. Did you state that when the Democratic Party of Japan was an opposition party, the Liberal Democratic Party, which in power at the time, was doing the same thing? I would like to ask a question concerning this. For example, Japan has sole sovereignty over the Northern Territories, but they are disputed territories, and in door-stepping interviews, in briefings, or in your communications with Russian of Foreign Minister Lavrov, you explained this fairly accurately, although you avoided saying so directly, and I remember this well because I was also accompanying you. Yet, the handling of Takeshima is slightly different. Is your position that you treat the Northern Territories and Takeshima to be equal, and that if you can make an announcement equally, you do so, but if you cannot make an equal announcement, you do not make the announcement?

Minister: I think that the issues are essentially on the same level, but beyond that I think that we must consider according to the specific cases. In the discussion earlier of the Northern Territories, a Japanese national entered the territories after carrying out procedures that presumed that they are the territory of Russia. We have said that this action is against the understanding of the Cabinet, because this is a problem with the actions of the Japanese person himself. Our response changes according to the situation.

Saito, Kyodo News: Prime Minister Kan commented on the media reports that the government has postponed the publication of a Ministry of Defense white paper. This may be one resolution, but I would like to ask your personal view on what caused this, and your thoughts on the action itself.

Minister: The Chief Cabinet Secretary has already spoken his views on this point at the press conference, and I consider that to be all there is to say on the topic. I have nothing to add.

7. Democratic Party of Japan Presidential Election (Omitted)

(Omitted)

8. Situation in Iran

Saito, Kyodo News: The EU has already announced its own additional economic sanctions against Iran. The United States has already implemented its own sanctions, but it is my understanding that Japan is proceeding in accordance with the UN Security Council. As the United States and EU each bring out their own menu of sanctions, what kind of balance will Japan take, and how will Japan proceed with relations with Iran?

Minister: We are currently working on additional measures. It is my understanding that it will also take the EU a little time to put its sanctions into effect. Since this issue could of course impact Japanese companies or individuals, we intend to make an overall decision on what Japan can do, while accurately ascertaining the measures by the EU and United States, and announce the government of Japan's response without too long of a delay.

Mori, Nikkei BP: There appears to be a shift to the position of allowing yen payments in petroleum trading by Japanese oil companies. What is your assessment of this point? When you actually respond, are you also considering not allowing yen payments?

Minister: I intend to describe the response in detail at the time it is announced.

Nishino, Kyodo News: You have met with Iranian Foreign Minister Mottaki several times since being appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Minister: Yes, four times.

Nishino, Kyodo News: We also feel that we have got to know Mr. Mottaki. So the last time you met, did he speak something positive about a brokered deal by Brazil and Turkey in relation to enriching uranium to 20%, although there would be a variety of preconditions. Actually, according to an overseas news report, they would be willing to stop 20% enrichment, and the United States also appears to be making positive comments about holding talks, so I would like to ask you about this again.

Minister: I am not yet aware of this news report, but I had the chance to meet with Foreign Minister Mottaki earlier in Kabul, and although the details of our discussions were not different than in the past, or the last time, with regard to the implementation of this Tehran Accord agreed with Brazil and Turkey, I said I would like it to proceed upon gaining the understanding of the international community, although there will be a wide range of preconditions attached in this case. There was not a negative reaction to this. So it is my understanding that Iran still basically intends to move forward properly in this way. Another point I said is that if they can do this properly, they can obtain material that has been enriched for medical use, meaning that they do not need uranium that has been enriched to 20%. Unfortunately, as what you said now, that they decided not to do this, or indicating so such comments were not made to me.

Ichihara, NHK: The US State Department has announced that it will be sending its special advisors in charge of respective countries and Deputy Assistant Secretary of department of the Treasury to Japan and South Korea, in order to call for a cooperation to strengthen sanctions against Iran and North Korea. How does Japan intend to respond to this call?

Minister: There is not much more room for additional measures against North Korea by Japan, but despite this situation, we have already announced additional measures. With regard to Iran, as I mentioned earlier, we are considering the matter. The basic position of the Government of Japan is to proceed while maintaining good communication with the Government of the United States, and cooperate upon maintaining mutual contact.

9. Twisted Diet (Omitted)

(Omitted)

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