(* 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 Seiji Maehara

Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 2:33 p.m.
Place: MOFA Press Conference Room

Main topics:

Opening Remarks
- (1) Exchange of "Notes on Nondisclosure and Protection of Confidential Information on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Air System and Related Auxiliary Mission Equipment To Be Supplied to Japan by the United States in Accordance with the Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement between Japan and the United States"
- (2) Japan-Vietnam Nuclear Energy Agreement
Japan-North Korea Relations
Situation in Tunisia
Domestic Politics (omitted)
Realignment of US Military Forces
ODA Reform

1. Opening Remarks

(1) Exchange of "Notes on Nondisclosure and Protection of Confidential Information on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Air System and Related Auxiliary Mission Equipment To Be Supplied to Japan by the United States in Accordance with the Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement between Japan and the United States"

Minister Maehara: Today, I requested an approval at a Cabinet meeting with regard to the exchange of notes on nondisclosure and protection of confidential information on the occasion of receiving information concerning the F-35 joint strike fighter air system and related auxiliary mission equipment, on which we have conducted negotiations (with the United States). Since the negotiations were recently concluded, I requested a Cabinet decision and today, US Ambassador to Japan Roos and I signed the notes. We are to exchange the notes.

(2) Japan-Vietnam Nuclear Energy Agreement

Minister: Next, since a Cabinet decision was made on a nuclear energy agreement between Japan and Vietnam, Ambassador to Vietnam Tanizaki and Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tien are to sign the agreement on the 20th in Hanoi.

2. Japan-North Korea Relations

Nishioka, Mainichi Newspapers: I have a question about the issue of North Korea. You have indicated the need for a resumption of dialogue between Japan and North Korea, under the condition of prioritizing dialogue between the North and South. Meanwhile, Minister Nakano, who is the minister overseeing the abduction issue, has been strongly critical of North Korea, echoing the words of Prime Minister Kan by saying that North Korea as a nation (sic) is a bundle of irrationality. It appears that there are differences of opinion regarding North Korea within the Cabinet; please tell us your views on this point.

Minister: I do not think that there is any difference of opinion. I think that everyone, including the families of the abduction victims, want the abduction issue to be resolved as soon as possible. Therefore, I think that everyone in the Kan Cabinet must have a sincere and wholehearted commitment to this.

Saito, Kyodo News: At your last press conference, you mentioned that it was possible that bilateral talks between Japan and North Korea would be advanced even if the Six-Party Talks do not go forward, and after that you said that a dialogue between the North and South had priority. I would like to confirm what the priorities are. In other words, may I understand that you will advance talks between Japan and North Korea even if there is no progress on the Six-Party Talks, but that a dialogue between the North and South has priority before that of Japan and North Korea?

Minister: Since this is a matter of negotiation, I do not think that it is necessary to explain all of it in detail to you. What I have said about this is all that I will say.

3. Situation in Tunisia

Hanamura, TV Asahi: I would like to ask a question concerning Tunisia. While it appears that the evacuation of Japanese nationals from Tunisia has progressed considerably, you even went to Tunisia in December (last year) and you were speaking about that country from a different perspective -- from the viewpoint of economic diplomacy. Although I think that Tunisia is a place that would become a hub in terms of conducting economic diplomacy in Africa and the Arab countries, as well as promoting infrastructure exports to that region, Tunisia, which was considered a politically stable country at that time in December, is now in this kind of state. How do you think that it would now affect the Japanese economic diplomacy?

Minister: With regard to Tunisia, a young person committed suicide by setting himself on fire, sparking off an explosion of public dissatisfaction with various issues that had accumulated all over the country for a long time under the government of President Ben Ali, and consequently leading to President Ben Ali's fleeing overseas.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had set up a task force from early on to deal with the issue of protecting Japanese nationals, and with the situation intensifying and at the instruction of the Prime Minister, we set up the headquarters, trying to determine how we should go about protecting Japanese nationals, while contacting Ambassador Taga in Tunisia. We examined the possibility of using government aircraft or chartered flights and conducted negotiations. Fortunately, commercial flights have resumed their operation, and yesterday, a total of 119 persons left the country in two flights, while nearly all of the remaining people are to leave tonight by Qatar Airways. We also intend to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of those who still remain there, and as for Japanese residents in Tunisia other than tourists, about 20 members of JICA have exited the country and completed so-called standby procedures. There are also others who are married to Tunisian nationals, and with regard to them, we intend to hold close consultations with them, while ensuring their safety. I believe that it is our mission to fulfill our duty of protecting Japanese nationals.
With regard to your question on economic diplomacy, I think that as the president had not changed for 23 years, it can consequently be said that Tunisia was stable, and the country has attained a certain economic level as well. We hope that this situation will be resolved quickly, and conversely speaking, I think that Tunisia now has the potential to achieve further development as a result of progress in democratization. Considering the friendly relations between Japan and Tunisia, we would, in general terms, welcome the emergence of a country that shares the same values as we do, such as human rights, democracy, and freedom. I do not think there is any country that is completely free of risk. There is no change in our policy of promoting economic diplomacy in the future with countries in the regions having the potential to achieve economic development.

Hanamura, TV Asahi: As there are a number of autocratic states around Tunisia, aren’t you concerned about the spill-over effect of Tunisian case?

Minister: I believe that there are diverse circumstances surrounding each of those countries such as governance, position of the head of state, and national sentiment. Therefore, I should avoid making a categorical statement. Japan embraces such values as democracy, rule of law, respect for basic human rights, and freedom. Although I think that countries are in various stages of development, we would welcome it if there emerges more countries that share the same values as Japan.

4. Domestic Politics (omitted)

(omitted)

5. Realignment of US Military Forces

Nishida, Mainichi Newspapers: This is regarding the relocation of US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The expert panel of August of last year released two plans regarding the location, configuration, and construction of an alternate facility: a “V-shaped” plan and an “I-shaped” plan. With regard to how these two choices would be narrowed down, when the report was released in August of last year, then Foreign Minister Okada said that progress could not be made if a conclusion was made without the understanding of Okinawa. Please comment, including how you will obtain this understanding by Okinawa?

Minister: After the agreement of May 28th, and the dual proposals by the experts in August, we will discuss how to work out the specifics.
Although this will also depend on the timing of the 2+2 meeting is held, to a certain extent, I think that we must strive to move forward with some concrete work. At the same time, we cannot resolve this issue without gaining the understandings of Okinawa people, so I think that we must continue to make this request to the people of Okinawa on the agreement between Japan and the United States of May 28th, saying that if this overall roadmap is advanced, although it will mean asking to build a new facility in Henoko, in Nago, considered overall, it will reduce the area of facilities, and relocate them to Guam.

Nishida, Mainichi Newspapers: If this is the case, does it mean that you should discuss the proposals with Okinawa before Japan and the United States narrow the choice down to one of them?

Minister: What I can say at present is that we will explain the Japan-US agreement of May 28th sincerely to Okinawa People, and strive to gain their acceptance. I think that we will consider what to do after we see the reaction from Okinawa.

Inafuku, Ryukyu Shimpo: Today’s Asahi Shimbun newspaper said that the V-shape plan would be adjusted, and that the I-shape plan had been ruled out. Is this true?

Minister: This is not true, so I think you should ask the Asahi Shimbun newspaper about that.

Nishigaki, Jiji Press: My question is also about the base at Futenma, and is similar to the question asked by Mr. Nishida of the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper. You have repeatedly stated that you will persistently request the understanding of Okinawa people. Am I correct in surmising that you will advance negotiations between Japan and the United States in parallel with these requests for understandings?

Minister: Negotiations between Japan and the United States are to resolve the requests of Okinawa, for example the five requests made by the Governor of Okinawa, such as the Air Defense Identification Zone that passed over Yonaguni Island. The other requests are still being discussed between Japan and the United States, and we intend to strive to advance the process as much as possible with future discussions between Japan and the United States, including such matters.

Ichihara, NHK: You stated earlier that the timing of the 2+2 meeting will be a factor. To what degree do you think that the understanding of Okinawa people is necessary before a 2+2 meeting can be held?

Minister: As I answered before, I think that what we must first do is thoroughly and sincerely request the understanding of Okinawa people. We will consider what to do beyond that later.

Ichihara, NHK: Has there been discussion from the United States as to the level of agreement that must be obtained from Okinawa as a condition to holding the 2+2 meeting?

Minister: As Defense Minister Kitazawa responded at his press conference today, I think that this is something that is being discussed between our respective defense ministers. I think that Japan and the United States will collaborate, while putting forth thorough efforts to have good communication.

Kamide, Freelance: I believe that you said earlier that if the overall Futenma issue moves forward, that the relocation to Guam and the like would also move forward. Did you not say this?

Minister: No, I did not say that.

Kamide, Freelance: OK, then. By advancing overall negotiations, I think that this means, in short, standing in Japan’s position, reducing even a little the HNS(Host Nation Support) budget, which Japan originally should not have had to pay, actually advancing negotiations between Japan and the United States so that they achieve the national interests of Japan. I feel that this point is somehow lacking in the negotiations. From your explanation, it appears that you are merely listening to what the United States has to say; please comment on this. And of course, separate from this, overall what the Japanese people are asking for is really for their taxes to be used effectively, and I think that Japan could argue more forcefully that the United States should pay what it ought to be paying.

Minister: No, I do not think that your statement is correct, because in those negotiations we have been discussing the rearrangement of the details of HNS.

Kamide, Freelance: Is there anything specific that will be reduced?

Minister: Although I think that the political decision will be that the sum is maintained, amid changes to the strategic environment, the Japan-United States Security Treaty has the primary issue of Japan’s security assurance, and the stability of the region; additionally, there is the issue of the economic activity and prosperity of not only Japan, but the region. If the total issue is not considered, I think that the opinion that the United States is one-sidedly saying such and such is extremely self-righteous and one-sided.

Yoshioka, Jiji Press: I believe that the agreement between Japan and the United States of May of last year calls for the location, configuration, and construction method of the alternative facility to be verified and confirmed by the next 2+2 meeting. Would it be possible that when the next 2+2 meeting is actually held, that, for example, depending on the status of coordination with Okinawa Prefecture, this verification and confirmation will not be performed, or in short, is it possible that the last agreement will be changed, or that the next 2+2 meeting will be changed?

Minister: Although I understand your desire to find out many things on various issues ahead of time, as I have answered repeatedly, as of this time, what we are undertaking with great seriousness is this: we are sincerely asking for the understanding of Okinawa people. We will consider our actions following this when the time comes.

Maeda, Okinawa Times: I would like to confirm two things in relation to this. Earlier, you said that you would advance discussions on the five requests made by the governor. Amid this, I think that there are also issues remaining to be discussed regarding the relocation, such as the issue of flight routes. Will you also advance new discussions between Japan and the United States on such points?
The other point I would like to confirm is whether you envision a process of asking the opinion of the Okinawan side on both plans, at the stage of the next 2+2 meeting. Please respond on these two points.

Minister: The discussion between Japan and the United States is currently ongoing at the working level, including the receipt of requests from Okinawa.
The next question is about when the 2+2 meeting should be held. Overall, our work was first to advance the agreement of May 29th, and the agreement of the experts of August; at the current time, we are focusing the greatest part of our efforts on making sincere requests in order to obtain the understandings of Okinawa people, in order to carry out the agreement between Japan and the United States of May 28th. We are carrying this out assiduously.

Inafuku, Ryukyu Shimpo: In the process of deciding which to choose between V-shaped (plan) and the I-shaped (plan), as was asked earlier, I would like to ask you whether there is room to listen to the views of the Okinawan side, and if so, at what level you will be listening to: at the level of the prefecture, or at the level of Nago City.

Minister: Although we will listen to the views of a wide range of people, our contact of priority is the Governor, and before entering discussions of this with the Governor, we are in the midst of making requests for the Japan-US agreement of May 28th, and we will continue the task of making this request sincerely and thoroughly.

6. ODA Reform

Nanao, Nico Nico Douga: I read out a question on behalf of our users. With regard to ODA reform -- and I would like you to confirm this -- there are reports that the target of assistance programs will be expanded from the current 28 countries to all 120 countries. There are also reports that in connection tol that, an expert committee is to be set up, country-specific aid policies are to be presented, and information on a certain country's resource reserves is to be incorporated. Going a step further, may I understand that these are strategic ODA reforms, in which there are prospects for Japan to gain return for its assistance, or gain benefits from countries that receive Japan's assistance? In that case, is Japan specifically envisaging the benefits that it may possibly receive?

Minister: The overall picture of ODA reform in its entirety has not been set yet. I think that ODA programs should be examined from various perspectives.
   One of those is the humanitarian perspective. Shortly after I assumed this post, I attended the UN General Assembly session in New York. Prime Minister Kan gave a presentation on what he called the Kan Commitment, in which Japan would provide financial assistance with designated goals -- the so-called MDGs in mind. The assistance would primarily go to the health and education sectors.
   In any case, what is important in development is the elimination of poverty. As to what can be done to eliminate poverty, education would be at its foundation, and as such, this type of issue must indeed be dealt with properly regardless of whether there is return. I believe that this is truly a humanitarian and universal issue for mankind that countries that have achieved a certain level of economic growth should engage by bearing responsibility.
   In addition, I believe that as a country with a certain level of medical or healthcare service system, it is important for us to provide full support to places where many babies die right after they are born or where medical services are still insufficient.
   At the same time, as ODA recipient countries are at various economic levels, when we take those economic levels into consideration in determining what kind of assistance to provide, I think that, as it was pointed out earlier, it is also important for us to do a detailed follow-up review of each of those countries.
   In the process, as there are universal issues such as environmental issues, or when we try to promote our economic diplomacy, an aid recipient country has resources, for example, and although a mutual agreement has been reached, access to the resources may be difficult. With regard to this issue of access, if the ODA recipient, for example, wants an expressway built using yen loans, I think that we would likely be considering that, as both sides would be reaping benefits.
   In conclusion, we do not intend to carry out all our ODA programs, seeking compensation. We will, of course, firmly carry out ODA programs that should be equally provided to various countries based on universal values. At the same time, official development assistance is resourced from taxpayers' money, so in a certain sense, as a matter that would contribute to Japan's resource diplomacy or economic diplomacy, we need to link them in accordance with international rules. Therefore, I believe that both aspects are important.

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