Top > Announcement > Press Conference by Foreign Minister > February 21, 2012

(* 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 Koichiro Gemba

Date: Tuesday, February 21, 2012, 8:50 a.m.
Place: In the Diet

Main topics:

  1. Sanctions on Iran
  2. South Sudan PKO
  3. Realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan

1. Sanctions on Iran

Murakami, Fuji TV: Some reports said Japan was likely to win an exemption from U.S. sanctions by reducing its imports of crude oil from Iran by 11 percent per year. Is this correct?

Minister Gemba: I think we have deepened mutual understanding with the U.S. on the National Defense Authorization Act. However, we have not yet reached an agreement.

Murakami, Fuji TV:  Did you receive a report from your staffs about the 11% figure?

Minister Gemba: We have cut 40 percent of crude oil import from Iran in 5 years. If I remember correctly, the figures like from 500,000 barrels per day (B/D) to 320,000 B/D, that has already been announced officially. As you know, the cuts like this will be continued in the future. I would like to withhold giving specific figures at the moment as there are various factors including the impact on market.

Murakami, Fuji TV:  Does it mean that broad agreement has not yet been reached?

Minister Gemba: No, we do not have a broad agreement. But I think mutual understanding has been deepened considerably. You may think negotiations are still under way through various diplomatic channels.

Sakai, Sankei Shimbun: Do you mean that a broad agreement including exemptions for Japanese banks has not been reached?

Minister Gemba: We have not had a general agreement. We expect to negotiate or are negotiating, including the exemptions.

2. South Sudan PKO

Noguchi, Nippon Television: I think Self-Defense Forces are starting activities in South Sudan. As a foreign minister, what do you expect of them?

Minister Gemba: I think the international community, international organizations including the United Nations or local people are placing high expectations on Self-Defense Forces. They have trust on the ability of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and I hope all the members of the Self-Defense Forces will do their best despite the hardship.

Noguchi, Nippon Television: My question may derail from the topics of diplomacy or international contribution. Japan is sending the Self-Defense Forces to South Sudan while China is investing tremendously and making their presence widely felt there. How do you think Japan should be involved in South Sudan?

Minister Gemba: I think Japan should be involved in nation building in South Sudan not only in PKO but also with effective use of ODA etc. In short, I think efficient combination of PKO and ODA activities is necessary. Basically, PKO is so-called international cooperation activity, and further involvement in nation building by leveraging ODA is necessary.

3. Realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan

Hanamura, TV Asahi: Okinawa Governor submitted a considerably tough written opinion on the central government’s environmental impact assessment report concerning Futenma Air Station relocation. The Governor’s opinion tells of a sense of distrust of the Government’s response so far in addition to environment preservation inability. What is the view you have on this matter?

Minister Gemba: I haven’t examined carefully yet the whole of the matter. Basically, I think the Defense Ministry is going to examine the matter from now on. Since such a report has been presented, it should be accepted for necessary examination and adequate response. That’s why we decoupled the package. Deadlock should be unlocked and things should be done starting with those that can be done. Futenma Air Station relocation can not be forced through in such a difficult situation. I think that’s why it should be dealt with care.

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