Top > Announcement > Press Conference by Foreign Minister > March 9, 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: Friday, March 9, 2012, 8:35 a.m.
Place: In the Diet

Main topics:

  1. Opening Remarks
    • (1) Sanctions on Syria
    • (2) Release of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) White Paper
  2. Northern Territory Issue
  3. Debt Reduction for Myanmar
  4. Countermeasures Against Reputational Damages

1. Opening Remarks

(1) Sanctions on Syria

Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba: The crackdown by the Syrian government on antigovernment demonstrations has resulted in a large number of casualties over the past one year. The suppression by the Syrian government is still continuing in spite of international calls made by many countries including Japan. In order to contribute to the international efforts being made to solve the issue of Syria, we have obtained Cabinet approval today to add two individuals and four entities to the list of those subject to the measures on Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and his related individuals and entities, such as freezing of assets. Combined with those listed in September and December last year, in total, the numbers on the lists of those subject to the measures will be 20 individuals and 16 entities.

(2) Release of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) White Paper

Minister Gemba: At today’s Cabinet meeting, I reported on the release of Japan’s Official   Development Assistance White Paper 2011. I hope that through this white paper, Japanese people will deepen their interest in and understanding of Japan’s international cooperation.

2. Northern Territory Issue

Murakami, Fuji Television: In regard to the term hikiwake (draw) which President-elect Putin used in expressing his resolution to solve the territorial dispute by returning the two islands to Japan, Prime Minister Noda mentioned at yesterday’s budget committee that this will not be a hikiwake. How do you interpret this word hikiwake?

Minister Gemba: I think we need to carefully consider the contents of negotiations on the territorial issue. I think President-elect Putin has a willingness, I mean, I am hopeful that he has a willingness to solve the territorial issue. We the Noda Cabinet will carefully observe the moves of Russia and deepen our cooperative relationship in every field, and along these lines we will work vigorously to find a solution to the territorial dispute over the four islands in the Northern Territory. As for the negotiations on the territorial issue, I don’t think it is appropriate that we should turn this issue into a public debate. Since the standpoint of Japan on this issue is already clear, we will actively engage in the negotiations.

3. Debt Reduction for Myanmar

Yoshioka, NHK: Regarding the debt issue of Myanmar which is hindering the resumption of yen loans, I understand that the issue will be taken up at the negotiation table next week. There is also information that partial repayment is being discussed. Could you tell us about the policies you are contemplating to solve this debut issue?

Minister Gemba: With Myanmar, we have a delinquent debt problem. I think we need to pave the way for solving this problem, and at the moment we are vigorously working on it. I have presented basic policies and we are currently discussing them with the Myanmar government. Along these lines, I have also given instructions regarding the review of our aid policies. In order to provide substantial assistance for the country, I think resumption of yen loans is essential in addition to the assistance for Basic Human Needs. However, in order to resume the loans, it is imperative that we find a solution to the delinquent debt problem. As such, we must have a substantial discussion. As the country’s delinquent debt problem also involves international organizations, I think Japan must lead the way in solving this problem. We have not reached a final conclusion on this matter yet.

4. Countermeasures Against Reputational Damages

Ishida, Yomiuri Shimbun: Sunday this week will mark the one-year period since the Great East Japan Earthquake, but many countries are still imposing restrictions on imports from Japan. How are you viewing the present situation and how do you plan to cope with it?

Minister Gemba: The situation varies substantially depending on the country. The United States for instance has already eased their restrictions on traveling and imports to the same level as those of Japan. Regrettably, however, this is not the case with some of other countries. Some countries are easing their restrictions step by step. I have been thinking that I need to send out simple and clear message to these countries. For instance, the most popular site-seeing area in Fukushima Prefecture is Aizu-Wakamatsu, and the hourly air radiation dose rate in Aizu-Wakamatsu is 0.11 microsievert, which is the same as that in Seoul and is hardly different from that in New York. This is the actual situation, but regrettably, some countries are not taking these scientific and rational grounds into consideration. As such, I have been taking up this issue at foreign ministerial talks and will continue to do so. At the same time, I think it is also important that we appeal directly to the people in each country, such as by citing the figures I just mentioned. Otherwise, even if the restrictions on traveling to Japan are lifted, people may hesitate to come to Japan. Therefore, I think we need to take both approaches, and as part of such efforts, we are sending out our message through CNN and other foreign TV stations.

Back to Index