Top > Announcement > Press Conference by Foreign Minister > March 27, 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, March 27, 2012, 8:45 a.m.
Place: In the Diet

Main topics:

  1. Nuclear Security Summit
  2. Realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan
  3. Situation in North Korea (“Satellite” Launch)
  4. Nuclear Security Summit

1. Nuclear Security Summit

 Murakami, Fuji Television: Regarding Nuclear Security Summit, could you update your thoughts on what stance Japan should take based on the observation that China and Russia indicate the stance to cooperate with the U.S. and the Republic of Korea? President Obama had meetings with China and Russia, and China and Russia showed their intention to cooperate with the U.S. and the Republic of Korea whose stance is to warn against North Korea's missile launch. Please tell us the stance that Japan should take.
Minister Gemba: I think that it is important to work on Six-Party Talks partners such as the U.S., the ROK, and particularly on China and Russia. Russia stated that the launch would be a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and China expressed its concern.
It will be very important to closely cooperate with the U.S., the ROK , China and Russia. Firstly, we should urge North Korea to exercise self-restraint.

2. Realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan

Matsudo, Ryukyu Shimpo: Regarding the relocation of the Futenma Air Station to Henoko, today Governor Nakaima submitted a written opinion on the Environmental Impact Assessment Report and he expressed his policy to request relocation outside of the prefecture. Please tell us your response to it.
Minister Gemba: As I mentioned the other day, I would like to thoroughly examine and respond in an appropriate manner. I think that the Ministry of Defense is directly in charge of it. My stance is as you know, and I think that it is important to move forward while asking for understanding in all aspects.

3. Situation in North Korea (“Satellite” Launch)

 Kitai, Jiji Press: Regarding the missiles of North Korea, please tell us your thoughts on how you will be fully prepared as the government in terms of defense such as deployment of PAC-3 units and Aegis destroyers.
Minister Gemba: Referring to past cases, for example the 2009 case, four ministers exchanged views and shared information regarding North Korea earlier today, and I think that we will ensure the perfect preparation under the leadership of the Minister of Defense.
Yokota, Mainichi Newspaper: Did the four Ministers confirm or decide anything?
Minister Gemba: I heard that the Minister of Defense will announce it. Therefore I would like to refrain from commenting on it.

4. Nuclear Security Summit

Ishida, Yomiuri Shimbun: In the Nuclear Security Summit, I think the Prime Minister has not demonstrate his presence enough, partly because he arrived in Seoul last night, while other leaders from countries related to Six-Party Talks have actively held meetings, under a good coordination. The summit is being held today, too. Could you tell us how the Prime Minister will work with other countries concerned?
Minister Gemba: I think it is because of time constraint. There is the issue of consumption tax. Or, it is maybe also related with the Diet matter. I mean that the ruling and opposition parties should think about this together. I think that the Prime Minister will do his best in such a limited time and will hold bilateral meetings probably, in between various scheduled meetings.  I believe that this is the matter to be considered beyond political parties, in relation to Japan's diplomacy or summit diplomacy.

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