(* 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, August 10, 2012, 3:45 p.m.
Place: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

Opening Remarks
- (1) Visit to Takeshima by the President of the Republic of Korea
Visit to Takeshima by the President of the Republic of Korea

1. Opening Remarks

(1) Visit to Takeshima by the President of the Republic of Korea

Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba: I have heard that today President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Myung-bak visited Takeshima. Accordingly, I just summoned Ambassador of the ROK to Japan Shin Kak-soo in order to express Japan’s intention of strong protest. President Lee visited Takeshima, which is an inherent territory of Japan, both in the light of historical facts and based on international law. Therefore it is incompatible with the position of Japan, and so I made a strong protest on the matter.

Furthermore, I told that the visit this time runs counter to what both sides have said, which is that we will manage difficult problems from a broad perspective of the Japan-ROK relations. I communicated that I absolutely cannot comprehend why he visited Takeshima at this time, as well as the strong protest of the Government of Japan. Moreover, since President Lee Myung-bak visits Takeshima, I clearly told the ambassador that in order to express our intention of protest, we would make Ambassador of Japan to the ROK Muto return to Japan temporarily, and in addition, that we would have no choice but to implement appropriate measures in the future.

2. Visit to Takeshima by the President of the Republic of Korea

Hasegawa, Fuji Television: What was the response from Ambassador (Shin Kak-soo)?

Minister: Ambassador made a short remark, so to speak, based on the position of the ROK.

Hasegawa, Fuji Television: Will Ambassador Muto return to Japan temporally, or should I say will he be recalled, within today immediately?

Minister: I think he will return to Japan within today, perhaps late at night. Since it should be after confirming the visit to Takeshima, we make him return to Japan within today, and will have discussion here at 8am tomorrow morning. It is not decided when we will make him go back to Seoul.

Hasegawa, Fuji Television: You mentioned that you would take appropriate measures. At this moment, are you considering further protest or measures in addition to the recall?

Minister: The wording is very difficult. According to the wording based on the Vienna Convention, a recall means suspension of the duty. This time, to be precise, it is a temporary return to Japan, and we do not know when we will make him go back. Tomorrow, I would like to discuss with Ambassador Muto the background during this period, an analysis of the situation, and concrete appropriate measures.

Hasegawa, Fuji Television: In relation to this, today, Minister of Defense Morimoto mentioned that the visit was a matter of the domestic politics of the ROK. Minister, what is your view on this remark?

Minister: Perhaps, no, for sure, I believe Minister Morimoto did not mean that Takeshima was a matter of the domestic politics of the ROK. Perhaps, he held another press conference later, and I understand that he clearly stated that it is an inherent territory of Japan.

Higashioka, Asashi Shimbun: When will you take appropriate measures?

Minister: On that point, tomorrow, we would like to discuss what and how we will do. Making Ambassador Muto return to Japan itself is the first measure.

Yokota, Mainichi Shimbun: Regarding the Japan-ROK relations as a whole, both the Noda administration and Minister Gemba chose the ROK as the first country to visit, and Japan has taken various measures in a future-oriented matter such as the transfer of traditional archives and the expansion of the swap arrangement. Do you actually feel that such an intention of ours is not understood?

Minister: Yes, I do. Why did he visit there at a time when we need to consider issues from a broad viewpoint? It is extremely regrettable.

Higashioka, Asashi Shimbun: As for the visit to Takeshima, there is an analysis that the visit is intended to boost the Lee Myung-bak administration.

Minister: There should be various analyses. As you report, there are various analyses, but I do not comment on the intention, by guess. However, at any rate, as it conflicts with the position of Japan, we cannot accept it at all. We will take appropriate measures, in a resolute manner.

Sugimoto, Sankei Shimbun: This is not limited to this time alone. The opposition side especially criticizes that the government has taken conciliatory foreign policies against the ROK, such as avoiding the usage of "illegal occupation" concerning Takeshima. Some criticize that such policies led to this visit. What is your opinion about the criticism?

Minister: I do not agree with that. Needless to say, relations with a neighboring country always have difficult aspects. Therefore, I have made efforts to manage complicated issues from a broad perspective. I think the “conciliatory policies” you have mentioned means those taken under the Kan Administration. I guess you mentioned about various issues, such as terms used. However, as for the issue of terms used, the terms used do not change legal assessment. So, the criticism is not necessarily right.

Ikeda, Kyodo: Have you received any instruction from the Prime Minister regarding this issue?

Minister: The Prime Minister and I will take measures in a resolute manner.

Sugimoto, Sankei Shimbun: Did the Prime Minister mention that you should take measures in resolute manner?

Minister: In a word, yes, he did.

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