Top > Announcement > Press Conference by Foreign Minister > January 17, 2013

(* 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 Fumio Kishida

Date: Thursday, January 17, 2013, 0:00 a.m.
Place: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

  1. Abduction of Japanese nationals in Algeria

1. Abduction of Japanese nationals in Algeria

Ohtani, NHK: Do you have information concerning the number of abducted people?

Minister Kishida: We are currently making every effort to confirm the information, but because of the nature of the incident, I will refrain from commenting on the details at this point in time.

Ohtani, NHK: Have there been any demands from the criminal group?

Minister Kishida: My answer will be the same; I will refrain from commenting on the details at this point.

Nikaido, Asahi Shimbun: Has the Government of Japan confirmed what the criminal group is like?

Minister Kishida: We are putting in our utmost efforts at collecting various information collections.

Matsumoto, Jiji Press: The Prime Minister is currently on his visit overseas and you are also scheduled for an overseas visit this week. Won’t there be any change to these schedules?

Minister Kishida: We have been reporting to the Prime Minister each time information is updated. Because we are at the stage of information gathering, the specific measure which may be taken at this point is the dispatch of the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs to Algeria. We will continue monitoring the development of the situation and consider what measures we shall take, including our specific responses to the situation.

Matsumoto, Jiji Press: Do you mean there will be no changes to the diplomatic schedule?

Minister Kishida: We will monitor the situation and consider thoroughly.

Nikaido, Asahi Shimbun: Will that include your visit to the U.S.?

Minister Kishida: We are currently gathering information on the situation. We will get a clear handle on the situation, but further changes and developments are naturally expected. I believe we will take various measures upon close monitoring of the situation.

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