(* 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: Friday, January 18, 2013, 2:45 a.m.
Place: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

Opening Remarks
- (1) Abduction of Japanese nationals in Algeria
Abduction of Japanese nationals in Algeria

1. Opening Remarks

(1) Abduction of Japanese nationals in Algeria

Ohtani, NHK: Please update us on the latest information on this incident.

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida: We have received varying information about the incident and we are continuing putting our utmost efforts to information gathering. However, we cannot yet offer any confirmed information related to the safety of the hostages. In our interactions with the Algerian Government, we have asked its policy in addressing this incident and have strongly requested them to expend all possible measures for the safety of the hostages’ life.

At around 0:30 a.m. today, Prime Minister Abe held telephone talks with the Prime Minister of Algeria. He expressed his strong concerns for the life-threatening action taken by the Algerian Government in spite of the requests made by the Japanese Government to give the highest priority to the lives and safety of the hostages. He requested that the Algerian Government definitely refrain from this sort of action.

Prior to this telephone call, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Kiuchi had made similar requests to the Algerian Government. In addition, we have been making every effort to gather and exchange information with such countries as the United States and the United Kingdom.

2. Abduction of Japanese nationals in Algeria

Ohtani, NHK: Just for confirmation: There are some reports that Japanese nationals have been injured, killed, or freed. What is the current status of the Japanese nationals taken hostage?

Minister Kishida: As I mentioned a moment ago, a variety of information has been provided. We are making every effort to collect and confirm these pieces of information, but we have not yet come to a point to provide concrete information on the safety of the Japanese nationals.

Ohtani, NHK: A while ago, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga also made clear his recognition that operations were still underway. As it is around 7:00 p.m. local time now, do you believe there are no prospects for further developments on this incident today?

Minister Kishida: Are you asking if military operations are still going on at the site?

Ohtani, NHK: Yes.

Minister Kishida: I have been told that during the telephone conference between the Japanese and Algerian prime ministers held around 0:30 a.m., the Algerian Prime Minister stated that operations were still in progress. Regarding the current situation and whether the operations are going on, we are still working to gather relevant information.

Ohtani, NHK: In case there are any further developments, do you plan to come back and address the situation?

Minister Kishida: Since the situation is naturally expected to shift over time, needless to say I must address the situation if there are to be any substantial changes.

Ohtani, NHK: You are planning to depart for the U.S. tomorrow. Is your plan still on schedule given the current situation?

Minister Kishida: As of now, my visit will be as planned. The U.S. also has its citizens taken hostage. Japan has been closely collaborating with the U.S. in gathering information. Considering Japan-U.S. relations in this context, I think it is critical for Japan to closely collaborate with and exchange information with the U.S.

Ohtani, NHK: Do you expect this issue will also be discussed during your visit? Will you also describe the chain of command while you are away?

Minister Kishida: If the Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ meeting is held as planned, I believe this incident will naturally be on the agenda. At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Masaji Matsuyama, Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs is currently in Tokyo and reporting to his office. Mr. Shunichi Suzuki, the other Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, is currently abroad, but will be back in Japan tomorrow morning and is scheduled to cope with this incident. I expect the Parliamentary Vice-Ministers, me and the ministry as a whole will continue their steady efforts.

Matsumoto, Jiji Press: Prime Minister Abe and Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Minoru Kiuchi have communicated with the Algerian Government. Without referring to the details, did the Algerian side provide any information on the safety of the hostages?

Minister Kishida: We have received a variety of information, but we are not able to report on the safety of them or comment on any confirmed information.

TBS: In order to confirm various conflicting reports, are there any plans to dispatch personnel to the operation site rather than Algiers?

Minister Kishida: The site is over 1,000 kilometers away from the capital city of Algiers. I have been told that it is difficult to access for many countries including media outlets. Given the situation, I understand that every effort is being made in the field to gather maximum relevant information.

Yoshida, Nishinippon Shimbun: What is your response to the fact that Japan’s request to refrain from military actions was not accepted?

Minister Kishida: The Prime Minister and the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs have conveyed that Japan is highly concerned with those operations.

Matsuo, Mainichi Shimbun: The Chief Cabinet Secretary said that Japan is getting in line with the U.S. and the U.K. Does that mean that the operations have unilaterally started to be conducted by Algeria?

Minister Kishida: Japan is facing the same situation as the U.S. and the U.K. in that we have had our citizens taken hostage in this incident and are closely working to gather information. I have heard that these countries were not notified of the operations beforehand either.

Inada, NHK: Have you contacted the families of the hostages and received any requests from them?

Minister Kishida: I have heard that JGC Corporation is contacting them.

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