(* 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: Tuesday, January 22, 2013, 11:06 a.m.
Place: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

Opening Remarks
- (1) Abduction of Japanese nationals in Algeria
- (2) Visit to the United States
Abduction of Japanese nationals in Algeria
The Senkaku Islands
Abduction of Japanese nationals in Algeria
Visit to China by Mr. Natsuo Yamaguchi, Chief Representative of New Komeito
Realignment of U.S. Forces Japan
Abduction of Japanese nationals in Algeria
Japan-ROK relations
Visit to China by Mr. Natsuo Yamaguchi, Chief Representative of New Komeito

1. Opening Remarks

(1) Abduction of Japanese nationals in Algeria

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida: Yesterday evening I received a report from Mr. Kiuchi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, who is currently in In Amenas. The contents of that report are just as explained by Chief Cabinet Secretary last night.

As the Minister for Foreign Affairs, I led our actions during this incident. I lose words in thinking of feelings of the affected families. As the Government and as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I believe that we must provide maximum support to the families.

The Japanese Government wants to again make clear its stance of firmly condemning all forms of acts of terrorism, and will strengthen its diplomatic efforts to prevent this sort of act of terrorism.

As the Japanese Government, we have done everything possible for this incident. Prime Minister Abe requested Mr. Sellal, Prime Minister of Algeria, to place the utmost priority on securing the safety of the hostages. Likewise, I worked on Mr. Medelci, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Algeria, many times. It is extremely regrettable to see the loss of precious human lives in the end despite all of these efforts.

We will continue to devote every possible effort to collect further information by using any means.

(2) Visit to the United States

Minister Kishida: On January 18, I visited the United States. During this visit, I had a candid exchange of opinions on the direction of strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance with U.S. Secretary of State Clinton. I believe that it was a fruitful Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

I also had a meaningful exchange of opinions with Ambassador Kirk, U.S. Trade Representative, as well as Mr. Donilon, National Security Advisor to the President. Although my trip was short, I feel that it was a satisfying visit to the United States.

This was my first trip to the United States as Minister for Foreign Affairs. I believe that I was able to make a good start toward the enhancement of the Japan-U.S. Alliance. I hope that this trip will properly lead to the Prime Minister’s visit to the United States which is now scheduled in the third week of February.

Additionally I was also able to confirm that Japan and the United States will be continuing close collaboration, including for information gathering, related to the hostage situation in Algeria, and I made requests to the United States for cooperation on various issues. I believe that it was extremely significant to be able to again confirm the close relationship between Japan and the United States in such a difficult time.

2. Abduction of Japanese nationals in Algeria

Matsumoto, Jiji Press: As you just mentioned, I understand that the Government of Japan has actively requested the Algerian Government to place the utmost priority on securing the lives of the hostages. What is the view of the Government of Japan on the response of the Algerian Government or what they advocates? In particular, some countries, such as the U.K. and France, clearly expressed a stance in support of the Algerian government. Please elaborate on the stance of the Government of Japan.

Minister Kishida: The Government of Japan has repeatedly requested through every channel, including by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe himself, that the Algerian Government give the highest priority to the safety of the lives of the hostages. It is extremely distressing to see the loss of precious human lives as a consequence; however, the case is not yet closed. We are currently making every possible effort to confirm the safety of the three Japanese nationals who are still missing. Given such circumstances, we need to continue requesting the Algerian Government to coordinate and cooperate fully with us, by for example providing us with relevant information. This is my view on the current stance of the Government of Japan.

3. The Senkaku Islands

Mori, Asahi Shimbun: Mr. Natsuo Yamaguchi, Chief Representative of New Komeito, talked about the Senkaku Islands recently, and one of his remarks could be interpreted that he was calling for the issue to be shelved. In light of the stance of the Government of Japan, i.e. that there is no issue of territorial sovereignty, what is your view on Mr. Yamaguchi’s statement?

Minister Kishida: The statement by Chief Representative Yamaguchi has not been confirmed by the Government of Japan; however, I understand that Chief Representative Yamaguchi clearly expressed in his statement that the Senkaku Islands are an inherent part of the territory of Japan and that there is no issue of territorial sovereignty, and this view is the shared understanding of the Government and the ruling parties. I recognize that Chief Representative Yamaguchi understands the stance of the Government of Japan which is that there is no issue of territorial sovereignty to be solved concerning the Senkaku Islands. This is my view.

4. Abduction of Japanese nationals in Algeria

Saito, Kyodo Press: Going back to the issue of the abduction of Japanese nationals in Algeria, about which you received a question earlier, although it is true that the Government of Japan repeatedly requested the Algerian Government to place the utmost priority on securing the lives of the hostages, it is not necessarily clear for the public as to what is specifically meant by ‘dealing with the situation while placing the utmost priority on the safety of the lives of the hostages.’ Does that mean that you should resolve the situation by negotiating with the Islamist militant group? Or does that mean to carry out operations with consideration for the safety of the lives of the hostages? There is a big difference between these two approaches. Which scenario is assumed when the Government of Japan says it should deal with the situation while placing the utmost priority on the safety of the lives of the hostages? Could you give us your view on this point?

Minister Kishida: The specific situation and its development vary from case to case. In this situation, it is primarily the Algerian Government’s decision to determine what specific actions to take. Japan has requested that the Algerian Government respect the safety of the lives of the hostages to the maximum extent possible when implementing the specific actions. This is what we have repeatedly requested. However, in the end, precious human lives were lost. This is deeply regrettable. This is Japan's understanding and view on the circumstances behind this incident.

5. Visit to China by Mr. Natsuo Yamaguchi, Chief Representative of New Komeito

Lee, China Central Television: Mr. Natsuo Yamaguchi, Chief Representative of the New Komeito, left for his visit to the People’s Republic of China today. He is said to carry a letter from Prime Minister Abe. Do you have any comment on his visit?

Minister Kishida: I have learned that Mr. Yamaguchi will visit the People’s Republic of China from January 22 to 25. Mr. Yamaguchi is scheduled to bring a letter from the Prime Minister with him and I sincerely hope that his visit will contribute to improving Japan-China relations.

Lee, China Central Television: My second question is about whether the Government of Japan is currently considering any measures to improve Japan-China relations.

Minister Kishida: The Government of Japan recognizes that Japan-China relations are one of our most important bilateral relationships. Moreover, we also think that Japan-China relations are mutually beneficial, not only to our economies but in various fields. Therefore, we think that specific cooperation and coordination should be deepened in various areas from a broad perspective. We will take such a stance on the Japan-China relations. Concerning the Senkaku Islands, we will not compromise on our basic stance. However, we also think that we need to respond calmly and from a broad perspective, with consideration for the importance of this bilateral relationship.

6. Realignment of U.S. Forces Japan

Toiyama: Ryukyu Shimpo: I would like to ask you about the Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ meeting. Secretary Hillary Clinton stated that she was confident about the progress of the realignment of U.S. Forces Japan. Did you talk about the relocation of Futenma Air Station, which has been stalled, including the timing for the application for landfill in Henoko or the target date for the start of construction? In addition, could you tell us about the reasons for her confidence, such as whether you made any promises about this issue?

Minister Kishida: Concerning the realignment of U.S. Forces Japan, I stated that we would proceed with the realignment process according to the current Japan-U.S. Agreement. Moreover, I stressed that the reduction of the impact on Okinawa would be important in the realignment process. I explained the current situation and the stance of the Government of Japan to Secretary Clinton. That is what I stated.

7. Abduction of Japanese nationals in Algeria

Kamide, Freelance: Regarding the abduction of Japanese nationals in Algeria, I would like to ask how Japan cooperated with other relevant countries, such as France and the U.K. I understand that you moved your trip schedule forward and came back from the U.S. earlier, in the morning of January 20. Some media outlets have pointed out that there is no direct flight from Washington D.C. at this time of a day, so you had to make a stopover in Europe. In that case, you would have had five to six hours for your stopover in Europe, and therefore it can be assumed that you might have had some time for consultations with countries concerned such as the U.K. or France. Is this all just a conjecture? What do you think of this?

Minister Kishida: There is no truth in that. Although I had some time in Europe as you pointed out, my stopover lasted for only about one hour, so there is no truth in that at all.

8. Japan-ROK relations

Otani, NHK: I would like to ask about the inauguration ceremony for the new President of the Republic of Korea that will be held next month. At this stage, who has been invited and who is going to attend on behalf of the Japanese Government? In addition, what are the current prospects for Prime Minister Abe's visit to the Republic of Korea?

Minister Kishida: First of all, regarding who will attend the inauguration ceremony of the new President of the ROK on behalf of Japan, nothing has been fixed yet at this point. Needless to say, Prime Minister Abe recognizes that Japan-ROK relations as very important; however, no specific action or schedule has been decided at present.

9. Visit to China by Mr. Natsuo Yamaguchi, Chief Representative of New Komeito

Kurashige. Asahi Shimbun: I would like to again ask a question concerning Mr. Yamaguchi’s visit to China. You have expressed your hope that his visit will contribute to improving Japan-China relations. However, as the other reporter mentioned, Mr. Yamaguchi’s statements in his interview with Hong Kong Phoenix TV can be understood as conveying the intention to shelve the issue or to make an agreement not to allow the entry of the military aircraft of both Japan and China into the airspace. I do not understand his intention, but do you think such statements by the Chief Representative of New Komeito will contribute to improving the relationship ?

Minister Kishida: In terms of his statements, I refrain from making any comments, as I have not confirmed them yet. However, I regard his visit to China as very important for the improvement of Japan-China relations, and as I just mentioned, Mr. Yamaguchi has clearly expressed the shared recognition of the Japanese Government and ruling parties concerning the Senkaku Islands. I believe he will handle this issue based on the recognition. In any case, one thing you can be certain of is that the basic stance of the Government of Japan concerning this issue remains unchanged.

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