Media FAQ

November 22, 2007

Myanmar Issue

Q: The ASEAN countries decided not to pressure Myanmar at this summit meeting. Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General Mr. Ibrahim Gambari's briefing at the meeting was cancelled. What is the position of the Government of Japan on this decision?

A: It was a disappointment to Japan that Special Advisor Gambari did not have an opportunity to brief us on the situation in Myanmar at the East Asia Summit meeting.

We should stress the importance of the international community, including the ASEAN countries, calling upon Myanmar with one voice to take action in a positive direction.

We will consult with the ASEAN countries closely to make a more effective appeal to Myanmar.

Japan's Initiative on the Environment

Q: Give a brief overview of the initiative on the environment that Japan proposed at the East Asia Summit meeting.

A: This is a three-pillar initiative to create synergy between economic growth and environmental protection. First, we wish to help EAS member countries build a low-carbon and sound material-cycle society; second, we want to promote conservation of the rich and diverse natural environment in East Asia; third, we are committed to helping build an intellectual infrastructure for fostering future environmental leaders in the region.

It should also be added that under his philosophy of "self-reliance and mutual cooperation," Prime Minister Fukuda introduced this initiative at the East Asia Summit meeting with the recognition that East Asian countries are facing serious environmental problems while they have achieved rapid economic growth. Japan is ready and willing to make use of the experiences and knowledge it has amassed through facing and then overcoming serious environmental pollution. Japan will also utilize its cutting-edge technologies in assisting East Asian countries restore the environment and promote energy efficiency.

The initiative includes;

a) The provision of financial assistance amounting 2 billion USD over the next 5 years so that developing countries can take more effective measures to tackle air, water and other form of pollution;
b) The establishment of a mobile force comprising experts in the field of environmental protection, which could be dispatched upon request to sites of serious environmental pollution;
c) The sharing of information gathered by Japan's space satellite to monitor the degree of deforestation and measure GHG emissions; and,
d) The fostering of future leaders in East Asia who will serve as a driving force to protect the environment.

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