Press Conference by Press Sec. 10 January 1995

1. Conversation regarding Japan's policy toward the Russian Federation between officials of the two Governments
2. Potential discussion of the domestic situation in the Russian Federation at the upcoming Japan-United States Summit Meeting
3. Timing of a visit to Japan by Minister for Foreign Affairs Nikolai Kozyrev of the Russian Federation
4. Possible points of discussion at the upcoming Japan-United States Summit Meeting

1. Conversation regarding Japan's policy toward the Russian Federation between officials of the two Governments

   Acting Foreign Ministry Spokesman Kishichiro Amae: Happy New Year, ladies and gentlemen. Yesterday, Ambassador to the Russian Federation Koji Watanabe had a conversation with Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Aleksandr Nikolaevich Panov, and Ambassador Watanabe conveyed a message from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono with two points. One is that the Government of Japan, from a humanitarian point of view, expressed regret for the casualties of civilians because of prolonged battle in Chechnya, and expressed hope that the domestic order be restored peacefully. The second point is that the Government of Japan has been supporting the endeavor of President Boris Yeltsin of the Russian Federation for reform in politics and economy, and that his policy should be made maintained. To this, Vice-Foreign Minister Panov said that he would convey this message to Minister for Foreign Affairs Nikolai Kozyrev. At the same time, Vice-Foreign Minister Panov touched upon the timing of Foreign Minister Kozyrev's visit to Japan, saying that, unfortunately, because of various reasons, including the domestic situation in Russia, Foreign Minister Kozyrev would not be able to come to Japan in January. So, we agreed to have further talks between the two Governments concerning the early visit of Foreign Minister Kozyrev to Japan.

2. Potential discussion of the domestic situation in the Russian Federation at the upcoming Japan-United States Summit Meeting

   Q: Have you read some reports in today's newspapers that, during the Washington, D.C. Summit, Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama and President William Clinton of the United States of America are going to discuss the Chechnya crisis, and even make some statement? Can you comment on this matter?

   A: I don't think there will be some kind of statement by Prime Minister Murayama and President Clinton on Chechnya. I can say that there may be some kind of issuance of papers, but that will not concern international political affairs. Prime Minister Murayama's visit to the United States today can be seen as a very important step for Japanese foreign policy, at the outset of the 50th anniversary since the end of World War II. During this occasion, Prime Minister Murayama would like to talk with President Clinton regarding various issues, including international issues. I cannot say that Chechnya is the top priority on the agenda of international political discussion. So, perhaps both leaders will touch upon this.

3. Timing of a visit to Japan by Minister for Foreign Affairs Nikolai Kozyrev of the Russian Federation

   Q: What is your personal opinion about the date of Foreign Minister Kozyrev's visit to Japan?

   A: This is a question for a Russian spokesman. We would like to materialize his visit to Japan as soon as possible. January would have been good timing, because the Japanese Parliament is in recess -- it will start from 20 January. But, in spite of the parliamentary session, Foreign Minister Kozyrev's visit is a very important one for Japanese foreign policy, so I hope that his visit to Japan can be made as soon as possible. If not in January, why not in February?

4. Possible points of discussion at the upcoming Japan- United States Summit Meeting

   Q: Concerning Prime Minister Murayama's visit to the United States -- I believe there are certain critical differences between what the two want to talk about. I believe that Japan would like to talk about the basic Framework Negotiations, and the United States would like to talk about economics. I believe there are some differences between the two interests. What is your comment on this difference?

   A: I don't feel that there is a big difference between the two leaders' thinking on holding these important talks on this occasion. Prime Minister Murayama would like to first touch upon the reflection of the past 50 years of Japan-U.S. relations, and he would like to confirm the commitment of the Government of Japan in the Japan-U.S. alliance. So, the first priority falls upon the importance of the confirmation of the two States' alliance -- I mean the relations -- even after the end of the Cold War. Prime Minister Murayama is ready to touch upon the economic agenda; being aware of the increasing amount of the Japanese trade surplus with the United States, he may explain the efforts of the Government of Japan, especially deregulation, on which he mentioned earlier that, by the end of this fiscal year, he will compile a five-year package. He is really serious about it, and the Government is very serious. It is not only for the bilateral relation between Japan and the United States, but it is very important for Japan for its economic growth in the future. Both leaders may touch upon the importance of the Framework Negotiations, which were partially concluded in 1994, and as far as the automobile and auto parts question is concerned, there was an announcement from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry in the early part of this month that they are going to discuss this matter later this month. The financial aspect under the Framework Negotiations is already substantially ended, so I don't feel that there is a big discrepancy on the economic issue between the two leaders. Thank you very much.