Press Conference by Press Sec. 17 January 1995

1. Emergency disaster relief headquarters to deal with the earthquake in Hyogo Prefecture
2. Humanitarian assistance for the Republic of Haiti
3. Reports of possible developments in the Diet
4. Japanese assistance in the denuclearization efforts of the Russian Federation

1. Emergency disaster relief headquarters to deal with the earthquake in Hyogo Prefecture

   Foreign Ministry Spokesman Terusuke Terada: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Since I am offering the briefing session for the first time this year, let me extend to you New Years' Greetings. As you are all aware, this morning we have experienced one of the worst earthquakes to strike Japan. In this connection, let me inform you of the following. The ministers concerned met at 11:00 and established an emergency disaster relief headquarters in relation to the earthquake disaster in the southern part of Hyogo Prefecture. The headquarters decided to immediately send a Government investigation mission, as well as to make utmost efforts at emergency relief measures. The headquarters will continue to take appropriate measures as the situation develops, while, for the time being, an emphasis will be placed on the following aspects: first, keen alertness and precaution against possible aftershocks; second, an accurate grasp of the disaster situation; third, search and rescue of missing people; fourth, appropriate relief measures for those suffering from the earthquake; fifth, early extinction of fires and prompt relief and rehabilitation of the damaged facilities and infrastructure, including roads, railways, water lines, electricity, etc.

   Q: Probably it is a bit premature to predict today, but this great earthquake today -- what kind of impact would you say it would have on the coming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting and Economic Leaders' Meeting in that area?

   A: I am afraid to say we are still trying to grasp the extent of the damage in that area. Therefore, I am not in a position to tell you exactly how much the infrastructure which is expected to accommodate the coming APEC meetings will be affected.

   Q: Is there any possibility, however remote it should be, that the Government of Japan may have to change the site for November's meetings?

   A: At the present stage, as I said, since we are not fully informed of the extent of the damage caused by the earthquake, we cannot possibly give you any answer to the question which you just raised.

2. Humanitarian assistance for the Republic of Haiti

   Foreign Ministry Spokesman Terusuke Terada: Today's Cabinet Meeting has decided to offer US$5.65 million to help alleviate the most difficult situation with which the people of the Republic of Haiti are being confronted. This humanitarian assistance is to be implemented through such United Nations organs as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Childrens' Fund (UNICEF). The Government of Japan has, further, the intention to make available, in the form of non-project assistance, as much as US$5 million to help the Government of Haiti to weather the balance of payments difficulties. At the same time, we are studying the possibility as to how best we can contribute financially to the international police monitor, which constitutes part of the multilateral forces being deployed in Haiti.

3. Reports of possible developments in the Diet

   Q: There was a report at year end or the beginning of this year that there is some thought being given to an anti-war pledge in the Diet, sometime, probably on August 15. Can you comment on that? Is there any move toward that sort of thing?

   A: Since I belong to the executive side of the Government, I must fail to make any official comment, but certainly we are aware of such reports.

4. Japanese assistance in the denuclearization efforts of the Russian Federation

   Q: I have a couple of questions about the Japanese dealing with Russian nuclear problems. I understand late last year there was a tender to build a liquid nuclear waste storage facility in the Far East region of Russia. Could you update us on the progress? Secondly, I understand there was a two- day session last week here to discuss how Japan can help Russia deal with excessive nuclear warheads.

   A: I am afraid to say that at the present I do not have any precise information on these matters. Dealing with the question of the disposal of nuclear waste -- yes, the tender was invited, and I am quite sure that we are about to decide on the specific company which will take care of the construction. Further than that, I do not have any factual information with me. I am happy to tell you that my colleague will be pleased to give you more detailed information on the points which you raised.