Press Conference by the Press Secretary 13 October 1995

Comments on the Japan-United States review of the existing Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) implementation
Acting Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ken Shimanouchi: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.

Q: Japan and the United States side were supposed to have a committee meeting today to make some decision about the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). Has that meeting been held?

A: Acting Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ken Shimanouchi: Yes, the meeting is supposed to start at 14:00. It is taking place in this building. Let me explain to you very briefly what we are doing right now. As you may recall, on 25 September, the two sides agreed to set up an Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Criminal Jurisdiction Procedures to review the implementation of the existing SOFA framework and to come up with recommendations if it is found that there is room for improvement. In the second meeting of the Subcommittee, which took place on 5 October, last Thursday, the Japanese side explained in detail its views on three aspects: First, the transfer of custody; second, cooperation in investigation; and third, the modalities of custody on the United States side. In last week's meeting, the American side told us they would take a good look at our views. In today s meeting we will continue discussions along those lines.

Q: About how long is that meeting expected to last?

A: I do not know.

Q: Will the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have another briefing on that afterward?

A: Yes, there will be one in Japanese.

Q: Is there a time scheduled for that briefing?

A: I think the arrangement for the briefing is that it will take place as soon as the meeting is over.

Q: On another matter, fourteen governors met this morning - - including prefectures where American bases are located -- and called for a revision of the Status of Forces Agreement. They were supposed to have made there presentation to the American Embassy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Office of the Prime Minister. Have they been to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yet?

A: I will have to check.

Q: Thank you. Government plans to send the Defense Director to Okinawa again -- has any date been set for that?

A: To my knowledge, no date has been set yet. With regard to this issue -- the refusal of the Okinawa Government to sign the document necessary to ensure the continued use of a plot of land for use by the United States side -- the Defense Facilities Administration Agency is now playing a central role in holding discussions with the Okinawa side with a view to gaining the cooperation of the Okinawa Government. We believe the Defense Facilities Administration Agency is now studying measures to be taken in this context. We are not aware of any final decisions being reached, including any decision on the matter that you just referred to -- the visit of the Minister of State and Director-General of the Defense Agency to Okinawa.

Q: By studying measures, do you mean measures in terms of more economic aid for Okinawa, or measures in terms of the Prime Minister signing, in place of the Governor, this necessary document?

A: We believe they are studying what measures are necessary to bring this matter to a satisfactory conclusion. But, I would like to add that in any case, we must avoid the situation in which Japan is unable to comply with its treaty obligations. We have an obligation under the Japan-United States Security Arrangements to provide facilities and areas to the United States Armed Forces stationed in Japan -- and we intend to comply with this obligation. I would like to emphasize that.
Questions regarding Korean workers
Q: My question is about forced labor during wartime. Will the Japanese Government consider paying people for having been forced to work for Japanese companies during World War II? Mainly, there is a group of eight Korean people who are going to file a lawsuit -- I read it in Kyodo today. I just want to know the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' position on this matter.

A: I am unaware of that news report. Was it reported today?

Q: Kyodo. They haven't filed it yet, but they say there were a group of Koreans who were forced to work for...

A: Since I have not read the report, and I do not know the specifics of this case, I had better not make any comments on that.

Q: What about -- not this specific case -- but, yesterday or the day before yesterday, there was a court ruling I believe in Osaka that this Korean person who worked for the Japanese Government during wartime, was denied any compensation. I was wondering if the Government's position on this matter has been changed by this ruling?

A: This case is being handled by the Ministry of Welfare. I will have to refer you to them.

Q: So, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you have no comment?

A: At least at this point. You will have to ask that question to the Ministry of Welfare.

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