Press Conference by the Press Secretary 26 November 1996

1. Additional assistance from the Government of Japan to the Palestinian Self-Government Authority
2. United States Congressman Mr. Bill Richardson's visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

1. Additional assistance from the Government of Japan to the Palestinian Self-Government Authority

   Deputy Press Secretary Ken Shimanouchi: Good afternoon. Welcome to the Foreign Ministry's regular briefing session. Before I take your questions I have one very brief announcement about additional assistance by the Government of Japan to the Palestinian Self-Government Authority.

   The Government of Japan decided on 26 November, that is today, to extend 3.5 million dollars in support through the World Bank, to the Palestinians who are beset by unemployment and other economic difficulties. This assistance will be used to support the administrative costs of the Palestinian Authority. The Middle East peace process is now in a difficult phase. The closure of the West Bank and Gaza by Israel has continued for more than 10 months now and this has affected the economic situation in the self-government areas. Furthermore this has adversely affected the financial situation of the Palestinian Authority. The situation has become even more serious after the clashes between Israeli security units and the Palestinians in late September. Therefore it is urgent that the financial basis of the Palestinian self-rule authorities be stabilized; that is why we have decided to extend 3.5 million dollars in assistance to the Palestinians above and over the three million dollars that the Government of Japan committed itself to at the time of Chairman Arafat's visit to Japan in September. That is my announcement. I will be very glad to answer any questions you may have.

2. United States Congressman Mr. Bill Richardson's visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

   Q: Yesterday the United States Congressman, Mr. Bill Richardson left from Air Base in Yokota to the North Korea and it was scheduled for him to bring back Mr. Hanjika, who was detained on a spy charge in North Korea. He was planning to come back to Japan about 18:30 this afternoon. Right before noon today, the United States embassy in Tokyo has announced that he will not be coming back today but he will be arriving tomorrow. Does the Japanese Foreign Ministry know anything about the reasons for this delay from the United States Government or Embassy in Tokyo?

   A: I have no information for you about this issue. I think that it is better to check with the Embassy of the United States here.

   Q: I have.

   A: You already have. Do you have any more questions? That was your only question. No other questions? Thank you very much.