Press Conference by the Press Secretary 19 April 1996

The statement delivered in Moscow by Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto on recent events in the Republic of Lebanon
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ken Shimanouchi: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. This morning, Minister for Foreign Affairs Yukihiko Ikeda issued a statement concerning the unfortunate development in Lebanon on 18 April. A few hours ago, Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto issued a statement on the same matter. I will give you the English translation of the Prime Minister's statement. "I have been deeply concerned about the recent deterioration of the situation in Lebanon as a threat to stability in the region. I deeply deplore that, against this background, a sad incident occurred on 18 April in which members of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and many civilians were killed or injured as a result of attacks in Lebanon by the State of Israel. It is totally unacceptable that so many people fell victim to the attack. I wish to express my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and my sympathies to those who were injured. The vicious circle of terrorism, and the use of force, must be stopped immediately, and the Middle East Peace process moved forward. Japan calls on all the parties, including Israel, to stop hostilities, in compliance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution..." This is my footnote -- he is referring to United Nations Resolution 1052. "...and, bring together international diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation in Lebanon. I intend to hold consultations on this matter with the leaders gathered here in Moscow. Japan intends to contribute in every way possible." That is the announcement that I wanted to make, and I will be delighted to respond to any questions that you might have.
Confirmation on the location of Prime Minister Hashimoto's remarks in Moscow
Q: I would like to confirm that these statements made by Prime Minister Hashimoto were made in Moscow?

A: Yes. A few hours ago.
The proposed four-party conference on matters relating to the Korean Peninsula
Q: As I understand, the Japanese side supported the American proposal to convene a four-way conference on the Korean Peninsula. But, would you clarify the Japanese position over the previous proposal by Russia to convene the same conference, but not for four countries, but for six countries -- not only for the Korean states, the United States, and China, but also with Japan and Russia. What is the Japanese position on this proposal?

A: You refer to a recent proposal for a four-party conference as a proposal by the United States of America. I have to correct you on that. It is a proposal by the United States and the Republic of Korea. All I can say is that we support this proposal for a four-party conference. We would like to see North Korea accept this proposal without delay. We would hope that, through this four-party meeting, reduction of tensions and confidence-building are achieved on the Korean Peninsula, and that an agreement for a permanent peace, replacing the current Armistice Agreement, will be achieved. We also call on North Korea to abide by the Armistice Agreement until such a time that a lasting peace agreement is achieved, and that it refrain from taking actions that might undermine peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. That is our position on this matter. We want to see this four-party conference realized.

Q: Yes, but what about the previous Russian proposal about a, not four, but six-way conference, including Japan and Russia?

A: I do not have the details of the Russian proposal. Our position on the situation on the Korean Peninsula is as I have stated. We support the proposal that is now on the table.

Q: So, as I understand, you know nothing about the previous Russian proposals?

A: I, myself, do not have the specifics of the Russian proposal, but the important fact is that we support the current proposal that is on the table, and that we hope that North Korea accepts this proposal, and comes to the table for dialogue.

Q: So, as I understand the problem, the Japanese side doesn't know exactly what the Russian proposal is. Is that correct?

A: I am saying that I, myself, do not know.
Further matters on the proposed four-way meeting
Q: Prime Minister Hashimoto said in regard to this four-way talk that has been proposed by the United States and Japan, that Japan will cooperate to enhance this meeting between four nations. What do you think is the likely help that Japan can give to the announcement?

A: I do not have the transcript of the Joint Press Conference with me, but if I recall correctly, he said that Japan is not in a position to say if this or that should be done. He said that Japan would do whatever is possible -- if asked. I do not think we have anything specific in mind at this stage. We just want to be useful, since we support the processes of this proposal.

Q: So, you will consider, if something is asked by the participants in the party?

A: I should not put words in the Prime Minister's mouth.
The Japan-U.S. Joint Declaration
Q: There is very much talk about this jointly-signed statement that Japan and the United States made the day before yesterday. In the case of China, they are saying that the security pact is in violation of the Japanese Constitution. There is a lot of worry in Asian nations about militarization and Japan growing into a military power. What is the Foreign Minister's position on this "unconstitutional" issue?

A: There is nothing unconstitutional about the Joint Declaration made the other day. I would like to emphasize that the Joint Declaration does not change the current framework of the Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements, nor does it enlarge the scope of the arrangements. What it does is reaffirm the importance of the Alliance, and the Security Treaty on which the Alliance is based, in the post-Cold War context. I think you have read the document. There is an assessment of the current situation in this part of the world. And, based on this assessment of the security environment, the document underscores the importance of maintaining the Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements. Furthermore, it discusses the importance of enhancing the credibility of the Security Arrangements, and sets forth a number of measures to do exactly that. I think you are aware of the contents of that. I might add that both the Government of the United States and the Government of Japan are of the view that the Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements are a stabilizing factor in the Asia-Pacific, and that it is beneficial, not just to the United States and Japan, but to the whole of Asia and the whole world. Thank you very much.

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