Press Conference by the Press Secretary 28 May 1996

Ceasefire agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Chechnya
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hiroshi Hashimoto: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. The Government of Japan has repeatedly said that the strife in Chechnya should come to an end at the earliest possible moment, that the citizens' safety and human rights should be ensured, and that the Chechen issue should be resolved in a peaceful manner as soon as possible. The Government of Japan welcomes the achievement of the ceasefire agreement. We strongly hope that the agreement will be carried out sincerely, giving impetus to the peace negotiation process as a whole, and contributing significantly to a conclusive resolution of the Chechen issue. It seems that the legal status of the Republic of Chechnya was not discussed at the time of the agreement, and at this moment, there is no information available on the specific content of the talks or details of the agreement. We are simply waiting for the details to be published soon.

That is the announcement that I wanted to make, and I will be delighted to respond to any questions that you might have.
Hosting World Cup soccer in 2002
Q: It has been reported in the Japanese press that Japanese Members of Parliament who are working on bringing the World Cup games to Japan have decided that they do not want the World Cup if it is to be co-hosted with Korea. What is the Government of Japan's stand on this?

A: There is a lot of speculation on this issue. However, the position of the Government of Japan remains as it has been, meaning that now, according to the present rules and regulations of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Japan and the Republic of Korea are competing. According to these rules, the Government of Japan has been supporting the Football Association of Japan. This attitude has not changed.

Q: So, the Government of Japan is not reviewing the possibility of co-hosting at all?

A: We know that on 31 May, President of the Union of European Football Association (UEFA) Lennart Johansson and other members of the FIFA Executive Council will raise the issue related to the co-hosting of World Cup soccer. We do not know what the outcome of this discussion will be. So, we will simply wait to see what decisions will come out of the Executive Council. Only after that will we start consulting among ourselves. In any case, the Football Association of Japan should make a decision. The Government of Japan highly respects that the decision should be made by the Association, and we will fully respect its decision and will continue to support its ideas. But so far, we understand that the Football Association of Japan has not changed its attitude. They are still hoping to host World Cup soccer in Japan in 2002.
Relations between Japan and North Korea
Q: Relating to yesterday's postponement or cancellation of a visit by a North Korean delegation, there was some speculation in the Japanese press that since contact between political parties in North Korea and Japan has gone sour in that way, it will be easier for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work on a government level. Do you have any comments to make on this?

A: I think you should separate the two -- one point is the diplomatic talks between Japan and North Korea, and the other is the talks between the parties. As far as the talks between the parties are concerned, especially this time, the Social Democratic Party of Japan (SDPJ) invited the North Korean delegation to come; however, both the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the New Party Sakigake had some reservations. Therefore, we understand that there has not been a consensus among the three parties. As far as the talks on Japan-North Korea relations are concerned, we have already established diplomatic channels, and the Japanese coalition parties say that the Government should handle this matter. Therefore, the decision by the North Korean party not to visit Japan this time does not really affect the talks between the Government of Japan and North Korea.
World Cup soccer and Japan-Republic of Korea relations
Q: South Korea, as you know, has taken a very nationalistic -- in fact, anti-Japanese -- stance in lobbying for the World Cup. How much concern has there been on the Government level here for the politicizing of this issue? Is there any concern that if Japan should win the bid, that it would negatively influence political relations between South Korea and Japan?

A: As far as the Japanese side is concerned, we do not want to politicize this at all. World Cup soccer is very important for sportsmen and the fans -- politics should not be involved in this. Whatever the outcome of the balloting is, we hope that both the Japanese and Korean peoples address this calmly. I hope, even if Japan wins the ballot, that it will not affect the friendly relationship between Japan and the Republic of Korea.
Possible co-hosting of World Cup soccer in 2002
Q: When Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto said on Friday that he was not keen on the idea of co-hosting the World Cup -- why not? Why is Japan not keen on the idea of co-hosting?

A: I think what Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto said last week and what the other relevant government officials have said up to now was that, through the present rules, FIFA has been pursuing the possibility of asking Japan or the Republic of Korea to host the World Cup in 2002. This is the rule, and we would like to abide by it. If FIFA changes the rule, then that is another story. However, we do not know whether the FIFA Executive Council will change the rule or not. In any case, there is no Japanese representative on the Executive Council, so we will just have to wait and see whether the rule remains the same.

Q: But, the option is there, though? Japan would consider -- come Friday afternoon -- co-hosting, if it becomes possible?

A: This is a very hypothetical question. But, supposing FIFA revises the rules, and if the Football Association of Japan thinks that is the case and it goes ahead with this new idea, in that case, the Government of Japan would have to examine what it would do. Up until now, the Government of Japan has been supporting the activities of the Football Association of Japan, in accordance with the Government understanding. So, we would have to think of whether we should revise the Government understanding.
Relations between Japan and Taiwan
Q: A few days ago, the Taiwanese Government asked for gaining diplomatic privileges for its representatives here in Japan. Otherwise, they would take away the privilege that have been given to Japanese diplomats in Taiwan. Any comment on that? And, if the negotiations between the two governments were to fall, how would that affect the Japan-Taiwan relationship?

A: First of all, pertaining to its office in Japan, we do not believe that Taiwan has been asking for diplomatic immunity or diplomatic privileges from Japan. This is one point. Secondly, there is an agreement between the Japanese and the Taiwanese organizations. Namely, according to the present law and regulations, both Japan and Taiwan have been cooperating with each other in providing assistance and conveniences for the activities of the staff of the relevant offices. And, the two organizations have been cooperating so far. But, those two organizations are not government organizations; they are private organizations. Therefore, I will say again that this is not categorized as diplomatic privilege. The Government of Japan has been extending facilitations to the staff of Taiwanese organizations, in accordance with the relevant Japanese internal regulations.
Visit to Japan by Prince Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Q: Today, the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia arrived in Japan for an official visit, and he will have a meeting with Foreign Minister Ikeda. Tomorrow, he will have a meeting with Prime Minister Hashimoto. Would you tell us what they will discuss, and what kinds of topics they will address?

A: Prince Saud's visit to Japan is extremely important for us. Last September, then-Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and, at that time, both countries agreed to continue political dialogue at the highest level. In this sense, we welcome the Prince's visit to Japan. Secondly, Saudi Arabia is a very important player in maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East region, and the Japanese side wants to exchange views and information on the peace process. Thirdly, when then-Prime Minister Murayama visited Saudi Arabia last year, the Government of Japan was requested by the Government of Saudi Arabia to encourage Japanese direct investment. The Government of Japan cannot be directly involved in this. However, the Prince's visit itself will give a positive impression to Japanese potential investors. I am sure the two sides will have exchanges on this subject. Fourthly, it is extremely important for us to exchange people, especially young people, between the two countries. Unfortunately, Saudi Arabia is still relatively unknown in Japan. We would like to encourage and invite more of the young Saudi Arabian people to come to Japan and to mix with Japanese people, so that Japanese and Saudi Arabian people can learn more from each other. That is basically what the two sides are interested in, and I am sure that this time, those subjects will be touched upon.

Q: Yesterday, it was reported that King Fahd of Saudi Arabia will leave the Kingdom to stay in Spain for a long time -- forever. Does the Japanese Foreign Minister have some information regarding the political situations surrounding this?

A: I cannot answer directly to the question you have raised. I do not know whether that kind of subject will be touched on in the ministerial meeting. Basically, we try to understand the domestic situations of Saudi Arabia through our embassy staff and through exchanging information with friendly countries.

Q: So, how does the Japanese Government view the stability in Saudi Arabia?

A: We have not perceived any immediate unstable factors in Saudi Arabia, and we are very glad that the Prince has eventually managed to come to Japan.
Defense Agency intelligence reorganization
Q: Regarding the Diet's recent decision to approve the establishment of the new Intelligence Headquarters -- a rather enlarged intelligence headquarters -- would you bring us up-to-date on what its functions and areas of interest will be and how it will be staffed?

A: I do not intend to offend you at all, but I read your article on this subject. When I read your article, I was personally rather surprised by some expressions in the article. But, before that, I would like to explain the nature of the revision to the law on the establishment of the Japan Defense Agency. The Japan Defense Agency (JDA) has been conducting research and analysis activities under the law on the establishment of the JDA. The National Diet has recently approved a revision to the Law, in order to upgrade the ability of research and analysis of the Defense Agency. The central point of the revision is that the units which separately engaged in research and analysis at the internal unit of the Defense Agency, the Joint Chief of Staff, the Ground, the Maritime and the Air Self Defense Forces separately -- have been integrated into one, under the Joint Chief of staff. It is now called the Intelligence Headquarters. The staff which used to work at the units which I mentioned have also been integrated into the Intelligence Headquarters. Therefore, the whole number of staff in Japan's defense forces has not changed. The objective of the research and analysis in intelligence has not changed. What we have done is integrate those units, so their intelligence activities can be more effective. While I refrain from making any sort of negative comments on your article, I would just like to explain the following points, in order not to leave a misunderstanding between you and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. When you use the word "spies," we are rather shocked, because when we say spies, those people deal with counterintelligence and so forth. According to the present Japanese laws and regulations, we are forbidden from doing this. The other point is, in your article you say that Japan is recruiting 2,000 personnel. Probably, "recruiting" is not the correct word, because the number of personnel at the Defense Agency has not changed. Thirdly, this is probably a matter of English language expressions -- I do not know if there is a difference between "spy" satellites and "reconnaissance" satellites, but in any case, "spy" is not the right word. If you talk about reconnaissance satellites, the Government of Japan has no concrete plans to obtain these satellites so far. However, the relevant ministries, notably the Japan Defense Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are closely following this question with keen interest. In any case, what I would like to stress here is that the Government of Japan does not intend to establish some new intelligence headquarters which used to exist in the past, before the second world war. What we have been doing is just upgrading the research and analysis activities of the Defense Agency.

Q: What then is the purpose of upgrading Japan's intelligence organization? Secondly, what will the source be of the information this organization will research? The Diet record speaks of electronic listening bases -- what are they exactly, and what are they listening to?

A: On your first question, as I said, the internal unit of the Japan Defense Agency, the Joint Chief of Staff and the three Self Defense Forces, separately had their own unit for research and analysis. Up until now, unfortunately, every now and then, there was a lack of cooperation among the units, and this was not effective enough. Therefore, this time, the Japan Defense Agency decided to integrate those units into one unit under the Joint Chief of Staff. We hope that this time, the Intelligence Headquarters can really engage in effective research and analytical work. Secondly, Japan's Defense Agency Intelligence Headquarters is composed of several divisions. It is composed of the Directorate for Administration, the Directorate for Planning, the Directorate for Assessment, the Directorate for Imagery, and the Directorate for Sigint. There are SIG sites, and probably, you are interested in the Directorate for Sigint, and/or SIG sites, and the use of electronic devices. They are monitoring the electronic airwaves in Japanese territorial airspace. They are doing their best to collect necessary information for Japan's security.

Q: Is the monitoring confined to within Japan's territorial air zone, and if it is, how was it that this same agency had the good luck to overhear a conversation between the Soviet Air Force at the time it was shooting down a Korean aircraft?

A: I am not sure whether or not their activities are confined to Japanese airspace. But, in any case, they are collecting information -- I am talking about the SIG sites -- all sorts of information coming to or passing through Japanese airspace. But, this does not mean that this information originated in Japanese air space. They are just catching information inside Japanese territory -- information that may enter into Japanese territory from various parts of the globe.
Possible U.S.-North Korea comprehensive talks
Q: The Yomiuri Shimbun this morning carried a story out of New York that the United States and North Korea agreed to upgrade their ongoing different talks on individual issues into a comprehensive forum starting in June. Have you heard of this, and what is the official view of the Government of Japan?

A: We have read the article, and the Government of Japan has not obtained information on this. What we know is that the United States and the North Korean authorities have been conducting various talks. One is under the framework agreement between the two counties, and they have been consulting with each other on the establishment of a liaison office. The other one is related to missiles. The third one is related to the remains of casualties from the Korean war. Formally, we have not heard about comprehensive talks between the two countries.
Visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran by Deputy Foreign Minister Shunichi Yanai
Q: Deputy Foreign Minister Shunichi Yanai just came back from Iran. I would like to know what the goal of his mission to Iran was?

A: Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Shunichi Yanai recently conducted the fourth deputy-minister-level consultation between Japan and the Islamic Republic of Iran. This time, the consultation took place in Teheran. Deputy Foreign Minister Yanai and his counterpart exchanged views on the bilateral relationship and the international relationship. On the Middle East peace process, the Iranian side stated that Iran would not physically obstruct the process, but that the Government of Iran does not support the peace process itself. Deputy Foreign Minister Yanai tried to persuade his counterpart to say more, specifically, about this statement of not physically obstructing the peace process. However, the Iranian side did not say anything further on this. They talked about the recent conflict between Hezbollah malitia and the State of Israel. Deputy Foreign Minister Yanai said that there is speculation that Iran has been assisting the activities of the Hezbollah malitia and he asked the Government of Iran to use its political influence in a constructive way. The Iranian side said that the problem originates from Israeli occupation in the Republic of Lebanon, and that the Lebanese side has a legitimate right to fight against this. They talked about international terrorism, too, and the Iranian side said that we should distinguish international terrorism from the people's liberation movement. At the same time, Deputy Foreign Minister Yanai's counterpart said that the Government of Iran does not support international terrorism. Deputy Foreign Minister Yanai specifically raised the Republic of Afghanistan issue, which has been neglected internationally. Both Japan and Iran agreed to exchange further views on this issue, so that the conflicting parties may establish rapprochement. They talked about the bilateral relationship, too. The Iranian side talked a little bit about the K-4 Hydroelectric dam project, but they did not talk long on this subject. That is about all.

Q: So, what is the basic Japanese policy toward Iran?

A: The Government of Japan, unlike the United States, thinks to isolate Iran is not the right policy for us. Although we do not call this a critical dialogue, we maintain a political dialogue at a high level, and convey our concerns on international terrorism and other things to Iran, and endeavor to request the Iranian side to play a constructive role. This is our basic policy toward Iran.
Democratization efforts in the Union of Myanmar
Q: I would like to know the Japanese Government's position on political democracy in Yanmar.

A: Very recently, Minister for Foreign Affairs Yukihiko Ikeda met Minister of Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw of the Union of Myanmar and talked about the recent situation concerning the National League for Democracy's (NLD) activities and the actions taken by the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC). The Government of Japan has been maintaining dialogue with SLORC. At the same time, the Government of Japan has been maintaining dialogue with Chairman of the National League for Democracy Aung San Suu Kyi and her colleagues, too. Through this dialogue, we have been asking the two parties to show self-restraint and to establish direct contact between the two parties. This is one point. The other point is that Foreign Minister Ikeda said to Foreign Affairs Minister U Ohn Gyaw that the Japanese side sincerely wishes SLORC would release the detained people as soon as possible. Still, the detained people have not been released by SLORC. I believe that the NLD party conference is now already over, and NLD Chairman Aung San Suu Kyi is probably now conducting a press conference. We will have to wait to find out what she will say at the press conference. In any case, the Government of Japan wants SLORC and the NLD to try to overcome the difficulties and present tensions, and for both sides to step forward to realize the democratization of Myanmar. In talking with Foreign Minister Ikeda, Foreign Affairs Minister U Ohn Gyaw said that we should understand the traditions, culture, and history of Myanmar, and at the same time, we should understand the level of democracy in Myanmar. Foreign Minister Ikeda replied that the Japanese people understand this, but that it does not mean that the Japanese side agrees with the detention of NLD representatives by SLORC. The Government of Japan sincerely hopes that SLORC will release the detained people as soon as possible, and those who belong to the NLD can enjoy more freedom of political activities in Myanmar the future. Thank you very much.

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