Press Conference by the Press Secretary 23 July 1996

Japan's cooperation for the election of the Presidential Council in the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hiroshi Hashimoto: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to this regular Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Conference. On 14 September 1996, elections are to be held in seven categories in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Japan has decided to dispatch 20-30 election supervisors, and is currently undertaking the necessary preparations for that dispatch. In addition to this, Japan is currently giving consideration to dispatching approximately ten election monitors. The Government of Japan has already decided to extend the financial contribution of US$2 million for the purchase of ballot papers and other necessary material to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) with a view to assisting the preparation and holding of the elections.

That is the announcement that I wanted to make, and I will be delighted to respond to any questions that you might have.
Reported lighthouse construction on Kita Kojima in the Senkaku Islands
Q: Regarding the political group called the Seinenensha that built a lighthouse on Kojima Island, what is the Japanese Government's attitude toward it? Did you actually know that they were going to build the lighthouse in advance -- because it is hard to believe that they could ship this huge lighthouse there without notifying the Japanese Government? So, is the Japanese Government going to admit that the lighthouse is a way to show that the Senkaku Islands are Japanese territory?

A: Your question includes many elements. So, I will begin by explaining the fundamental position of the Government of Japan on the Senkaku Islands. It is clear, historically and in light of international law, that the Senkaku Islands form an integral part of Japanese territory. The Islands are under the effective control of Japan. There does not exist any territorial issue regarding the Senkaku Islands. This is our basic position on the Senkaku Islands. You asked about the lighthouse. Yes, we know that a lighthouse has been constructed on the small island of Kita Kojima. Patrol boats of the Maritime Safety Agency verified the construction of the lighthouse.

Q: So, the Japanese Government knew in advance of the Seinenensha tower? What I am saying is that there is speculation that the Japanese Government supported this group which actually happened to build this lighthouse.

A: It has been reported that an organization called Nihon Seinensha has constructed the lighthouse, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not confirmed this officially. The Government itself does not maintain its own land on this small island of Kita Kojima. However, we now understand that a small lighthouse has been constructed over there.

Q: Today's newspapers say that the Taiwanese Government is going to send a military force to patrol the area as a way to protest. What is the Japanese Government's attitude toward this kind of protest?

A: We know by the report that several vessels of Taiwan may be sent to the area, but we are not aware that the coast guard or navy of Taiwan will be dispatched to the area. In any case, we are of the view that it is not productive to take up this issue emotionally.

Q: So, if they send a military force, what would the Japanese side do?

A: As I said, we are completely unaware that naval or coast guard ships will be sent to that area.

Q: Since the Japanese Government declared that that is Japanese territory, as journalists here, do we have the right to go there to report? Could we apply formally to go there to take pictures or have our cameras photograph the lighthouse? Because we have the proper status here as foreign journalists, can we do that through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Can we actually apply?

A: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs obtains information concerning the construction of the lighthouse; however, the Ministry itself is not in charge of this matter. Therefore, we have to be very careful as to what extent we disclose the information we obtain. We would like to avoid unnecessarily irritating the feelings of the other countries and the region concerned by disclosing the information we have. Therefore, it is probably not a good idea for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to comment further on this situation surrounding the construction of the lighthouse.

Q: Regarding the Senkakus, you mentioned that the Islands are under the effective control of Japan. And, you said that the Maritime Safety Agency is currently patrolling the area. Is that correct?

A: That is right, yes.

Q: Then, if any other country should take an action which could be interpreted as a violation of Japanese sovereignty, then the Japanese Government, obviously, is ready to take necessary action?

A: I repeat once again, that it is clear, historically and in light of international law, that the Senkaku Islands form an integral part of Japanese territory. But, at the same time, we understand that Taiwan, for example, has its own claims on the Islands. It is a very sensitive issue because of that. Therefore, we would like to refrain from making comments on such a hypothetical question.
Trip to Japan by contingent from North Korea
Q: Regarding the North Korean delegation led by Mr. Li Jong Hyoke which was invited to Japan -- they are performing a sales trip on promoting free trade areas, and they have been travelling around Japan doing that. He will be back in Tokyo this afternoon and his schedule shows that he will be meeting with Keidanren or MITI officials tomorrow. There is also speculation saying that Japanese Suisancho officials might meet him. Are there any plans to do so?

A: I do not have information on whether an official of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry intends to contact the gentlemen. Please refer to the Ministry of International Trade and Industry on this.
Japan-Republic of Indonesia trade relations
Q: Would Japan intend to take Indonesia to the WTO, even if Indonesia does not change its national car policy?

A: Up until now, we have been conducting a series of talks with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia on this issue. We hope that bilateral talks between the two governments will help in solving the question. However, if the Government of Indonesia does not change its policy, we will have to think of taking adequate steps, including the possibility of taking up this issue with the World Trade Organization (WTO). However, the Government of Japan has not taken this position officially yet. Minister for Foreign Affairs Yukihiko Ikeda is there, and we hope that both governments can constructively approach this issue.
Possible discussion of Korean Peninsula matters at the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Jakarta
Q: Regarding the ASEAN Regional Forum which may not have ended yet, could you give us some observations about what the Forum will discuss regarding the Korean Peninsula?

A: Already, the informal Dinner Meeting took place yesterday. Today, I am sure the ministers concerned will exchange views on the situation relating to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and they may talk about the Korean issue. Basically, the members of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) are very much interested in heightening confidence-building measures in that area, but at the same time, making use of the situation, they can exchange views with the counterparts of other regions such as you mentioned. However, we do not know what the ministers are actually going to talk about, but I am sure that if the subject is taken up, the Japanese side will emphasize the importance of holding of the four-party meeting in the very near future.
Alleged North Korean bartering for rice supplies
Q: Do you have any independent information from reports from the Republic of Korea that Kim Jong Il wants to engage in trade with Thailand? It is reported that North Korea wants to get rice in exchange for whatever product it can offer.

A: I have not obtained any information on the question you raise.
Press Conference summer break
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hiroshi Hashimoto: I believe I have, for the time being, fulfilled my duties of meeting with you for the regular Press Conference. My colleague, newly appointed Director of the International Press Division Hidehiko Hamada will hold on Friday the last Press Conference before the summer break. After that, we will adjourn for the summer holiday and meet once again on 3 September. But, if you have any questions individually, of course you are welcome -- my office door is always open to you. Thank you very much.

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