Press Conference by the Press Secretary 24 January 1997

1. The adoption of Resolutions by the Diet concerning the occupation of the Japanese Ambassador's residence in Lima, Peru
2. The visit of President Kim Young Sam of the Republic of Korea to Japan

1. The adoption of Resolutions by the Diet concerning the occupation of the Japanese Ambassador's residence in Lima, Peru

   Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ken Shimanouchi: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. I have one brief announcement concerning two Diet Resolutions. On 22 January, the House of Representatives of the Japanese Diet adopted a resolution concerning the occupation of the Japanese Ambassador's residence in Lima, in the Republic of Peru. The following day, that is to say 23 January, the House of Councillors adopted a resolution on the same subject. In the Resolutions, both Houses strongly condemned the acts of terrorists in this incident, they reaffirmed the principle of not yielding to the terrorists, and expressed their support for the efforts of the Government of Peru, which is pursuing a peaceful resolution. Both Houses also called on the Government of Japan to maintain close collaboration with the Government of Peru and other countries concerned, holding the sanctity of life uppermost, to continue making every effort to work toward the peaceful resolution of this problem in order to realize the immediate release of all the hostages. After the adoption of each Resolution, Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto made a statement in which he emphasized that the Government of Japan, fully reflecting the spirit of the Resolutions, would continue to make utmost efforts to resolve this incident at the earliest possible time and to realize the release of all the hostages. I think you have the full text of the Resolution and the statements of the Prime Minister in front of you. That is my announcement. I would be delighted to answer any questions which you may have.

2. The visit of President Kim Young Sam of the Republic of Korea to Japan

   Q: Could you comment on when the President of South Korea will arrive in Japan tomorrow?

   A: I do not have the exact time, I can tell you later on. You want the exact time of arrival? We can provide that information to you.

   Q: About the same trip by the President of South Korea, are they going to discuss the territorial issue, namely Takeshima Island? Also, are they going to discuss about the sex slave issue? Because the Fund currently paid eight slaves, the people in Korea are very upset and the Government is also very upset with all things considered.

   A: I am not going to make any predictions of what Prime Minister Hashimoto and President Kim Young Sam of the Republic of Korea will be discussing in their meetings this coming weekend, 25-26 January. That is up to the two leaders, so I am not going to make any predictions. However, as you know, the purpose of this visit, as was the case with Prime Minister Hashimoto's meetings on Cheju Island in June last year, is for the leaders to discuss matters of common interest to both Governments in a relaxed atmosphere -- that means no ties. I believe that there is an agreement between the two sides that the top leadership of the two countries should meet as frequently as possible in a casual setting. I can say that the two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral issues, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, as well as cooperation between Japan and the Republic of Korea in the international community. This third aspect has become increasingly important recently. As you know, in the United Nations, both countries are currently non-permanent members on the Security Council. Several months ago, the Republic of Korea became a member of the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and of course there are other important international and regional fora such as the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). So, we expect this aspect to be discussed. But, I cannot go into the specifics of what they will be discussing, because I am not in a position to know. Thank you very much.