Press Conference by the Press Secretary 25 February 1997

Press Conference Announcements
1. Visit to Japan by Prime Minister Mendsaikhani Enkhsaikhan of Mongolia
  Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hiroshi Hashimoto: After discussions with Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto and Prime Minister Mendsaikhani Enkhsaikhan of Mongolia on 24 February, the Governments of both countries issued a joint statement agreeing that their relationship should not be limited merely to the bilateral sphere, but should include strengthening cooperative relations in international fora such as international organizations toward the goal of establishing a comprehensive bilateral partnership between the two countries. This has significance in that they clarified the aim of future cooperation between the Governments of the two countries. In Mongolia, in June 1996, the first change of government by general election occurred. The Democratic Union Administration, which is mainly comprised of youthful members who have been engaged in the movement for democracy, was inaugurated. The new Prime Minister is executing bold reform, including large- scale administrative reform, liberalization of public utilities, and privatization of state enterprises. Japan highly commends these reform efforts. The Government of Japan plans to announce concrete measures to assist Mongolia's reform efforts on the occasion of this visit to Japan by Prime Minister Mendsaikhani Enkhsaikhan.
2. Custody of individuals by the Judicial Authority of the Government of the Republic of Lebanon
  Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hiroshi Hashimoto: Regarding the custody of individuals suspected of security breaches of Japanese law by the Judicial Authority of the Government of the Republic of Lebanon, the identification of these suspects is still going on. We understand that the identification process requires more time. We expect that the Lebanese Judicial Authority will properly handle this issue. Those are the announcements that I wanted to make, and I will be delighted to respond to any questions that you might have.
Identity of individuals held in custody in the Republic of Lebanon
Ms. Chisaki Watanabe (Associated Press): Have you not received any information from Japanese officials in Lebanon regarding the identity of these individuals?

Spokesman Hashimoto: The Embassy of Japan in Lebanon has been contacting the Lebanese authority. However, the Lebanese Judicial Authority is now in the process of identification. Therefore, we are waiting until the Lebanese Authorities inform us regarding this custody issue.

Ms. Chisaki Watanabe (Associated Press): When you first heard the news regarding the custody of these individuals, where did this information come from?

Spokesman Hashimoto: We were informed by the Lebanese Authorities, and the Japanese Embassy in Lebanon immediately asked the Government of Lebanon that if they were able to identify those individuals and whether or not they could confirm that these individuals had breached Japanese law, we then asked for the extradition of these individuals to Japan, last week on Monday, 17 February. Since that time, we have not been informed whether the individuals in custody have been identified as Japanese or as Japanese who have breached Japanese law.

Mr. Mohamed Eldesouky (Al Ahram): Could you comment on a statement made yesterday by a Lebanese official that they had not arrested any Japanese individuals?

Spokesman Hashimoto: The Government of Japan should not make a specific comment on what was said. We expect that the Lebanese Judicial Authority will handle this issue properly. We will wait until the identification process is over.

Ms. Chisaki Watanabe (Associated Press): What is the latest information that the Japanese Government knows about at this point?

Spokesman Hashimoto: At this point we have no information regarding the arrests. However, we were informed that some individuals are in custody. On the basis of this, if those people can be identified as Japanese nationals who have breached Japanese law, we ask the Government of Lebanon to transfer those individuals to Japan.
Japan's view on North Korea
Mr. Cameron Barr (Christian Science Monitor): What is the Foreign Ministry's assessment of the events over the weekend in North Korea? I am referring to the incidence of the issuance of a funeral list for the Defense Minister and the departure of the Prime Minister from office. Spokesman Hashimoto: We believe that it is too

premature for us to make a definitive analysis of this situation in North Korea. We gather information on the internal situation in North Korea and we exchange views with various friendly countries. However, for the time being, it is best for us to watch events closely and exchange views with our counterparts.
Food aid to North Korea
Mr. Cameron Barr (Christian Science Monitor): Yesterday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Kajiyama seemed to indicate a willingness on the part of the Japanese Government to go ahead with food aid in the near future. Could you elaborate on this, and tell us when we might see a decision?

Spokesman Hashimoto: Regarding emergency aid to North Korea, we know that both the United States and the Republic of Korea have both decided to extend emergency aid to North Korea. We have been exchanging information and consulting with those two countries on the issue. We have received an emergency appeal from the United Nations World Food Program (WFP). At the same time, we understand that the United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs (DHA) is going to deal with this issue.

Therefore, for the time-being, we are going to wait for a report from the DHA on the situation in North Korea. In the process of making a decision on this issue, we must take into account other issues, as well. Therefore, we do not know when we will make our final decision on this. However, we understand that the DHA will not make any new moves this month. For the time being, we will wait for the report by the DHA on this issue.
Visit to Japan by Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad of Malaysia
Ms. Chisaki Watanabe (Associated Press): Do you know what the topics of discussion will be when Prime Minister Mahathir visits Japan in March?

Spokesman Hashimoto: Last January, Prime Minister Hashimoto and Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad of Malaysia had a very fruitful discussion in Kuala Lumpur. At that time, we extended an invitation to Prime Minister Mahathir to make an official visit to Japan, he accepted, and, very recently, both Governments announced this visit. For the time being, both sides are still in the process of focussing on what should be discussed between Prime Minister Hashimoto and Prime Minister Mahathir. I understand, however, that this is a continuation of the talks that were held last January. They will review the progress of satisfactory development in the bilateral relations between the two countries. At the same time, however, they will take up international issues in which both gentlemen are interested in, but we have not yet specifically identified which issues will be touched on in this upcoming Meeting.
Security posture in the Asia-Pacific region
Mr. Cameron Barr (Christian Science Monitor): What did Prime Minister Hashimoto tell Secretary of State Albright at their breakfast meeting regarding troop strength at the American bases in Japan?

Spokesman Hashimoto: There have been conflicting reports on what was said regarding this issue. In fact, what Prime Minister Hashimoto told Secretary of State Madeleine Albright of the United States regarding this issue was that against the backdrop of various debates being carried out in both countries over this issue, Prime Minister Hashimoto believes it is very important to maintain continuous consultations between the two nations on the basis of the Joint Declaration on Security (issued last year in April), taking into consideration the medium- and long-term view on the international situation. Furthermore, we should continue to have consultations on the optimum defense policy and defense posture, including the force structure. Therefore, for the time being, the Government of Japan does not intend to ask the Clinton Administration to reduce or withdraw the United States Marine Corps from Okinawa. However, taking into consideration the medium- and long-term view on the situation in Southeast Asia, we would like to continue consultations with the United States on an optimum defense posture, including the force structure.

Mr. Cameron Barr (Christian Science Monitor): I was under the impression that it was up to American side to determine force structure. Is this, therefore, not a topic of discussion for the two countries?

Spokesman Hashimoto: At the 2+2 Meeting and the meeting between Prime Minister Hashimoto and President William Clinton of the United States last year in April, both Governments agreed to consult each other on the defense posture, including the force structure. At the 2+2 Meeting, both governments agreed to finalize the review of the so- called Defense Guideline. Therefore, I am sure that we will continue to discuss this issue. However, the American side has made its defense policy clear, especially on this subject. For the time being, we understand that the Clinton Administration wants to maintain the present deployment of around 100,000 troops in this area. At the same time, both sides agree that this level should coincide with the international situation.

Therefore, we understand that the Clinton Administration does not intend to change the present level of forces for now. We will continue to discuss and review this issue, and on this basis, the current force structure may change in the medium- to long-term. However, this depends on the military and political situation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Visit to Japan by Minister of Foreign Affairs David Levy of the State of Israel
Mr. Mohamed Eldesouky (Al Ahram): Could you tell me the topics of discussion for tomorrow's meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs David Levy of the State of Israel?

Spokesman Hashimoto: We very much welcome Minister of Foreign Affairs David Levy of the State of Israel to Japan. We are interested and concerned about peace in the Middle East, and I am sure that this issue will be discussed thoroughly by the two Foreign Ministers. We would like to know the assessment of the Government of Israel on the talks, especially regarding the future Palestine track of the peace process. At the same time, Minister for Foreign Affairs Yukihiko Ikeda will definitely convey Japan's continued support for the Middle East peace process to Foreign Minister Levy. Japan will continue to play a role in this peace process, especially for the multilateral tracks. At the same time, we will continue to extend aid to the Palestinian people.

They may discuss the bilateral relationship and exchange views on international relations. When the talks are finished, we will brief you on the content of these talks.
Middle East peace process
Mr. Mohamed Eldesouky (Al Ahram): In the meantime, what is Japan prepared to do to improve the Middle East peace process?

Spokesman Hashimoto: Japan is not a direct party in the Middle East peace process. By making use of our facilities, such as Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), we have been contributing to the maintenance of the Middle East peace process. Secondly, the Government of Japan has been trying to encourage the Japanese business sector to invest and trade with countries in the Middle East. We have also been contributing to the United Nations peace-keeping operation, as well as dispatching units from our Defense Forces to the Golan Heights.
Gender equality in Government positions
Mr. Cameron Barr (Christian Science Monitor): I was struck by the scene in the meeting between Secretary of State Albright and Foreign Minister Ikeda at the Ikura House. The American Delegation led by a woman, also included two other women. The Japanese Delegation was all male. I just wonder if there was any reaction or comment from the Japanese side as to the changes in gender in politics of the two countries?

Spokesman Hashimoto: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is one of the main ministries which recruit females every year. Still, we have just begun to recruit females relatively recently. Therefore, there are still a rather small number of females who occupy, for example, ambassador level ranks. If you talk about deputy director levels there are very many able, young females. In the future, I am sure you will notice more women in these types of positions. Thank you very much.

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