Press Conference by the Press Secretary April 15, 1997

Attack at the Mykonos Restaurant in Berlin
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hiroshi Hashimoto: On April 10, the Berlin High Court passed a verdict on the assassinations of four individuals, including leaders of the Kurd Democratic Party of Iran, which took place in September 1992 at the Berlin Mykonos Restaurant. The ruling stated that the assassination of the four Kurdish-Iranian leaders was ordered by the Committee for Special Operations and that Intelligence Minister Ali Fallahiyan instructed the leader of the attack group and that the assassinations were carried out under the directive of that leader. The Committee for Special Operations members included Iran's president, the head of its foreign policy, the intelligence minister, and its religious leader. The Government of Japan is not in a position to verify the judgement of the Berlin High Court on the involvement of the Iranian leaders in this incident. However, the Government of Japan does share the concerns of the international community concerning Iran's actions, including suspicions of terrorism, and has long since repeatedly requested Iran to alleviate the concerns of the international community through specific actions. In the future as well, the Government of Japan, being mindful of this ruling, intends to take opportunities to continue to severely request Iran to do so. In light of this decision, the European Union members are recalling their ambassadors to Iran for consultations with their home governments and are suspending so-called "critical dialogue." Japan has been studying what type of specific measures it will take, while not considering, at present, recalling its ambassador to Iran. Director-General Seiichiro Noboru of the Middle East and African Affairs Bureau will explain the position of the Government of Japan on this matter to the Iranian Ambassador in Tokyo at 16:00 today. That is the announcement that I wanted to make, and I will be delighted to respond to any questions that you might have.
Human rights issues in the People's Republic of China
Q: There was a report that the Chinese Ambassador asked the Japanese Government Monday for support on a landmark human rights report. What is the answer to this request?

Spokesman Hashimoto: When Minister for Foreign Affairs Yukihiko Ikeda visited Beijing several days ago and had a chance to talk to Minister of Foreign Affairs Qian Qichen of the People's Republic of China on this matter, Foreign Minister Ikeda highly appreciated the intentions of the Chinese Government to participate in the United Nations Human Rights Convention. Both Foreign Minister Ikeda and Foreign Minister Qian Qichen agreed to further exchange views on the human rights issue in the future. In light of these facts, the Government of Japan has decided not to sponsor the resolution. I think that sometime today in Geneva the draft resolution will be tabled at the Human Rights Committee. At the same time, the so-called "no action" bill may be tabled by the Chinese side. As was the case in the past, we cannot accept this motion, because it will hinder the members of the Human Rights Committee from debating on the issue itself.

Q: Can you reconfirm that the Chinese Ambassador did ask for support yesterday?

Spokesman Hashimoto: Yesterday the Chinese Ambassador came to meet Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Sadayuki Hayashi and asked whether the Japanese side can support the no action move in Geneva. Vice-Foreign Minister Hayashi replied that Japan cannot support this move.

Q: Recently the United States State Department issued a human rights report with detailed specific instances of human rights abuses in China in the last year. Could you please repeat the Japanese Government's reason for not supporting the resolution?

Spokesman Hashimoto: Japan welcomes and highly appreciates the intentions of the Government of China to participate in the United Nations Convention on Human Rights. Foreign Minister Ikeda and his counterpart, Foreign Minister Qian Qichen, recently agreed to further exchange views on human rights issues between themselves in the future. In light of this development, Japan has decided at this time not to co-sponsor the draft resolution criticizing the human rights situation in China at the Human Rights Committee.

Q: Do you think that Japan as a country in the region that has such a good record has any model to offer other countries in the region in terms of human rights?

Spokesman Hashimoto: Japan and the Japanese people are very hesitant to talk specifically about a situation which is specifically related to the internal affairs of any third country. At the same time, the Japanese people regard human rights and freedom of speech as very important, which has been very clearly stated in the Japanese Constitution. However, to what extent we can voice specific issues should be debated in our society. However, the Japanese people's interest in this subject has been increasing every year and the Government of Japan has been stating that the general principle of human rights should be observed in all countries, even if their political systems are different from each other.
Deployment of North Korean long-range missiles
Q: There was a press report that North Korea might be preparing to deploy long-range missiles. Is this a topic of discussion between Japan and the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea? Does Japan have any concerns about this report?

Spokesman Hashimoto: Specifically, on the development of the so-called "Rodong," the two foreign ministers did not exchange views on this subject yesterday. The Government of Japan has been collecting all possible information on the developments, but we cannot verify whether or not the Rodong-1 has been deployed. We will continue to gather information and exchange views with our friendly countries.

Q: Would this be considered a dangerous escalation by North Korea -- destabilizing its military escalations -- by other Asian countries?

Spokesman Hashimoto: For Japan, the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula is very important, and we are closely watching this situation. We understand that the economic situation in North Korea is deteriorating. But, apart from that, we do not have any specific proof of any possible sort on North Korea from other countries. Again, we have to say that we are deeply interested and are trying to gather all possible information on the situation in North Korea.
Berlin High Court ruling on the assassination of Kurdish-Iranian leaders
Q: Regarding the Berlin High Court ruling on the assassination of Kurdish-Iranian leaders, does the Japanese Government suspect Iran of terrorism?

Spokesman Hashimoto: We react seriously to the judgment of the Berlin High Court on the involvement of the Iranian leaders in this incident. It is true that our concerns regarding Iran's actions, including the suspicions of the international community, have been deepened by the verdict of the Berlin High Court. At the same time, Japan is not in a position to verify the verdict of the Berlin High Court on the possible involvement of the Iranian leaders in this incident. In light of the verdict and the decisions of the European Union, Japan will, very soon, explain the position of the Government of Japan to the Iranian Ambassador in Tokyo at 16:00 this afternoon.

Q: What kind of further action could Japan take against Iran if the European ambassadors are withdrawn from Iran?

Spokesman Hashimoto: I would be delighted to explain this to you if I were allowed to do so, but it is probably diplomatically not a good idea to explain this to you before Director-General Noboru provides an explanation to the Iranian Ambassador. In any case, I would like to tell you that our concerns have been deepened by the verdict of the Berlin High Court. I am sure that the Government of Japan, through Director-General Noboru, intends to take opportunities to continue to severely ask Iran to alleviate the concerns of the international community through specific actions.
Japan-Iran relations
Q: How would you describe the present Japan-Iran relations?

Spokesman Hashimoto: In the past, Japan often stated that Iran should not be isolated from the international community. We have been enjoying policy dialogue with Iran. At the same time, through these talks, Japan delivered the concerns of the international community regarding Iran's actions and asked Iran to alleviate the concerns. You can probably understand that the policy of the European Union until now, the so-called critical dialogue, has more or less been the same policy as that of Japan. However, we must ask you to wait for what Director-General Noboru will tell the Iranian Ambassador this afternoon -- whether that policy that I explained will continue or will have to be altered by the verdict given by the Berlin High Court.
Japanese support to the Middle East peace process
Q: Regarding the Middle East, Japan has been providing large sums of money in financial aid to the Middle East. People in our part of the world believe this gives Japan the right to play a more critical role in the peace process and that Japan could be an honest peace broker in the region. How do you see the future? Why does Japan not take more positive steps regarding this? You have the right to play a bigger role.

Spokesman Hashimoto: Japan considers itself to be playing a positive and constructive role in the peace process. For one thing, providing support to the Palestinian people has been one of our pillars, because if the economic situation of the Palestinian people continues to deteriorate, it will not positively affect the peace process itself. Therefore, while you say that Japan is simply extending financial aid, you should try to understand that this measure means a lot for the future of the Middle East. Another thing is that Japan is not a direct party to the peace process. Japan wants to maintain and develop good relations with all the countries in the Middle East. Therefore, we would like to see the peace process accelerate. At the same time, Japan is a relative newcomer to the region, and we do not have a specific sort of influence on any particular subject. Therefore, the scope of actions we can take is somewhat limited. However, the Government of Japan is constantly and consciously trying to play a role, even if it is small, in this peace process. For example, at the beginning of April Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto decided to send Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Shunji Yanai to the region. Deputy Foreign Minister Yanai met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel and asked the two gentlemen to normalize relations between the two parties and calm down the situation. At the same time, Deputy Foreign Minister Yanai asked Palestinian Chairman Yasser Arafat to strengthen antiterrorism measures. He asked Prime Minister Netanyahu to try to improve the relations with the Palestinians, especially on the issue of the Har Homa Housing Project. Even if there is no tangible fruit, Japan has been consciously trying to play a positive role in this process.
Japanese private-sector investment in the Middle East
Q: Our Deputy Prime Minister visited Tokyo. The discussion focused on Japanese investment. We would like to know when we can expect more investment activity in our region. Does Japan have a fear of investing in the Gulf area?

Spokesman Hashimoto: Including the Sultanate of Oman, many countries in the Middle East sincerely hope that Japanese companies will decide to invest in your country as well as in the region. We appreciate very much what you have been talking about. First of all, the Government of Japan unfortunately has very few things to say about this, meaning private companies themselves decide whether or not they will invest in your region. In light of your desire or request, the Government of Japan has passed on the message to the concerned Japanese companies. At the same time, we have also asked your ministers and private business people to directly contact Japanese private companies to request more investment in your region. The Japanese business people appreciate the efforts of your ministers, business people, and other foreign dignitaries. Business people generally calculate where they will put their money first, and if they can find some other places where they can first invest, they will go there. If you can verify that you have a very good investment climate, I think that some Japanese companies can be persuaded to go and actually find out what is available in your region. We sincerely hope that your efforts will bear fruit in the future, so that Japanese companies can invest in your country.
Transfer of Japanese Red Army members from the Republic of Lebanon to Japan
Q: It was recently announced that Japan will ask the Lebanese Government to deliver the members of the Japanese Red Army who were arrested in Beirut after they are tried in Beirut. What are the charges against these members of the Japanese Red Army?

Spokesman Hashimoto: They are alleged to have violated the relevant criminal law in Japan. I cannot give you specific details. In any case, the Japanese National Police suspect that these members of the Japanese Red Army have violated the relevant criminal law. They already have a long-issued letter of arrest. When the judicial procedures are over in Lebanon, we are asking the Government of Lebanon to transfer custody of these individuals to Japan. The National Police would like to begin judicial procedures here in Japan, so that eventually these Japanese Red Army members could be tried in court.

Q: There is no treaty for transfer of criminals between Japan and Lebanon. Do you expect the Lebanese Government to transfer these individuals? If the Lebanese Government refuses to do so, what would be Japan's position?

Spokesman Hashimoto: We have already requested the Lebanese Government to transfer custody of these individuals after the end of the judicial procedures. For the time being, the judicial process is on-going in Lebanon. Therefore, we have got to wait and see. After the end of the procedures, we are asking the Lebanese Government to transfer these individuals. So far, we have not received any indications that the Lebanese Government cannot agree to the requests of the Government of Japan. In any case, we must first wait for the Lebanese judicial procedures to finish.

Q: Did the Lebanese Government receive an official demand from Japanese officials?

Spokesman Hashimoto: Yes, they did.

Q: Whatever the decision of the Lebanese Government is regarding giving custody of Japanese Red Army members to Japan, will this decision affect the economic aid that is currently being provided to this region?

Spokesman Hashimoto: What I would like to stress is that our request has already been registered. We believe that the Lebanese Government will respond to our request positively after the end of the judicial procedures.
Nuclear waste shipment from Taiwan to North Korea
Q: Taiwan and North Korea have signed a contract to ship nuclear waste to North Korea. What is the position of Japan on this?

Spokesman Hashimoto: In the past, at this press conference, I have explained the position of the Government of Japan several times. We understand the concerns expressed by the Korean people that the transfer of nuclear waste from Taiwan to North Korea may have negative effects on the safety of the environment in the region. Therefore, we are of the view that this transfer issue should not leave any doubts regarding nuclear safety and other environmental considerations. At the same time, the International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA] has its own guidelines for safety standards for the transfer of nuclear waste. In addition, there are other relevant international laws concerning the transfer. Therefore, we sincerely hope that the direct parties will fully abide by the nuclear safety criteria requested by the IAEA and other relevant international organizations.

Q: Was this issue raised yesterday when Foreign Minister Ikeda talked with the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea?

Spokesman Hashimoto: Yes, it was raised. Foreign Minister Yoo Chong Ha of the Republic of Korea explained to Foreign Minister Ikeda that the Taiwan Authority has come to understand that this issue has been criticized in the international community. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Yoo Chong Ha said that the concerned countries should continue to convey the concerns of the international community. This is what Foreign Minister Yoo Chong Ha said, and Foreign Minister Ikeda carefully listened to what he said.

Q: Did Foreign Minister Ikeda agree with these remarks?

Spokesman Hashimoto: I do not believe that Foreign Minister Ikeda has made a specific remark on this subject.
Meeting between Minister for Foreign Affairs Yukihiko Ikeda and Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoo Chong Ha of the Republic of Korea
Q: The North Korean delegation is going to have another round of talks on Wednesday with the United States and South Korean officials in New York. During the talks yesterday between the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea and Foreign Minister Ikeda, did they say anything about this?

Spokesman Hashimoto: They exchanged views on the situations of North Korea and the four-party talks. Both gentlemen shared the same opinions on one thing, that is, the economic situation in North Korea, which has been further deteriorating. Mainly, Foreign Minister Yoo Chong Ha explained this situation to Foreign Minister Ikeda. Foreign Minister Yoo Chong Ha said that the Republic of Korea considers the four-party talks very important, and it is important to let North Korea seek dialogue. Foreign Minister Yoo Chong Ha suggested that the food assistance North Korea has been requesting can be discussed at the four-party talks. Particularly, Foreign Minister Yoo Chong Ha pointed out the importance of the dialogue between North Korea and the Republic of Korea, which may be touched on at the four-party talks. Regarding Foreign Minister Ikeda's response to food aid to North Korea, he said that it is very important to consult and coordinate among the three countries -- Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States. However, each country is in its own position to decide on what actions to take on the specific issues regarding the food situation.
Japanese private-sector investment in the Arab Republic of Egypt
Q: Does Foreign Minister Ikeda intend to visit Cairo in the coming weeks? Why are Japanese investors still afraid of investing in Egypt?

Spokesman Hashimoto: Regarding your first question, Prime Minister Hashimoto intends to visit the United States toward the end of this month. Because of that, Foreign Minister Ikeda will have to remain in Japan and does not have a specific plan to visit any country during the upcoming weeks. Secondly, regarding your question on investment, I personally had the chance to accompany the former prime minister to visit Egypt two years ago. We understood that the Egyptian people really wanted to have more direct investment from Japan. What I can tell you is what I have already said. Viewing the potential that you have, Japanese private companies have not yet been fully persuaded to actually decide to invest in Egypt. In general, the people of the two continents do not know each other very well. Therefore, although it is not a very direct way, it is very important to try to understand each other; this is one way to persuade Japanese investors to actually go and invest in your country. For this reason, it is very important that journalists, like you, visit Japan. We hope that through you, many people in Japan, your country, and countries in the Middle East in general can become more interested in each other and improve mutual understanding.
International role of Japan
Q: Does Japan use its economy in politics?

Spokesman Hashimoto: Japan is already an economic power. But very often people say that Japan is not playing a sufficient political role. The Government of Japan has been trying to play a bigger political role. However, it is rather a step-by-step process. In any case, now that Japan is an economic power in the world, we would like to strengthen our contributions not only in the economic field, but also in the political field. Therefore, when talking about the peace process, so far the visible contribution to the peace process is economic. But we are also trying to improve our dialogue with other countries. Thank you very much.

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