Press Conference by the Press Secretary March 31, 1998

Press conference announcements
1. Attendance by Minister for Foreign Affairs Keizo Obuchi at the ASEM Ministerial Meeting and his visit to the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ken Shimanouchi: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I see some familiar faces here. Hopefully, some of you may recognize me. I held the post of Deputy Press Secretary from 1995-1997, during which time I gave well over 100 briefings in this room. I am back here on a temporary basis. I will continue to wear my other hat which is that of Deputy-Director General of the Latin American and Caribbean Affairs Bureau. However, I would appreciate it very much if you would ask your questions in English, since English is the official language of this press briefing, and to refrain from using Spanish or Portuguese. In my last press conference I recall having said hasta la vista, which means until we meet again. But frankly speaking, I did not expect to meet you here again in this room. However, I am delighted to be back and to be among such distinguished journalists and good friends. I look forward to working with you. Foreign Minister Obuchi will be visiting the United Kingdom from 2 to 3 April to attend the ASEM Ministerial Meeting. This visit will be followed by a visit to the Republic Bosnia and Herzegovina on 4 April. During his stay in the United Kingdom, Foreign Minister Obuchi will be attending the ASEM Ministerial Meeting, in which we expect him to discuss with his counterparts such subjects as the economic and financial situation in Asia and international and regional affairs in general. He will also be taking this opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts on the margins of the multilateral meeting. With regard to his visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, let me give you some details. First, regarding his schedule, the Foreign Minister will be arriving in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 4 April. He will take a firsthand look at mine-clearance operations being carried out near Sarajevo. He will have meetings with Bosnian leaders. He will meet over lunch with High Commissioner Sadako Ogata of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). At this meeting, High Representative Westendorp will also be there. In the afternoon, he will fly to Banja Luka for meetings with leaders of the Srpska Republic. He will also take this opportunity to visit a facility for refugees and displaced persons. Let me turn to the objectives of the visit by Foreign Minister Obuchi to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The purpose of this visit is threefold. The first aspect is contribution to peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This year is indeed a crucial year for peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In meetings with Bosnian leaders, Foreign Minister Obuchi intends to encourage the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina to promote peace implementation, especially in terms of the management of common institutions, the repatriation of refugees and the election scheduled for September of this year. Japan has been actively extending support, both in terms of financial resources and personnel to Bosnia and Herzegovina. For your information, in 1996 and 1997, Japan contributed US$260 million for the reconstruction of this country. We believe that the visit by Foreign Minister Obuchi at this time is of great significance as a political contribution to the peace process there. The second aspect is the contribution to humanitarian issues, that is, refugees and anti-personnel landmines. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the problems of refugees and landmines are very, very serious. This year has been designated as the year of repatriation of refugees. Foreign Minister Obuchi will visit the actual sites, meaning the mind-clearance operations and the refugee center. These visits are intended to express Japan's concern and support with regard to these important issues. The third aspect is Japan's global contribution. The problem of Bosnia and Herzegovina is not only a regional problem in Europe, but it is also a problem of global dimensions that the international community must tackle in concert. This also holds true for the humanitarian aspect. The forthcoming visit of Foreign Minister Obuchi to Bosnia and Herzegovina will not only demonstrate Japan's concern for these problems, but will also demonstrate to the international community at large that Japanese diplomacy intends to make global contributions through coping with these issues.
2. Visit to Japan by President Boris Yeltsin of the Russian Federation
  Spokesman Shimanouchi: Now, let me turn to the upcoming visit of President Boris Yeltsin of the Russian Federation to Japan, and let me give you our view on this visit. First of all, President Yeltsin will be visiting Japan from 11 to 13 April. The details of his program here are still being discussed with the Russian side. Let me tell you a little bit about the significance we attach to President Yeltsin's visit to Japan. In the upcoming bilateral Summit, Japan would like to move forward the Krasnoyarsk process, recognizing that building confidence between the leaders of the two nations is vital to the dramatic improvement of the bilateral relationship. To this end, we intend to focus on the following aspects. First of all, as was the case with the Krasnoyarsk Meeting last November, we would like for the two leaders to further strengthen their personal rapport and friendship. Secondly, we would like for the two leaders to discuss various issues on the bilateral agenda between the two countries in a relaxed atmosphere, and take this opportunity to flesh out the outcomes of the Krasnoyarsk Meeting, including the Hashimoto-Yeltsin Plan, and by so doing, further strengthen the relationship in all areas. We have been making steady progress in moving forward the relationship between the two countries. With regard to the peace treaty, we intend to make utmost efforts to conclude a peace treaty by the year 2000 on the basis of the Tokyo Declaration, in keeping with the agreement reached in Krasnoyarsk last November. To sum up, through these discussions, Japan would like to open a new perspective for Japan-Russia relations looking toward the 21st century.
Itinerary for the visit to Japan by President Boris Yeltsin of the Russian Federation
Q: Will President Yeltsin spend a day or night in Tokyo? Will he meet Their Royal Majesties?

Spokesman Shimanouchi: It is my understanding that the meeting will take place in Kawana. As I said, the details of his program are still being discussed between the two sides. I cannot give you any details at this moment.

Q: Will it all be in Kawana? That is an easily-policed area.

Spokesman Shimanouchi: It is my understanding that the meeting, or meetings, will take place in Kawana. The specifics are still being worked out between the two governments.
Japan-Russian Federation energy issue
Q: Is there progress on the oil rigs? Do you see anything on that horizon?

Spokesman Shimanouchi: I am not going to make any predictions regarding the possible outcome of the Summit meeting. But as I said in my initial presentation, we would like to take this opportunity to build on the progress made in Krasnoyarsk. We would like to flesh out the agreements reached there. I think you are well aware of the contents of the Hashimoto-Yeltsin Plan, which is one of the major outcomes of the discussions in Krasnoyarsk. One of the items of the Hashimoto-Yeltsin Plan is to strengthen dialogue on energy. The first energy consultations between the two Governments were held in January of this year. In March, then-Minister of Fuel and Energy Sergei Kiriyenko of the Russian Federation visited Japan. I believe that steady progress is being made in that area.
Japan-Islamic Republic of Iran relations
Q: There are some news reports that State Secretary Koumura will visit Iran in the next two weeks to meet with some Iranian officials. What can you say about that?

Spokesman Shimanouchi: Japan attaches great importance to its bilateral ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iran is a major power in the Middle East. We are making efforts to maintain friendly and cooperative ties with Iran from the standpoint of ensuring stability in the Middle East. We would like, in view of the fact that the Khatami Government is in place, to continue dialogue and cooperation with Iran with a view to encouraging Iran to move forward its reforms and to become more open to the outside world. After the Mykonos Decision in April 1997, Japan suspended high-level contacts with Iran, but these contacts were resumed in November 1997. We held consultations at the vice-foreign ministerial level. This meeting took place in Tokyo. Vice-President Ebpeckar of the Islamic Republic of Iran was in Kyoto for the Third Conference of the Parties (COP3) to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change Meeting, and more recently, Vice-President Hashemi-taba of the Islamic Republic of Iran was in Nagano to attend the opening of the Olympic Games there. Japan has always attached importance to political dialogue with Iran. We are presently considering the possibility of a visit by State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Masahiko Koumura to Iran. However, there has been no decision regarding dates or whom he will be meeting in Iran. That is where we are right now.

Mr. Mohamed Eldesouky (Al Ahram): Can you specify Japan's position concerning the two accusations that the Iranian Government sponsors terrorism and maintains weapons of mass destruction?

Q: With regard to those issues, we share the concerns of the international community.
Japan-Russian Federation peace process
Q: What is the most difficult obstacle in the way for attaining peace with Russia by the year 2000?

Spokesman Shimanouchi: We do not view things in that way. What we would like to achieve is to move forward in keeping with the spirit of Krasnoyarsk. Of course, there is a great deal of work to be done. We want to continue and intensify dialogue with the Russian side. With regard to the conclusion of a peace treaty, we would like to make utmost efforts to conclude a treaty by the year 2000 on the basis of the Tokyo Declaration. We will continue to make every effort so that it will come about. I think the Krasnoyarsk Meeting created a great deal of momentum for the improvement of relations. In Kawana, we would like to build on this momentum with the things that I mentioned at the outset.

Q: Is there any lingering doubt that the meetings will take place as scheduled, because a lot of things are going on in Russia at this time? There is some doubt that Sergei Kiriyenko will be confirmed as Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. Also President Yeltsin's health is in question.

Spokesman Shimanouchi: As you may recall, on 23 March, Presidential Spokesman Sergei Yastrzhembsky of the Russian Federation said that the new government would be designated before President Yeltsin's visit to Japan and there are no changes in his schedule to visit Japan. On 26 March, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Grigorii Karasin of the Russian Federation told us, at the time of the Meeting of the Subcommittee of the Joint Committee on the Conclusion of the Peace Treaty, that President Yeltsin is firmly determined to visit Japan as scheduled. We hope President Yeltsin will come to Japan as scheduled. Both sides are making preparations to go ahead with the visit as scheduled.
Defense issues
Q: The Vice-Minister for Defense is going to the United States to discuss the Japan-U.S. Guidelines for Defense Cooperation. What are the stakes now, given the current domestic situation?

Spokesman Shimanouchi: With regard to the Vice-Minister for Defense, we have been informed that he will be visiting the United States. However, since we are talking about the vice-minister of another ministry, I think it would be better for you to go to the Defense Agency for further details on this visit.

Q: Are you saying that the Foreign Ministry is not involved in this?

Spokesman Shimanouchi: I am not saying that we are not involved in this. We understand that this is a part of the exchanges being conducted between the Defense authorities of the two countries. However, since this is a visit by the vice-minister of another ministry, I think it would be better for you to ask the Defense Agency for specifics regarding this visit.
Visit to the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina by Minister for Foreign Affairs Keizo Obuchi
Q: Regarding the visit by Foreign Minister Obuchi to Bosnia, could you identify the key persons who he is going to meet?

Spokesman Shimanouchi: We are still working on his schedule and we do not have final confirmation for his meetings. We have in mind people such as President Alija Izetdegobic and Minister of Foreign Affairs Jadranko Prlic of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Q: Will Foreign Minister Obuchi raise the issue of war criminals when he is in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Spokesman Shimanouchi: I think it is a little premature to discuss the specifics of his agenda in the meetings with the leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Certainly we will be discussing the various aspects of peace implementation and the role that Japan has been playing in the process, and also the role Japan intends to play in the days to come.
Emergency aid to the Republic of Indonesia
Q: Do you have any information on emergency aid to the Republic of Indonesia, including rice?

Spokesman Shimanouchi: There are various aspects. On 27 March, the Japanese Government announced its decision to extend to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia an emergency grant-in-aid worth 3 billion yen in medical supplies and daily necessities, including powdered milk. The purpose of this assistance is to help the socially disadvantaged. This emergency aid is based on the talks between Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto and President Suharto of the Republic of Indonesian earlier this month. This emergency aid follows the emergency aid of 1.02 billion yen which was decided upon on 6 March. In the first package we sent medical equipment such as dialysis equipment. With regard to rice assistance to Indonesia, it was decided in the Cabinet Decision of 20 February to implement this as soon as possible. The Government is now considering what types of assistance we might be able to extend to Indonesia. Presently, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) are conducting studies in Indonesia on the food situation. As soon as we have the results of the survey, we will be deciding the timing, volume and type of assistance.
Japanese mission to Pyongyang
Q: Newspaper reports said yesterday that a Japanese mission has gone to Pyongyang in regard to the opening up of a liaison office there. Could I get your reaction to this?

Spokesman Shimanouchi: This is a mission sent by a political party. They have not come back to Japan yet. We do not have the details of the discussions that were held in Pyongyang, so there is very little I can tell you at this moment. I understand that the delegation was briefed on the food situation there. I am told that they discussed issues such as the suspected abductions and the visits of Japanese spouses to Japan. With regard to the question of the liaison office, I am told that this issue was discussed, but I do not know what was discussed or in what context it was discussed.

Q: Could you comment on the mission to Pyongyang and what they reported regarding the food situation in North Korea? When is the mission coming back?

Spokesman Shimanouchi: We do not have the details. They will fill us in when they come back to Tokyo.

Q: When are they coming back?

Spokesman Shimanouchi: I am told that they are in Beijing right now. I do not know if they are coming back today or tomorrow.
Cherry trees at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Q: Can you tell me if the sakura trees that surround the building are the property of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?

Spokesman Shimanouchi: That is a very good question. I will check and get back to you on that.
Japan-Russian Federation joint training exercises
Q: Are there any military issues that are going to be discussed during the bilateral meetings that are to be held in Russia? I heard that the top official of the Japan Self-Defense Forces is going to visit Moscow, and on his way back, he will observe joint military exercises between Japan and Russia. Will such issues as this be discussed?

Spokesman Shimanouchi: I believe I know what you have in mind. At the Summit Meeting at Krasnoyarsk last November, the two leaders agreed to pursue the possibility of joint training between the Self-Defense Forces and the Russian military in the area of humanitarian activities such as relief activities at the time of disasters. On 16 and 17 March, officials of the two countries at the division-director level held a joint working group in Moscow to consider defense cooperation programs between the two countries and confidence-building measures. One of the items on the agenda of the working group was the joint training that I referred to. At the moment, we have not reached any decision on the type of training to be conducted, the timing or the place that this training will take place. We have no specifics yet.
Hashimoto-Yeltsin Plan
Q: Some parts of the Hashimoto-Yeltsin Plan have already been fulfilled. Also, negotiations have also begun in certain areas. At the meeting in Kawana, will any political or economic aspects of the Hashimoto-Yeltsin Plan be implemented further?

Spokesman Shimanouchi: I think it is inappropriate to predict the outcome of the talks that are scheduled to be held in Kawana. As I said, considerable progress has been made since the Krasnoyarsk Meeting of last November. We have held the meeting of the Joint Committee on the Conclusion of the Peace Treaty at the level of Chairmen in Moscow this February. A meeting of the Subcommittee of the this Joint Committee at the vice-ministerial level was held in Tokyo just a few days ago. We have signed a Fisheries Framework Agreement. This was signed in Moscow in February. We have made steady progress in the implementation of the Hashimoto-Yeltsin Plan. I think that you have heard that the negotiations for the Investment Protection Agreement have started. Japan has already invited 180 Russian business people to Japan. Russia has been accepted as a member of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), something which the Government of Japan worked very hard for. We have moved forward the energy dialogue between the two countries. We have relaxed conditions on the underwriting of trade insurance; this was in November. More recently, the Japanese Export-Import Bank announced its intention to extend untied loans to Russia in the amount of US$1.5 billion. Therefore, we have made considerable progress since last year, and we intend to move forward this process in the days to come.

Q: Therefore, can we look forward to particular steps being taken to accelerate the implementation of the Plan?

Spokesman Shimanouchi: I am not going to make any predictions on the outcome of the Kawana Meeting.
Northern Islands
Q: Do you realize that in 45 minutes that you have never mentioned the Northern Islands?

Spokesman Shimanouchi: Nobody has asked me a question on the Northern Islands. I have, however, mentioned a number of times the negotiation for a peace treaty. I have mentioned the Tokyo Declaration. I think that you have read the Tokyo Declaration. I do not think I need to read to you the relevant paragraphs of the Tokyo Declaration regarding the Northern Territories.

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