Press Conference by the Press Secretary 22 February 2000

Self introduction by new Press Secretary and Director-General for Press and Public Relations Ryuichiro Yamazaki
Visit to the United States of America by Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono
Exchange of statements in the meeting between Prime Minister Obuchi and Prime Minister Willem Kok of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Japan's position on the elections in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Japan's position on host nation support for the United States forces in Japan
Japan's response to the publication of the White Paper on policies regarding Taiwan by the People's Republic of China
Japan's position on the state of play regarding countries' signing and ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)
Questions concerning the possibility of inviting China to join the G8
Questions regarding the statement made by Prime Minister Obuchi to Prime Minister Kok during their meeting
Report of the Heads of Missions meeting among Japanese ambassadors
Other issues I. Self introduction by new Press Secretary and Director-General for Press and Public Relations Ryuichiro Yamazaki

Self introduction by new Press Secretary and Director-General for Press and Public Relations Ryuichiro Yamazaki
Press Secretary Ryuichiro Yamazaki: Good afternoon. My name is Ryuichiro Yamazaki. I am the new Press Secretary and Director-General for Press and Public Relations having taking over from Mr. Numata last week. This is my first press conference to the international press, so please bear with me if I make any mistakes or if I am not articulate. You are welcome to ask questions later. At the outset, I have three points to make.
Related Information (Press Conference by The Press Secretary of MOFA)
Visit to the United States of America by Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono
Mr. Yamazaki: The first announcement is concerning the most recent visit by Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono to Washington in the United States of America. He stayed there 18-20 February and came back yesterday. During that time, he paid a courtesy call on President William Jefferson Clinton, had an in-depth meeting over breakfast with Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and also met with United States Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky, National Security Adviser Sandy Berger and National Security Adviser on Economic Affairs Gene Sperling. The Japanese press has already reported the outcome of the meetings, so I will not repeat in detail unless you want to pose some questions later.

In the courtesy call on President Clinton, President Clinton reiterated his stance to cooperate for the success of the Kyushu-Okinawa Summit. Also, we agreed on the importance of starting the negotiations in the World Trade Organization (WTO) for the new round. With Secretary Albright, several bilateral issues were discussed, and the Asia-Pacific region was taken up within the context of how Japan and the United States could help to contribute to the region. I will stop there on this issue and invite questions if you have them later.
Related Information (Foreign Minister Yohei Kono's Visit to the United Sta)
Exchange of statements in the meeting between Prime Minister Obuchi and Prime Minister Willem Kok of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Mr. Yamazaki: My second announcement is with regard to Prime Minister Willem Kok of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who met with Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi yesterday and had a very good discussion. The meeting was on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of relations between Japan and the Netherlands, and there are various events commemorating that. I believe that it is Prime Minister Kok's fifth time here in Japan, and he met with Prime Minister Obuchi to discuss both bilateral and multilateral issues. I do not know whether you were at the press conference which Prime Minister Kok himself gave yesterday, but let me just highlight a specific issue which was rather important for both sides -- that is, how the Japanese side feels about the damage and suffering that we caused in relation to the Dutch war victims, and how we hope that we can move forward toward an even closer and future-oriented relationship with the Netherlands. Prime Minister Obuchi made a brief statement on this issue at the meeting, to which Prime Minister Kok replied, and I would like to read them both to you.

Prime Minister Obuchi said: "I note with pleasure that we observe the quadricentennial of relations between Japan and the Netherlands this year. During the period when Japan closed its borders, Dejima in Nagasaki remained the only window open to the world, and through Dejima, both countries influenced each other in various ways. This unique history, shared by both countries, should be passed on to future generations. In the course of 400 years of relations between the two countries, there was a period, during the Second World War, when our relations suffered greatly. As Prime Minister, I reaffirm the position of the Government of Japan already expressed by the then Prime Minister Murayama in 1995, when he, on behalf of the Government of Japan, renewed the feelings of deep remorse and heartfelt apology for the tremendous damage and suffering caused by Japan to many people, including Dutch war victims. In 1998, the then Prime Minister Hashimoto sent a letter to Your Excellency, reiterating this position of Japan. With today's discussion, I am convinced that, henceforward, an even closer, future-oriented relationship between Japan and the Netherlands will be constructed." This was the statement at the meeting.

Prime Minister Kok replied: "I would like to join you in celebrating the quadricentennial of relations between our two countries. As Your Excellency has stated, the Netherlands and Japan share a unique history, which should be passed on to future generations. It is true that our relations suffered greatly during the Second World War. Of course history cannot be undone, but neither do we want to be its captive. At the dawn of the 21st century, many opportunities for close cooperation in the most diverse fields indeed present themselves. We should make full use of them. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation for the views that you have expressed on the issue of Dutch war victims. We also value the efforts made so far by the Japanese Government on this issue. I believe that, with our discussions today, and what you have said about the period during the war, we should be able to overcome the unfortunate past and build an even closer, future-oriented relationship between the Netherlands and Japan." As I said earlier, the keywords are "future-oriented relationship," and the Government of Japan is very happy that our relationship with the Netherlands has now turned a new page.
Related Information (Japan-Netherlands Relations)
Japan's position on the elections in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Mr. Yamazaki: My third announcement is regarding the very important elections that have just taken place in the Islamic Republic of Iran. First of all, we welcome the fact that the elections in Iran took place in a democratic atmosphere and that the voting rate was extremely high. We understand that the actual counting of the voting is taking place right now, and we are keenly following what the results of the election will finally be. At this present time, the Reformists are now nearing a majority, and we believe that the result of this election is a reflection of the will of the people of Iran. Later this afternoon, I hope to be making an official statement as the Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcoming the result of the most recent elections in Iran.

Q: Iran expects more economic cooperation from Japan. Do you think after these elections, it will be possible for more cooperation between Japan and Iran?

Mr. Yamazaki: As you know, Japan has been very active in its relations with Iran. Minister for Foreign Minister Masahiko Koumura visited Iran in August 1999, and in his capacity as State Secretary for Foreign Affairs visited Iran in April 1998. In fact, since November 1997, we have been conducting bilateral, vice-ministerial level consultations between the two countries. It is in this whole chain of events that we saw the results of this election. Once the final results have been announced, I think that we will take one step backward, look at the whole situation in Iran and see what measures we can take to improve our relations further, encouraging the various democratic trends that we are seeing in Iran. Our officials who are directly concerned with bilateral relations with Iran will be thinking of creative and imaginative measures for how to expand our bilateral relations.

Q: There were some claims by some newspapers that Iran tried to import some parts to use in weapons technology. Iran has denied these claims. Do you think that the Japanese Government is satisfied with this issue?

Mr. Yamazaki: I did remember a report a while ago on that issue. I am sorry, but I do not have a specific follow-up on that.
Related Information (Japan-Iran Relations)
Japan's position on host nation support for the United States forces in Japan
Q: Please explain about Japan's basic position on host nation support for the United States forces in Japan.

Mr. Yamazaki: This came up in the meeting between Foreign Minister Kono and Secretary Albright also. Our basic position is that we highly appreciate the role of the United States forces in Japan. Host nation support is a very important issue vis-a-vis the strategic importance of US forces in Japan. Therefore, we are considering how to move along with this issue. Next March the special agreement will end. At the same time, bearing in mind what I just said about the strategic important of US forces in Japan, we have to take account of the economic circumstances that we face. We are approaching this issue based on that.

Q: So the economic reason is a key factor behind the Japanese Government's efforts to reduce the size of support for the US forces?

Mr. Yamazaki: I did not say "reduce financial support," but how to approach this issue. It is being taken up by the officials in charge between our two governments, and the economic circumstances are one factor that we have to take into account.

Q: I have heard that the Japanese Government is going to slightly cut the size of financial support for the next fiscal year.

Mr. Yamazaki: Our position has not been decided yet on this issue. We are still having very preliminary talks with the US side.

Q: I understand that Foreign Minister Kono discussed this issue with Secretary Albright in Washington, so what was the official response?

Mr. Yamazaki: Secretary Albright said that the Japan-US Security Arrangements, including host nation support, contributes greatly not only to Japan's security, but also to the security of the Asia-Pacific, which is of great importance to both Japan and the United States. Foreign Minister Kono then mentioned what I have just told you.

Q: So will Japan withdraw its plans to cut financial support?

Mr. Yamazaki: You say "withdraw," but there has been no decision on this issue at this time yet.

Q: But it will be a part of the state budget for next year?

Mr. Yamazaki: I will have to check the actual details of that, but I thought we were talking about the special agreement that will come to an end next March.

Q: Do you have the specific figure for Japan's financial contribution to the budget for host nation support?

Mr. Yamazaki: There are various figures for host nation support depending on how you calculate the item, but under the special agreement, it was to the order of around 250 billion yen. It is separately tiered. For example, under the Status of Forces Agreement, Japan had a provisional obligation to provide bases, and that is not included in this figure. Host nation support, which started in the late 1970s and early 1980s, is an addition to that under the special agreement.
Related Information (Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements)
Japan's response to the publication of the White Paper on policies regarding Taiwan by the People's Republic of China
Q: What will be Japan's reaction to the White Paper issued by the Chinese Government on its policies vis-a-vis Taiwan?

Mr. Yamazaki: The Chinese desk has just received an original copy of the White Paper, and is in the process of analyzing it. I am afraid that we have not digested the official text of the White Paper yet. We are not sure what the status of the paper is, so let us wait and see how our analysts analyze it. As far as the Taiwan issue is concerned, Japan's basic position is that we hope that the two parties will resolve this issue in a peaceful and amicable way.
Related Information (Japan-China Relations)
Japan's position on the state of play regarding countries' signing and ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)
Q: News reports say that the United States no longer expects an early signing of the CTBT by India and Pakistan. What is Japan's assessment?

Mr. Yamazaki: Was that attributed to some official statement by a spokesman of the Government of the United States? I do not know of that. All I can say is that President Clinton is going to the region, and we will be watching closely what the outcome of that will be.

Q: If all 44 nations with nuclear facilities must sign and ratify the CTBT, then rejection by just one will kill the Treaty. Therefore, do you not think that the CTBT is a dead document now that the US Congress has rejected it?

Mr. Yamazaki: I do not think that it is a dead document. I think that we are doing our best -- and I hope that the Government of the United States will do its best -- to try and get the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) through their Congress. We have been in touch with the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to try and convince them to join the CTBT. We are doing our best to get the CTBT entered into force.
Related Information (The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT))
Questions concerning the possibility of inviting China to join the G8
Q: Has there been any progress in the talks between the G8 members about whether to invite China to the G8?

Mr. Yamazaki: This was taken up at last week's press conference. Whenever the membership of G8, including observers, has to be discussed, people have to take a very careful stance on it. Although Japan has traditionally been in touch with China before and after G8 Summits to hear their views and debrief them on what happened, we have not approached China on this issue as of yet.

Q: Are there any G8 countries which oppose China's participation in the Summit?

Mr. Yamazaki: First of all, we have to know how China also feels on this. There have been comments originating from Beijing that seem a little cautious about participating at the G8 Summit. As the Chair of the G8, we will be in touch with the other G8 members on this and many other issues. I cannot give you information for your question at this point.

Q: A White House Spokesman has said that the US is opposed to having China included in the G8 group, and that other countries are also opposed.

Mr. Yamazaki: I have no comment on that per se. I take note of what you have said, but it is up to the Sherpas through their consultations to come up with whatever decision they wish to at this point.

Q: Has the US officially declared its position?

Mr. Yamazaki: I am not up to date every day, but I do not think that our Sherpa has met his American counterpart in the last few days, if that is what you mean. The Sherpas always keep very close contact in general, so I cannot confirm or deny your question.

Q: Has there been an official request from China?

Mr. Yamazaki: There has been no move from China on this issue, and we have not brought it up directly with China yet.

Q: Why is there a need for China to come and participate as an observer? There are many countries who have been represented by Japan in Asia, so why is only China making the headlines?

Mr. Yamazaki: I am sure that journalists like to write many stories, perhaps some based on fact, some on speculation. As I said, we have not approached China on this issue.

Q: If they come or not, you will represent them at the G8?

Mr. Yamazaki: It is Prime Minister Obuchi's intention to have an Asian perspective in the G8 Summit because it is going to be held in Asia. I am sure that would include China's perspective as a country of Asia. As I said, in the past we have been in close touch with China before and after Summits to make sure that they are well informed of what the G8 is doing.

Q: Apart from the Chinese Foreign Minister, is there any plan to invite any other Chinese official before the G8 Summit to discuss the issue?

Mr. Yamazaki: When you say to "discuss the issue," let me say that whenever we extend an invitation to a senior Chinese official, it is first of all basically to have bilateral consultations and to discuss issues of mutual interest at that time. I believe that there is an open invitation, but it is up to the countries to decide through the usual diplomatic channels to see if there are any dates. I do not know of any developments at this time.
Related Information (Japan-China Relations)
Questions regarding the statement made by Prime Minister Obuchi to Prime Minister Kok during their meeting
Q: On the Dutch Prime Minister's visit, you mentioned that Prime Minister Obuchi expressed remorse over the Dutch war victims. Did he express new remorse or did he repeat the same message expressed by Mr. Murayama?

Mr. Yamazaki: Let us put it this way. He made his statement as the current Prime Minister of Japan. He reaffirmed the Murayama statement, which was the basic one announced in 1995.

Q: Was this apology based on a request from the Netherlands?

Mr. Yamazaki: This was because it was casting a certain shadow on our bilateral relations. It was important at this point in time on the 400th anniversary for the two leaders to make this exchange of statements and to turn a new page, as it were, as we move forward in the future-oriented relations between our two countries.

Q: So "future-oriented" means that there will be no mention of this in the future?

Mr. Yamazaki: I do not how to interpret it at this time. We would like to focus on the various forms of bilateral cooperation we are undertaking in the international arena. We should not forget history, and should learn from history, but it means that we are turning a new page in our relations.

Q: When I read about Dutch war victims, I feel that the Dutch were victims, but they also occupied Indonesia, so it is conflicting for me if Japan thinks that the Dutch were victims in the war, even though they occupied Indonesia.

Mr. Yamazaki: I think you should ask your questions to the Republic of Indonesia, perhaps. I think you are referring more to the relationship between the Netherlands and Indonesia.
Related Information (Japan-Netherlands Relations)
Report of the Heads of Missions meeting among Japanese ambassadors
Q: I heard that there was a meeting last week for the Japanese Ambassadors in the Middle East. Do you have anything about the results of that?

Mr. Yamazaki: I will provide you with some information, especially in relation to the Middle East peace process. As to how the Ambassadors assessed the present situation, they felt that the year 2000 could be a very good opportunity for the overall solution of the Middle East problem toward attaining durable peace. For instance, they viewed that the solution of the Syria Track could be possible, and also that the present situation in Lebanon was, on the one hand, a contributing factor for peace, but at the same time an impediment to peace. As for the Palestinian Track, it seems that it will face further difficulties. So what is Japan's role against this background? We view that for the Middle East peace process, the G8 countries should show a strong posture for supporting any peaceful outcome that may come out of it. As for Japan per se, we hope to continue high-level exchanges with the region so that we can give moral support. At the same time, we should take some approach to the people who are opposing the peace process. Also, as I said earlier, if the Syria-Lebanon Track does attain peace -- and there is a high possibility that it will -- then Japan should positively engage itself in the reconstruction process of the region. Those are some of the thoughts that came out of the Ambassadors' meeting. I will not say that there was a complete consensus, but it is to give you some background.
Related Information (Japan-Middle East Relations)
Other issues
Q: Can you guess when there will be a new general election?

Mr. Yamazaki: I think that you should ask Prime Minister Obuchi. I have no comment on that.

Q: Do you have an update on Japan's opening of a liaison office in East Timor?

Mr. Yamazaki: I know that there was movement for that, because the United Nations Transitional Authority in East Timor (UNTAET) is there, and we do need an office. I will check for you.

Q: When will Japan and North Korea resume talks?

Mr. Yamazaki: That is not yet decided. There is no movement at this present time.

Q: Has there been any unofficial contact?

Mr. Yamazaki: I cannot disclose it, but I can say that things are a little calmer at this present time. Once there is some movement, we will be able to disclose more.

Q: Besides the Okinawa issue, what is the major objective for Japanese diplomacy in the short term? Do you have more visits abroad scheduled for Prime Minister Obuchi and Foreign Minister Kono?

Mr. Yamazaki: Right now the Diet is in session, so it is very difficult for Cabinet ministers to travel abroad, especially during the deliberations on the budget. If you remember, Foreign Minister Kono used the weekend to do that. I can only say that it is difficult at this present time.

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