Press Conference 4 December 2001

1. Statement on the Middle East situation
2. Follow-up question regarding the situation in the Middle East
3. Question concerning travel advisories

1. Statement on the Middle East situation

   Assistant Press Secretary Daisuke Matsunaga: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have one announcement to make on the situation in the Middle East.

   On 3 December there was a missile attack by Israel on Gaza following suicide bombings in Hadera, Israel, on 29 November, in the center of Jerusalem on 1 December, and in Haifa on 2 December. The Government of Japan is very concerned about this situation and worried that further attacks will exacerbate the violence and animosity between the parties concerned.

   The Government of Japan is greatly disappointed by the continuation of acts of terrorism that are holding back development towards peace despite repeated appeals.

   At a time when the United States of America is re-invigorating its efforts to advance the Middle East peace process, the Government of Japan finds the escalation of violence deplorable since it hinders efforts towards peace.

   The Government of Japan calls on the parties concerned to cooperate in the efforts being made by the international community in the hope that these efforts will lead to an improvement in the situation and the renewal of hope for peace.

   Related Information (Japan-Middle East Relations)
   Related Information (Japan-Israel Relations)
   
2. Follow-up question regarding the situation in the Middle East

   Q: My question is connected with the problem you spoke about. With regard to problems concerning Afghanistan, the Japanese Government sent necessities, goods, and solders; using this type of power is it possible for the Japanese Government to intervene in the Palestinian problem and act as a mediator?

   Mr. Matsunaga: The Middle East peace process and the questions related to Afghanistan could be considered separately. However, progress in the Middle East peace process would certainly help to consolidate the international community's solidarity in the fight against terrorism. As you correctly pointed out, our appeal to the parties concerned in the Middle East issue will hopefully serve to facilitate the Government's joint efforts with the international community in the fight against terrorism.

   Q: It is understood that this issue is the origin of the problems in Afghanistan, and until the end of war in Palestinian areas, we cannot expect to see an end to Afghanistan's problems.

   Mr. Matsunaga: There are multiple factors involved in the particular issues related to Afghanistan. As you suggested, progress in the Middle East peace process would certainly facilitate our joint international efforts vis-à-vis Afghanistan.

   Related Information (Japan-Afghanistan Relations)
   
   
3. Question about travel advisories

   Q: The newspaper today, the Sankei, reported that new travel advisories issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will cease. What is the truth of these reports?

   Mr. Matsunaga: As you are already aware, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lowered the level of some travel advisory warnings recently. With the intention of deciding on a system that best serves the needs of the public, we are now in the process of looking into what kind of advisory system is most suitable.