Press Conference 16 February 2001

1. Introduction
2. Questions on developments following the Ehime Maru incident
3. Question on the position of the Government of Japan on incidents in Okinawa and Hawaii involving the US military
4. The reaction of the Government of Japan to developments in the Middle East
5. Questions on the case of a Foreign Ministry official under investigation

1. Introduction

   Assistant Press Secretary Daisuke Matsunaga: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Today I have two press releases for distribution, a press release about

   the official working visit to Japan by President Leo Falcam of the Federated States of Micronesia, and another on

   Japan's emergency aid for earthquake disaster relief in the Republic of El Salvador.

2. Questions on developments following the Ehime Maru incident

   Q: What is the latest development regarding the Japanese position on the ship collision that occurred off Hawaii?

   Mr. Matsunaga: Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Seishiro Eto flew to Washington last night. As far as I understand the United States Coast Guard is still engaged in search and rescue operations and we are asking the United States to do its utmost in these search and rescue operations.

   I understand that the unmanned deep-sea search vessel, the Scorpio, has already been deployed near and around the collision site. However, it depends on the weather situation whether the equipment can be fully utilized. But as soon as the weather permits the Scorpio is supposed to be in full operation.

   The Consulate-General in Honolulu, at 10:30 Japan time, checked with the Coast Guard and confirmed that their search and rescue operations are still continuing.

   Q: Does Japan still hope that the missing people are alive?

   Mr. Matsunaga: We still hope to save the missing nine people.

   Q: There were some reports suggesting that some civilians were on or in control of the submarine. What is Japan's latest information and what is your reaction to this?

   Mr. Matsunaga: When we first heard about it we felt that it was a grave situation. When Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono had a telephone conversation with Secretary of State Colin Powell of the United States of America he stated that this information should have been given earlier to the Japanese side. Secretary of State Colin Powell subsequently assured Minister for Foreign Affairs Kono that as soon as information became available it would be conveyed to the Japanese side.

   Whether there is any connection to the sudden surfacing of the USS Greeneville and the presence of civilians on the submarine is not yet known, but it will be a subject of the US Government's thorough investigation into the incident. The Government of Japan is waiting for the results of that investigation.

   Related Information (Japan-The United States Relations)
   
3. Question on the position of the Government of Japan on incidents in Okinawa and Hawaii involving the US military

   Q: Recently there have been quite a few accidents regarding American military personnel, and now in Hawaii, and the casualties of these have been Japanese civilians. I remember there were some reports about sexual harassment by American military personnel in Okinawa, and also the email problem, the military leader insulting Japanese officials. And now some Japanese civilians are missing because of some American military activities. So does Japan feel that the American military is causing more problems for Japanese society rather than giving it assistance or maintaining the status quo of the alliance?

   Mr. Matsunaga: In regard to Okinawa, the Government of Japan has repeatedly and strongly asked the US side to impose stricter discipline on members of the US Forces there. And this was done again last night in the conversation that took place between Minister for Foreign Affairs Kono and Ambassador Thomas Foley.

   As for the bilateral relationship, the Japan-US relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world, so Japan is resolved not to let this kind of thing undermine our staunch relationship with the United States.

   Related Information (Japan-The United States Relations)
   
4. The reaction of the Government of Japan to developments in the Middle East

   Q: Moving to another part of the world, concerning the election of the new Israeli prime minister and the violence that has been occurring, what is Japan's reaction to this?

   Mr. Matsunaga: The Government of Japan is greatly concerned about the situation, for it seems that violence is causing a vicious cycle. Japan's position is that no violence can be justified and we would like to strongly urge the parties concerned to exercise self-restraint.

   Q: So there is nothing new in the Japanese position? It is the same as before?

   Mr. Matsunaga: Whether it is the same or whether it is new, I do not know.

   Q: Do you feel that the new Israeli prime minister has a bad record--according to some media reports he was involved in butchering civilians in Lebanon when Israel invaded Lebanon--that may cause the peace process to deteriorate? Because he was accused directly for killing that took place when he was in control, does Japan think that this kind of character will be a negative factor in the peace process?

   Mr. Matsunaga: We believe that peace through negotiations is the only realistic alternative and we strongly hope that the parties concerned will resume negotiations as soon as possible even after the inauguration of the new Israeli administration.

   Related Information (Japan-Middle East Relations)
   
5. Questions on the case of a Foreign Ministry official under investigation

   Q: Lastly, about the Foreign Ministry scandal, what is the latest development in this issue?

   Mr. Matsunaga: I have nothing more on that than what appeared in the newspapers.

   Q: Do you know the whereabouts of Mr. Matsuo now?

   Mr. Matsunaga: No, I do not know where he is now.

   Q: So he is basically free?

   Mr. Matsunaga: My understanding is that the police can investigate him any time they want, so in that sense he is not escaping police investigation.