Press Conference 17 April 2001

1. Statement on the increased tensions in the Middle East
2. Follow-up questions on the situation in the Middle East
3. Questions on the issuance of a visa to former President Lee Teng-hui of Taiwan
4. Question on the investigation into the Ehime Maru incident

1. Statement on the increased tensions in the Middle East

   Assistant Press Secretary Daisuke Matsunaga: Good afternoon ladies and gentleman. I have one announcement to make and thereafter I will be more than willing to take any questions that you might have. My statement is on the situation in the Middle East.

   Japan is alarmed by the possibility of the current instability in the Middle East entering a new phase and spreading over into Syria and Lebanon. Japan expresses its strong concern over the bombing of Syrian military installations by the Israeli Air Force on 16 April. Japan is also deeply concerned about attacks perpetrated by Hezbollah across the line of withdrawal recognized by the United Nations.

   Japan strongly requests all the parties concerned to exert maximum self-restraint to break the vicious cycle of violence and to prevent it from spreading further in the region.

   Related Information (Japan-Middle East Relations)
   
2. Follow-up questions on the situation in the Middle East

   Q: Concerning your statement about the situation in the Middle East, do you consider that the Israeli action is more dangerous than these self-defense attacks by Hezbollah, and so Israel should be held responsible in the first place, because it is a country occupying territories while Hezbollah is not occupying any territories?

   Mr. Matsunaga: The position of the Government is exactly what is contained in the statement, nothing more and nothing less; we are concerned by both the Israeli bombing of Syrian installations in Lebanese territory and the attacks perpetrated by Hezbollah across the line of withdrawal recognized by the United Nations.

   Q: Did you contact any relevant parties in the area?

   Mr. Matsunaga: I have nothing on that.

   Related Information (Japan-Middle East Relations)
   
3. Questions on the issuance of a visa to former President Lee Teng-hui of Taiwan

   Q: About Mr. Lee's visa issuance, is the Government now more inclined to grant a visa to Mr. Lee?

   Mr. Matsunaga: Japan is considering this question carefully, taking into consideration humanitarian standpoints, public opinion, and other relevant factors. The Government is aware of various opinions voiced by concerned parties. At any rate, the decision will be made at the Government's own discretion.

   Q: Some people say that the Foreign Ministry will make the final decision on whether or not to give Mr. Lee Teng-hui a visa today. Is that true?

   Mr. Matsunaga: I do not have any indication of the timeframe under which the matter is being worked out. The matter is now being given careful consideration, and when consideration of the matter is completed a conclusion will be reached. As far as any specific timeframe is concerned, no specific deadline has been determined.

   Q: I read in some reports by Reuters that China warned Japan not to issue a visa to Mr. Lee. Did you receive an official warning from China? Why do you think the visa issue is delayed?

   Mr. Matsunaga: The Government is aware of various opinions voiced by concerned parties. As I said earlier, however, the decision to grant a visa is to be determined at our own discretion while taking into consideration relevant factors.

   Q: Does that mean you have received a formal warning from China?

   Mr. Matsunaga: I do not know if any formal request has been received or not, but the Government is aware of the various opinions expressed by concerned parties.

   Related Information (Japan-China Relations)
   
4. Question on the investigation into the Ehime Maru incident

   Q: Just a brief question, according to some reports I understand that the American side decided not to take legal action against the captain of the American submarine which hit the Japanese training vessel. What is the Government's reaction to this?

   Mr. Matsunaga: I am aware of the newspaper reports to which you refer. The Government is aware that the US Navy Court of Inquiry completed its investigation and submitted its report to Admiral Thomas Fargo, Commander of the Pacific Fleet; however, the contents of the report will not be disclosed until the completion of the review by Admiral Fargo. Consequently, the Government would like to refrain from making any comments while Admiral Fargo's review is in progress.

   I understand that Admiral Fargo will determine what measures to pursue within the 30-day review period.

   If you have any further questions or comments to make please feel free to come to me.

   Related Information (Japan-The United States Relations)