Press Conference 26 June 2001

1. Announcement of Japanese emergency assistance for the earthquake disaster in the Republic of Peru
2. Follow-up question concerning Japan's offer of medical assistance to Peru
3. Question concerning investment by Japanese companies in the Azadegan Oil Field in the Islamic Republic of Iran
4. Question regarding a possible visit to Okinawa by Minister for Foreign Affairs Makiko Tanaka

1. Announcement of Japanese emergency assistance for the earthquake disaster in the Republic of Peru

   Press Secretary Norio Hattori: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. I have one announcement regarding the earthquake in the Republic of Peru.

   This morning, the Government of Japan decided to extend to the Government of the Republic of Peru, which has sustained damage from an earthquake, emergency grant aid of US$500,000, and in response to the request from the Government of Peru, blankets and tents worth about 10 million yen as emergency aid materials.

   Please refer to the press release for further details.

   Related Information (Disaster Prevention and Relief)
   Related Information (Japan-Peru Relations)
   
2. Follow-up question concerning Japan's offer of medical assistance to Peru

   Q: I understand that Japan offered medical aid, but they refused it. Is there any special reason for this?

   Mr. Hattori: I saw on television this morning that three Japanese doctors, including nurses, have left for Peru. Unfortunately, I do not have the information regarding our medical aid to Peru, so I am not in a position to answer "yes" or "no" to your question.

   Related Information (Disaster Prevention and Relief)
   Related Information (Japan-Peru Relations)
   
3. Question concerning investment by Japanese companies in the Azadegan Oil Field in the Islamic Republic of Iran

   Q: There have been reports in the Japanese media that Japanese companies are going to invest more than US$8 billion in an oil field in Iran.

   Could you please tell us what stage the negotiations are at?

   Mr. Hattori: When President Seyed Mohammad Khatami of the Islamic Republic of Iran visited Japan in October last year, it was agreed between both governments that the negotiating rights of the Azadegan Oil Field would be granted to Japanese companies. On the basis of this understanding, the negotiations are proceeding between the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) and certain Japanese companies. I understand that the negotiations are at a good stage.

   I would ask you to refer to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry for more details.

   Related Information (Japan-Iran Relations)
   
4. Question regarding a possible visit to Okinawa by Minister for Foreign Affairs Makiko Tanaka

   Q: Last week Minister for Foreign Affairs Makiko Tanaka said she wanted to visit Okinawa at the weekend, but she was not able to. Do you know if there are any plans for her to visit Okinawa in the near future?

   Mr. Hattori: At this point in time, I have no information about that.