Press Conference 13 July 2001

1. Announcement on the recent situation in the Middle East
2. Questions concerning the Japanese history textbook issue and its recent impact on Japan-Republic of Korea relations
3. Questions on the message Japan will deliver through this year's G8 Foreign Ministers' Meeting and G8 Summit Meeting
4. Question on recent developments surrounding former President Alberto Fujimori of the Republic of Peru

1. Announcement on the recent situation in the Middle East

   Deputy Press Secretary Chikahito Harada: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. I have one comment on the recent situation in the Middle East.

   Despite the fact that the State of Israel and the Palestinian Authority agreed to the implementation timeline of the Mitchell Commission report, we are concerned that the continuation of clashes has made implementation difficult.

   It is most necessary for all the parties concerned to avoid any provocation and make every effort to calm the situation, which will lead to the implementation of the agreement.

   We deeply regret the provocative activities by Israel, such as the demolition of Palestinian homes and the targeted attacks.

   Furthermore, on 10 July 2001, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of the State of Israel visited the Golan Heights and stated his intention to strengthen the settlement activities in the Heights. Such a statement implies that the sensitive issue of the settlement on the Palestinian Track will expand on to the Syrian Track, antagonizing the people of Arab nations, including the Palestinians.

   We cannot but express our concerns over such a movement and strongly urge all the parties concerned to refrain from any action which will block movement toward peace.

   Related Information (Japan-Middle East Relations)
   
2. Questions concerning the Japanese history textbook issue and its recent impact on Japan-Republic of Korea relations

   Q: The Government of the Republic of Korea has taken measures against the Japanese history textbook. How is the Japanese Government reacting to these measures and what is it going to do?

   Mr. Harada: We have repeatedly, on various occasions and at various levels, explained our position on the history textbook issue. We are aware that on 12 July, Minister of Culture and Tourism Kim Han-gill of the Republic of Korea announced that the Government of the Republic of Korea would suspend the additional measures to open up the market for Japanese culture as measures against the issue of the textbook.

   The development of friendly and cooperative relations with the Republic of Korea is one of the most important pillars of Japanese diplomacy. In the area of culture, Japan has been promoting the expansion of cultural exchange between the two countries.

   We do not hope the textbook issue will bring about negative effects on the basic relationship between the two countries and we will continue to explain our position to achieve the understanding of the Republic of Korea.

   Q: The Korean Government is requesting revisions and corrections be made to the textbook, is there any possibility that the Government of Japan will accept this request?

   Mr. Harada: This relates to the authorization system. Unless there are clear factual errors, we do not request that the authors correct or revise the descriptions. This time we found two clear factual errors and asked the authors to revise them. At this moment, I do not envisage any further revisions or corrections.

   Q: Could you please explain the view of the Japanese Government regarding how serious it views the situation between the Republic of Korea and Japan with regard to this textbook issue?

   Mr. Harada: We are aware of the strong dissatisfaction of the Government of the Republic of Korea and its people concerning the textbook issue. However, the Government of Japan does not want this issue to bring about a serious negative effect on the overall bilateral relationship since we attach great importance to this relationship.

   Q: It seems to some of us that this and other related issues have already negatively impacted on diplomatic relations between the two countries. What new measures will the Japanese Government take if it wishes no further negative influence to occur on these relations?

   Mr. Harada: I cannot throw you a miracle ball to solve the current situation. All I can say is that we will continue to persistently explain our position to achieve the understanding of the Republic of Korea.

   Q: Is the Japanese Government, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dispatching special envoys to the Republic of Korea to explain the situation to President Kim Dae Jung, or is there any chance of Japanese and Korean scholars discussing the issue? Are there any specific plans?

   Mr. Harada: I do not think we have any specific plans to send anyone to explain our position. We have already explained this on various occasions and at various levels, so at this moment, I do not think we have any concrete plans to send anyone for that purpose.

   Related Information (Japan-Republic of Korea Relations)
   
3. Questions on the message Japan will deliver through this year's G8 Foreign Ministers' Meeting and G8 Summit Meeting

   Q: Next week there will be the Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the G8 Summit Meeting. What kind of message does Japan want to send out through those meetings?

   Mr. Harada: Political issues will be discussed at the G8 Foreign Ministers' Meeting. As regards regional situations, we expect they will discuss the situation on the Korean Peninsula, the situation in the Balkans, the Middle East peace process, etc. In other areas, conflict prevention, disarmament and nonproliferation issues and others will be discussed.

   We were the Chair of the G8 last year and took initiatives in the Kyushu-Okinawa G8 Summit and in the G8 Foreign Ministers' Meeting prior to that in Miyazaki.

   In terms of a concrete message to be sent by Minister for Foreign Affairs Makiko Tanaka, we will have to wait until the meeting, but in general terms, Japan would like to contribute to the development of discussion in which we took the initiative at last year's G8 Summit.

   Related Information (G7/G8)
   
4. Question on recent developments surrounding former President Alberto Fujimori of the Republic of Peru

   Q: Is there any new development surrounding former President Fujimori of Peru?

   Mr. Harada: I am afraid I do not have any new information and there has been no change in our position.

   Related Information (Japan-Peru Relations)