Press Conference 29 January 2002

1. Question concerning the situation in the Middle East
2. Question on relations between the People's Republic of China and Taiwan

1. Question concerning the situation in the Middle East

   Press Secretary Norio Hattori: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have no announcements to make today so I would be delighted to answer any questions that you might have.

   Q: About the Middle East and the conflict in the region, there is a lot of violence there, and we are looking for Japan to play a positive, active role in the situation. From the Japanese Government's perspective, is there anything you can say about the conflict?

   Mr. Hattori: You stressed the role of the Government. Before entering into what the Japanese Government has been doing in terms of playing a role in the solution of this question, I should recall that the three Secretaries General of the ruling parties have visited the region and met with leading figures on both sides of the conflict. I understand that they listened to each side's opinions and had very good discussions. Given the importance of the role of the three Secretaries General in the politics of Japan, I am sure that they will play a positive role in making our policies toward that region.

   In the face of the chain of violent events that have occurred recently, allow me to summarize the actions that we have taken. On January 18, Ambassador to the State of Israel Hiroshi Shigeta met with Mr. Ayalon, the Special Assistant to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Ambassador Shigeta tried to convey our views on the incidents that have occurred. Furthermore, we have conveyed our concerns that excessive reactions to incidents perpetrated by Palestinians will not contribute to the solution of the situation.

   In addition, on January 20 Ambassador Shigeta met with Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority and conveyed our view that Chairman Arafat himself should come up with real actions with regard to the commitments that he has taken to crack down on extremist movements on the Palestinian side. Also, Ambassador Shigeta stressed the importance of Chairman Arafat continuing and strengthening his efforts in order to stop the cycle of violence. Two days later, on January 22 Ambassador Shigeta again met with Chairman Arafat, on the Chairman's request. At that meeting, Chairman Arafat confirmed his commitment to crack down on extremist movements.

   We are sure that we should have a greater role to play in bringing a sustainable peace to the region. However, this is not an easy task, and Japan cannot accomplish great things by itself. This is something that we have to do in conjunction with other countries in order to maximize our contribution to the region. What I can add here is that we are closely studying what we can do and while this is, as I said, not an easy task, as far as our intentions are concerned--it is not that we are short of good intentions.

   Related Information (Japan-Middle East Relations)
   
2. Question on relations between the People's Republic of China and Taiwan

   Q: China's Vice Prime Minister Chen said that he welcomed members of Taiwan's ruling party visiting China. Do you have any comment on that? Secondly, will Japan play any role in Taiwan Strait issues?

   Mr. Hattori: I do not think it is necessary for me to reiterate Japan's basic position with regard to the question of Taiwan. Our position has not changed. I am sure it is well known to all here. With regard to your first question, if it is something that has been agreed upon by the two sides, it is more than welcome if it contributes to the peaceful solution of the problem that they have. Primarily, it is a matter between the People's Republic of China and Taiwan.

   Related Information (Japan-China Relations)