Press Conference 15 February 2002

1. Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi on the announcement of climate change policy by the Government of the United States of America
2. Dispatch of Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) Engineer Unit and others to peacekeeping operations in East Timor
3. Questions concerning the agenda of the upcoming Japan-US Summit Meeting
4. Question on the significance of the upcoming Japan-US Summit Meeting
5. Questions regarding arrangements for press coverage of the Japan-US Summit Meeting
6. Question concerning a report on the situation in Afghanistan

1. Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi on the announcement of climate change policy by the Government of the United States of America

   Deputy Press Secretary Joji Hisaeda: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have two announcements to make today, the first of which is a statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi on the announcement of climate change policy by the Government of the United States of America.

   The Government of Japan appreciates the announcement of climate change policy by the Government of the United States of America on 14 February as a demonstration of its serious intention to address the issue of global warming. The Government of Japan also considers important the approach included in the US policy, namely, to encourage technological development and to give consideration to compatibility with the economy in promoting actions against global warming. The Government of Japan strongly hopes that the Government of the United States will further strengthen actions to tackle global warming based on the announced policy.

   While the Government of Japan intends to take all necessary steps to ensure the approval by the Diet of the Kyoto Protocol as well as the enactment of required legislation during the current Diet session, in order to ensure the effectiveness of actions against global warming, it is important to establish a common rule in the future in which all countries, including the United States and developing countries, participate, and the Government of Japan hopes that the Government of the United States will actively engage in climate change negotiations. The Government of Japan will actively continue Japan-US high-level consultations on climate change with the aim of working together toward the common objective of the global environment.

   Related Information (Climate Change)
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2. Dispatch of Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) Engineer Unit and others to peacekeeping operations in East Timor

   Mr. Hisaeda: My second announcement concerns the dispatch of a Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) Engineer Unit and others to peacekeeping operations in East Timor.

   On 25 February, the Government of Japan, in response to a request from the United Nations, decided to dispatch to the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) 690 Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) personnel, comprising an Engineer Unit and 10 UNTAET Headquarters staff, in succession from February to April. The dispatch will be carried out in accordance with the International Peace Cooperation Law.

   The GSDF Engineer Unit will be stationed in the central and western parts of East Timor and in Oecussi, an enclave of West Timor, to carry out such logistic support operations as the maintenance and repair of roads and bridges. The headquarters personnel will plan and coordinate the operations to be carried out by the Engineer Unit in the UNTAET Headquarters. The Engineer Unit is also expected to conduct various civil military affairs (CMA) tasks, making use of its capabilities and equipment, in response to requests from East Timorese residents and under the instruction of UNTAET.

   The present dispatch to UNTAET is the largest peacekeeping operations contribution by Japan of its kind and is significant as Japan's active cooperation to the efforts of the international community centering on the United Nations for peace and security.

   Related Information (Timor-Leste Situation (Archives))
   
3. Questions concerning the agenda of the upcoming Japan-US Summit Meeting

   Q: My question is on President Bush's visit from Sunday. I was wondering, what will be on the agenda for the talks between President Bush and Prime Minister Koizumi?

   Mr. Hisaeda: In general, I would expect that the leaders will discuss Japan-US relations and bilateral issues, the international situation, regional issues, as well as global issues including the environment, our common fight against terrorism, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction, and so on.

   I expect that Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi will explain his efforts for the structural reform and revitalization of Japan's economy. In addition, I think the leaders will discuss issues such as a new round of World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations, and in connection with the international situation and regional issues, I am quite certain that they will pick up issues such as the Korean Peninsula, China, and the Middle East.

   Q: For Japan, what will be the areas of main focus? Will it be the economy? Will it be the fight against terrorism? What will be the main area?

   Mr. Hisaeda: As you all know, this will be the first official visit by President George W. Bush and it is very important and meaningful that the two leaders will confirm the strong alliance between Japan and the United States. Moreover, it is very important for both leaders to express their strong determination to tackle hand in hand not only Japan-US bilateral relations, but also many issues such as those I have just mentioned as well as global issues.

   Secondly, I think all of you are aware that our allies are very much interested in what Japan is going to do to boost its economy. That might be the most important agenda item to be discussed. Also, in fighting against terrorism, it is important for Prime Minister Koizumi and President Bush to exchange views on the situation relating to terrorism and ways and means of tackling this very important issue. I might add it is quite likely that the leaders will discuss how Japan and the United States should cooperate in our common efforts for the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

   Related Information (Visit to Japan of His Excellency George Walker Bush, President of the United States of America, and Mrs. Laura Welch Bush)
   
4. Question on the significance of the upcoming Japan-US Summit Meeting

   Q: I believe that Prime Minister Koizumi and President Bush have met four times over the past nine months and held three summit talks. What is going to be new this time?

   Mr. Hisaeda: Especially in the last couple of meetings, the main focus has been on the common fight against terrorism. Having ousted the Taliban from Afghanistan, it is now time to discuss how to realize the political stability and security of that country and, more importantly, the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Thus, the main focus has changed along those lines. Furthermore, as I said, our friends have now become more concerned and interested in Japan's economy. So, those are the changes I expect.

   President Bush will be visiting Japan with Mrs. Bush, and I hope the visit provides them with a very good opportunity to have a firsthand look at Japan, which is one of the most important and reliable allies for the United States. I hope that President Bush will have a look at the situation that Japan is in, not only the economic side but also the security side, for instance, the extent of efforts taken in Japan to maintain smooth operation of Japan-US security arrangements.

   Related Information (Visit to Japan of His Excellency George Walker Bush, President of the United States of America, and Mrs. Laura Welch Bush)
   
5. Questions regarding arrangements for press coverage of the Japan-US Summit Meeting

   Q: There will be a press conference after Prime Minister Koizumi and President Bush meet. Will it be possible for foreign journalists to cover that?

   Mr. Hisaeda: As usual, the leaders will be having a joint press conference after the meeting on Monday afternoon. Please contact the International Press Division for the details about access to that event.

   Q: I believe that Mr. Bush will be speaking in the Diet. Do you know what time that will be?

   Mr. Hisaeda: For those details, I suggest you contact the International Press Division.

   Related Information (Visit to Japan of His Excellency George Walker Bush, President of the United States of America, and Mrs. Laura Welch Bush)
   
6. Question concerning a report on the situation in Afghanistan

   Q: I understand that the mission to Afghanistan to assess the safety situation in that country has already returned. Is it possible to have a report from this mission?

   Mr. Hisaeda: When the report becomes available I will pass the information on to you. However, I do not yet have the final report.

   Related Information (Japan-Afghanistan Relations)