Press Conference 22 February 2002

1. Statement on the situation in the Middle East
2. Comment regarding assistance for vaccination against measles

1. Statement on the situation in the Middle East

   Deputy Press Secretary Joji Hisaeda: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have a couple of announcements to make today. My first announcement is with regard to the worsening situation in the Middle East.

   The Government of Japan is deeply concerned with the recent intensification of the vicious circle of violence and the rising tensions between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

   The Government of Japan urges once again that the Palestinian Authority, led by President Yasser Arafat, should make its utmost efforts to crack down on extremists to sever this vicious circle of violence. Accordingly, the Government of Japan urges that the State of Israel should make constructive efforts, including maintaining communications with the Palestinian Authority and refraining from actions that do not contribute to calming the situation, such as missile attacks against related facilities of the Palestinian Authority.

   Related Information (Japan-Middle East Relations)
   
2. Comment regarding assistance for vaccination against measles

   Mr. Hisaeda: As a follow-up to my last press conference on 19 February, I would like to provide some information concerning measles, which is one of the infectious diseases feared to be fatal in Afghanistan.

   Only 37 percent of children in Afghanistan are vaccinated against measles. As a result, approximately 35,000 children die from measles every year, which accounts for approximately 40 percent of all causes of death among children in Afghanistan. That is one of the reasons why the Government of Japan decided to extend US$5 million for the prevention of such infectious diseases in Afghanistan.

   In Japan, all parents are strongly recommended to have their children vaccinated against measles before the age of seven. It is also widely known in Japan that once children contract measles, the best treatment is to allow them to rest at home. It is not customary for the Japanese people to send children with measles to school.

   Related Information (Japan-Afghanistan Relations)