Press Conference 16 July 2002

1. United Nations Security Council resolution on the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court
2. Terrorist attack in Jammu City
3. Joint press conference by Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi and Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Jack Straw
4. Question on the meeting between Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi and Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Jack Straw

1. United Nations Security Council resolution on the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court

   Assistant Press Secretary Daisuke Matsunaga: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.

   I have three announcements to make. The first one is on the United Nations Security Council resolution on the jurisdiction of the ICC, the International Criminal Court. I remember that earlier this month I shared with you Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi's statement to welcome the entry into force of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court to make the ICC a reality, and as you might be aware, there was some argument over the jurisdiction of the ICC, and that has been settled by the UN Security Council resolution.

   Japan welcomes that the UN Security Council has created a realistic solution to the issue relating to the jurisdiction of the ICC over personnel participating in operations established or authorized by the UN Security Council, and we are pleased that the Security Council resolution has resolved this issue and that UN peacekeeping operations will continue in areas including Bosnia and Herzegovina. As I had stated in my earlier announcement, Japan has consistently supported the establishment of the ICC and made efforts for its implementation, and Japan will continue necessary consideration towards its conclusion of the Statute of the International Criminal Court.

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2. Terrorist attack in Jammu City

   Mr. Matsunaga: My second announcement is on the terrorist attack that occurred on 13 July in Jammu. The Government of Japan strongly condemns the brutal terrorist attack on many civilians which took place on 13 July in Jammu. The Government of Japan expresses its deep sorrow for the victims of the attack and expresses its sincere condolences to the bereaved families and the people of India.

   The Government of Japan reaffirms its position to resolutely condemn any form of terrorism, as stated in the Japan-India Joint Declaration announced by the Japanese and Indian Prime Ministers in December 2001.

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3. Joint press conference by Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi and Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Jack Straw

   Mr. Matsunaga: Lastly, I would like to remind you of the holding of a joint press conference by Foreign Minister Kawaguchi and Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Jack Straw. They are going to have a joint press conference after their meeting tomorrow afternoon. I will inform you of the exact timing. The exact timing of the joint press conference is to be decided later, therefore I will make sure that you will be duly informed of the exact timing. (Note: The press conference will be held from 17:45-18:10 at Iikura House. Participants are supposed to be seated by 17:35.) I hope you will be able to attend the joint press conference. There will also be a question and answer session after the brief opening statements by both Ministers.

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4. Question on the meeting between Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi and Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Jack Straw

   Q: What is likely to be the main issue to be discussed between the two foreign ministers?

   Mr. Matsunaga: They will cover both the bilateral relationship as well as international issues, and I am sure that the Middle East peace process and India-Pakistan relations will also be included in the agenda.

   On bilateral issues, there was a series of cultural events last year between Japan and the UK in the context of "Japan 2001", so I am sure there will be a review of that.

   Q: Thank you.

   Mr. Matsunaga: As always, if you have any further questions or inquiries please feel free to stop by or call our office. We are there to help you. Thank you for coming, and please enjoy the rest of the day.

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