Press Conference 5 April 2005
- Messages of condolences by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Minister for Foreign Affairs Nobutaka Machimura on the passing away of His Holiness Pope John Paul II
- Eighth Government of Japan-United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) High-level Policy and Management Consultations Meeting
- Statement by Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations on the agreement on negotiations on the Draft International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism
- Statement by Press Secretary on parliamentary elections in Zimbabwe
- Statement by Press Secretary on declaration of renunciation of armed conflict by anti-government forces in Rwanda
- Visit to Japan by President Alvaro Uribe Velez of the Republic of Colombia
- Questions concerning authorization of history textbooks
- Questions concerning anti-Japanese demonstrations in People's Republic of China
- Question concerning statement by President Roh Moo Hyun of the Republic of Korea
- Question concerning possibility of attendance by Japanese supporters at World Cup qualifiers in Pyongyang
- Question concerning visit to Japan by Dalai Lama
- Messages of condolences by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Minister for Foreign Affairs Nobutaka Machimura on the passing away of His Holiness Pope John Paul II
Assistant Press Secretary Akira Chiba: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you very much for coming to the briefing. Before I take questions, I would like to make several announcements.
The first announcement is on the messages of condolences by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Minister for Foreign Affairs Nobutaka Machimura on the passing away of His Holiness Pope John Paul II.
On the passing away of His Holiness Pope John Paul II, Prime Minister Koizumi sent his message of condolences on behalf of Japanese people and government on 3 April to His Eminence Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo, Camerlengo, through the Embassy of Japan in the Vatican, expressing his greatest respect for the feat achieved by the late Pope's efforts towards world peace.
Foreign Minister Machimura also sent his message of condolences on 3rd April to His Excellency MSGR Giovanni Lajolo, Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See, through the Embassy of Japan in the Vatican, for the great loss suffered by citizens worldwide who respect and love His Holiness, expressing his highest esteem for the late Pope's great efforts towards consolidation of peace in various parts of the world, as well as for the promotion of inter-religious dialogue.
- Eighth Government of Japan-United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) High-level Policy and Management Consultations Meeting
Mr. Chiba: The second announcement concerns the Eighth Government of Japan-UNHCR High-level Policy and Management Consultations Meeting.
The Eighth Government of Japan-UNHCR High-level Policy and Management Consultations Meeting will be held today in Tokyo.
The Japanese side is represented by Director-General of the Global Issues Department Takahiro Shinyo, and from UNHCR, UN Assistant High Commissioner for Refugees Kamel Morjane is present.
There will be a press conference at 15:00 today at the Japan Press Club given jointly by Director-General Shinyo and Assistant High Commissioner Morjane. If you have the time, I would recommend you to attend that press conference as well.
- Statement by Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations on the agreement on negotiations on the Draft International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism
Mr. Chiba: The third announcement concerns what took place at the United Nations and the statement by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan on the agreement on the negotiations on the Draft International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism.
The Government of Japan welcomes the news that the UN Ad Hoc Committee established by General Assembly Resolution 51/210 reached agreement on 2 April on the negotiations on the Draft International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism and that the Assembly will proceed to adopt the Convention soon.
Counterterrorism is an issue that the international community should tackle in complete solidarity. The Japanese Government considers that this agreement on the Draft Convention, which holds great significance in preventing terrorism using radioactive and other materials, is meaningful in demonstrating such an attitude held by the international community.
In response to the expected adoption of the Draft Convention at the UN General Assembly, the Japanese Government will proceed with necessary examinations toward the conclusion of this Convention, and also expects that each state will exert efforts toward that goal.
- Statement by Press Secretary on parliamentary elections in Zimbabwe
Mr. Chiba: Two announcements will follow concerning Africa. The first one is about the statement by the Press Secretary concerning the parliamentary elections in Zimbabwe.
The parliamentary elections in Zimbabwe were held on 31 March. Japan recognizes that the process of voting and ballot counting was conducted generally in a peaceful manner, while there were a certain number of reports on political violence and intimidation.
During the pre-election period, however, there were incidents that hindered the transparency of the elections. For example, freedom of press and assembly was not fully respected. Invitation for international election observers was purposefully selective. It is also pointed out that food distribution was undertaken intentionally. Japan expresses its deep concerns about these aspects.
Japan calls for more accelerated progress in the democratization process of Zimbabwe, whereby Japan expects that the Zimbabwean economic difficulties and its relations with the countries concerned will be improved soon.
- Statement by Press Secretary on declaration of renunciation of armed conflict by anti-government forces in Rwanda
Mr. Chiba: The next announcement on Africa is on a positive note. It is a statement by the Press Secretary on the declaration of renunciation of armed conflict by anti-government forces in Rwanda.
The Government of Japan welcomes the news that the Democratic Forces for the Liberalization of Rwanda (FDLR) declared on 31 March the renunciation of armed conflict with the Government of Rwanda and showed its intention to return to Rwanda.
The Government of Japan, attaching importance to the consolidation of peace in Africa, has steadily supported through the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) process the Great Lakes Region, which is suffering from conflict.
The fulfillment of this declaration is important for peace and security in the Great Lakes Region as a whole. The Japanese Government strongly expects that the FDLR, based on this declaration, will proceed to demobilize and return to Rwanda.
- Visit to Japan by President Alvaro Uribe Velez of the Republic of Colombia
Mr. Chiba: The final announcement concerns a visit by a dignitary to Japan, namely Dr. Alvaro Uribe Velez, President of the Republic of Colombia.
President Uribe of Colombia will visit Japan on 9 April and stay in Japan from 10 to 12 April at the invitation of the Government of Japan.
During his stay in Japan, President Uribe will meet with Prime Minister Koizumi, Speaker of the House of Representatives Yohei Kono, and other leaders of Japan to have wide-ranging talks on the strengthening of bilateral relations and cooperation in the international arena.
President Uribe will also make speeches at a Japan-Colombia Economic Committee meeting, sponsored by the Nippon Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) and Colombia, and at the opening ceremony of the Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank in Okinawa.
Japan has enjoyed traditionally friendly relations with Colombia and in recent years has assisted its efforts for national stability and economic and social development together with the international community. It is expected that President Uribe's forthcoming visit to Japan will further strengthen friendly and cooperative relations between Japan and Colombia.
- Questions concerning authorization of history textbooks
Q: This afternoon there will be an announcement made by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) concerning the authorization of history textbooks. There seem to be some textbooks which twist history justifying Japan's war of aggression. These points seem to have been included in the textbooks. What is Japan's position on this? This is my first point.
If these textbooks are to pass the examination of MEXT, Japan will be teaching erroneous history to the junior high school students. Has the Government of Japan changed its stance toward the history? Also, has Japan's stance on the Murayama statement of 1995 changed?
Mr. Chiba: As for the first question, we understand that the results of the authorization will be available at around 16:00. The authorization is dealt by MEXT, so we have not got the results of it yet. The textbooks that are examined are not just one. There are many of them, so we do not know how many textbooks will be authorized as such. Therefore, we cannot comment on the contents of the textbooks at this point.
Having said that, I would like to explain the authorization process of the textbooks. The authorization of textbooks does not mean the consolidation of the governmental perspective of history. The Government authorizes textbooks on the criteria of whether they can be used at schools and are examined by a third-party institution. This is how textbooks are examined, so it is not a process of consolidating the history perception by the Government, nor is it a process of the Government supporting the contents of textbooks. Japan does not have national history textbooks.
We are not certain about which history textbooks will be authorized at this point, but in any case, the authorized textbooks do not represent the official history or perception by the Japanese Government. In the history textbook authorization process, we believe that the textbooks are thoroughly examined upon necessary criteria, including the provision concerning neighboring countries.
In response to your second question, as many history textbooks will be authorized and as they will be used at schools, we are in no position to review each and every history textbook since they are not national textbooks. They are adopted by individual schools, boards of education and in some cases by principals of schools but not by the Government. Therefore, we are not in a position to comment on what happens if one textbook passes the examination. Whatever the case may be, the textbooks authorized will not be used immediately. There will be decisions made by each and every school or boards of education on which textbook they wish to use.
As for the Japanese Government's perception of history, it is as stipulated in the 1995 Statement by then-Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama and also in the Japan-China Joint Statement of 1998, namely that during a certain period in the not too distant past, Japan, following a mistaken national policy, advanced along the road to war, only to ensnare the Japanese people in a fateful crisis, and, through its colonial rule and aggression, caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations - and in the case of journalists who asked the question, including China. In the hope that no such mistake be made in the future, the Government of Japan regards, in a spirit of humility, these irrefutable facts of history, and expresses here once again its feelings of deep remorse and states its heartfelt apology.
This stance has not changed at all.
Q: We are aware that the authorization of history textbooks will be announced this afternoon. Can we get any information on the contents of the textbooks from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the announcement?
Mr. Chiba: Since the committee that authorizes the textbooks does not fall under the control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you will have to ask that to MEXT.
Q: Should we ask MEXT directly?
Mr. Chiba: We do not know whether or not that is the case.
Q: In the 1980s history textbooks became an issue and the provision concerning neighboring countries was inserted as a result, and as this year marks the 60th anniversary since the end of the Second World War, people are becoming very sensitive. Is the Japanese Government intending to explain the contents of the history textbook published by Atarashii kyokashyo wo tsukuru kai to countries concerned, namely the countries which fought in the war against Japan, particularly China?
Mr. Chiba: As for the textbook issue which was raised in 1982, it was based on a false report. The newspaper which had reported the contents of the textbooks ran a correction at the time and apologized in the paper.
That said, on a separate issue, the provision concerning neighboring countries was inserted and the committee is to examine the textbooks bearing in mind the contents of the provision concerning neighboring countries. I do not know whether any part of the governmental organization is to explain to certain countries the contents of the textbooks before they are examined by the committee.
Q: The contents of the history textbook examination system are not known in the Chinese public. Also, there is a feeling that Japan's intention, way of thinking and the history perception is not known in China. Do you have any comments on that?
Mr. Chiba: As I said, the history textbook examination system is not meant to make national textbooks. Textbook Authorization Council examines the textbooks, MEXT authorizes them and boards of education will choose the textbooks which they will use in their schools. This is the gist of the system. This serves as a proof that freedom of speech and freedom of thoughts prevail in Japan. I would also like to urge you to look into which textbooks are most used or least used in actual education fields before making any judgment.
The Government of Japan, on various occasions, has been explaining the contents of the history textbooks authorization system. I would like to take this opportunity to promote the Chinese public's understanding on the system and that it is what it is as a result of democracy.
- Questions concerning anti-Japanese demonstrations in People's Republic of China
Q: Does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs view the current anti-Japanese demonstrations going on in China, some violent as you know, as a setback in Japan's bid to assume permanent membership at the UN Security Council?
Mr. Chiba: Concerning the demonstrations that are taking place now in China, as I understand from news reports, it has calmed down, but yesterday, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Shotaro Yachi met with Chinese Ambassador to Tokyo Wan Yi. In this meeting, Vice-Foreign Minister Yachi said that there are demonstrations taking place recently in Chengdu and Shengzhen against certain Japanese enterprises and property has been damaged. He also said that the Japanese side expresses its concern about this situation and asks the Chinese side to take every effort to protect Japanese expatriates in these areas and to allow Japanese companies to operate as usual.
To this Ambassador Wan replied that the activities of foreigners and foreign companies in China as well as their safety are protected under relevant Chinese laws.
Concerning Japan's bid to reform the United Nations and thereby attain a seat for permanent membership on the UN Security Council, the discussion is being held in New York among the delegates of each Member State, and we hope to cooperate with Member States in the effort of reforming the Security Council. In this process, we hope to acquire support from as many countries as possible and we would like to win understanding from as many countries as possible concerning our endeavor to be a permanent member.
Q: Do you consider the current demonstrations as a setback? The Japanese Government has for years been trying to gain a permanent seat at the Security Council, and I also understand that the Government understands that there are certain groups in China and the Republic of Korea who do not share the same view as the Japanese Government, and in some cases hold these kinds of demonstrations. Was this something unexpected for the Japanese Government?
Mr. Chiba: As to the citizens of certain countries who have opinions other than those of the Japanese Government we would like to seek their understanding and would like to attain our goal of reforming the Security Council with as much support as possible from the international community.
Q: Does the Japanese Government plan to urge the Chinese Government to quell these violent demonstrations as such?
Mr. Chiba: As I said at the outset of your questions, Japanese Vice-Foreign Minister Yachi met Chinese Ambassador Wan and has expressed his concerns about the matter and that the safety of the people as well as normal activities of the companies in China will be ensured.
- Question concerning statement by President Roh Moo Hyun of the Republic of Korea
Q: Recently, President Roh Moo Hyun of the Republic of Korea has stated that we should prepare for diplomatic wars against Japan. As Japan is faced with territorial disputes against three nations, namely the Republic of Korea, Russian Federation and China, do you have any statements for these three countries?
Mr. Chiba: The statement you mentioned by the ROK President was addressed to the people of the Republic of Korea in a letter from the President, so we are not in a position to comment on it. On the other hand, the fact that Japan-ROK relations have reached the situation of what they are now is what we should sincerely take note of.
As for this issue, Japan is of the view that we should squarely face the past and reflect where reflection is needed, and that our position as such has not changed at all. In the same vein, our position is that we should understand the Korean people's feelings. Through this we should resolve the issue. That, we believe, is our responsibility.
- Question concerning possibility of attendance by Japanese supporters at World Cup qualifiers in Pyongyang
Q: This morning we believe that there has been a meeting among the officials concerned concerning the World Cup football game to be held in North Korea. Do you have any results of the meeting?
Mr. Chiba: The meeting has finished, but we have not got the results of the meeting yet, so I do not have anything to share with you at this time.
Q: According to the press reports, the Foreign Ministry is considering opening a temporary consulate office in Pyongyang regarding the football match in June. Can you confirm that?
Mr. Chiba: If Japanese supporters are to visit Pyongyang, then protection of Japanese nationals will certainly be an issue. Yet, at this point, we have not heard anything from North Korea. As for the reception of Japanese supporters, we will consider the measures after we hear from North Korea.
- Question concerning visit to Japan by Dalai Lama
Q: Dalai Lama is to be visiting Japan from 8 April. Has the Government of Japan already issued a visa to him?
Mr. Chiba: We have not issued a visa for him to date.
Related Information (Press Release)Back to Index