Press Conference, 19 October 2007

Statement concerning the explosion in Karachi, Pakistan
Visit to Japan by Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of the Kingdom of Norway
Questions concerning the visit to Japan by Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway
Questions concerning the statement by the US Defense Department regarding the provision of fuel by the Maritime Self-Defense Force
Questions concerning the visit to North Korea by US nuclear experts

I. Statement concerning the explosion in Karachi, Pakistan

Deputy Press Secretary Tomohiko Taniguchi: Thanks very much for coming. I have only two points today to open the conference.

Firstly we all have been devastated by what happened in Karachi, in (the Islamic Republic of) Pakistan, in the wee hours of today. We have so far noted that more than 120 people are reported to have been killed by a car-bomb explosion.

I want to convey a strong message of the people in Japan to those who caused this horrendous act of terror that their action can in no way be justified by any means, and to the victims and their families, our heart-felt condolences.

Related Information (Press Release)

II. Visit to Japan by Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of the Kingdom of Norway

Mr. Taniguchi: Second, next Wednesday, 24 October, upon the invitation of Japan's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jonas Gahr Støre, Foreign Minister of (the Kingdom of) Norway will visit Japan and stay in Japan until next Friday, 26 October.

He is going to deliver a speech at the United Nations University on Thursday, 25 October. I have learned that he is going to address human-security challenges, many of which Norway and Japan could work together on, such as climate change and health care.

Related Information (Press Release)

III. Questions concerning the visit to Japan by Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway

Q: On the Norwegian Foreign Minister's visit, can you elaborate a little bit on whether he is meeting Mr. Koumura and what they plan to discuss?

Mr. Taniguchi: Let me just quickly look over what I have. It's basically how to further enhance the bilateral relationship, and to review the international situation and discuss relevant issues of mutual concern, but it is basically to strengthen the bilateral bond.

In addition to meeting Foreign Minister Koumura, according to his itinerary which is of course subject to change, Mr. Støre, Norwegian Foreign Minister is going to see some other officials. So he will be interested in strengthening the economic relationship between the two nations as well. And as I said, one of the highlight events during his three day stay is the speech that he is going to deliver at the United Nations University.

Q: So when you said issues of concern to both sides, what exactly are those issues?

Mr. Taniguchi: Well, it is not something that I can foretell; you should be waiting a little bit further.

Related Information (Press Release)

IV. Questions concerning the statement by the US Defense Department regarding the provision of fuel by the Maritime Self-Defense Force

Q: On a separate issue, the US Defense Department issued a statement last night, regarding the accusations over the fuel that Japan provided. What is the Japanese Government's response to this?

Mr. Taniguchi: The response of the Japanese Government is first of all that it has been very appreciative of the painstaking effort that the United States Government has taken on this issue. And second of all the Japanese Government takes what the United States Government says on this as pretty much explaining everything.

Q: So the Japanese Government does not plan to inquire further, or ask for further details or proof?

Mr. Taniguchi: On this specific issue I don't think there is any need further for the Japanese Government to make any inquiry.

V. Questions concerning the visit to North Korea by US nuclear experts

Q: And then I think the US delegation that went to North Korea with nuclear experts completed their trip yesterday and went to Beijing. Has the Japanese Government been briefed on the results?

Mr. Taniguchi: I believe the Japanese Government is going to be briefed as soon as possible, the only problem is I have not been briefed.

Q: There have been reports that Mr. Paul Haenle from (the US) NSC is going to travel to Tokyo on this issue. Is he here already, or can you confirm who he is going to speak with?

Mr. Taniguchi: I haven't checked it myself. If you are interested, I will come back to you with more detail.

Back to Index