Press Conference, 24 April 2007

The first session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2010 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) Review Conference
Visit to Japan by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco
Announcement of the location for the 2008 Group of Eight (G8) Summit Meeting
Message of condolence for the death of former President of the Russian Federation Boris Yeltsin
Follow-up questions concerning the announcement of the location for the 2008 G8 Summit Meeting
Questions concerning the Six-Party Talks

I. The first session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2010 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) Review Conference

Deputy Press Secretary Tomohiko Taniguchi: Good afternoon and thank you for joining me.

This morning Minister for Foreign Affairs Taro Aso made an announcement that from 30 April through 11 May there will take place in Vienna, Republic of Austria, what is called the first session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2010 NPT Review Conference. NPT needless to say stands for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

Conferences to review the operation of the Treaty have been held at five-year intervals since the Treaty went into effect in 1970, and the next Review Conference is slated to convene in the year 2010.

The first Preparatory Committee session is going to draw the vast majority of the 190 Treaty signatories to discuss, among other things, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Mr. Yukiya Amano, Ambassador to the Permanent Mission of Japan to the International Organizations in Vienna will be its Chair. Just for your information, Mr. Amano was the Chair of the Board of Governors for 2005-2006 at the International Atomic Energy Agency, which is also based in Vienna.

II. Visit to Japan by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco

Secondly, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of the Principality of Monaco yesterday, Monday, 23 April, at his Official Residence. The first summit held since the inception of official diplomatic relations between Japan and Monaco in December, 2006, discussed how best the two nations should collaborate on the front of environmental protection, among other topics. Prince Albert II told Prime Minister Abe that he would most willingly support Japan's candidacy for the non-permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council, the selection of which is due to be held next year.

III. Announcement of the location for the 2008 Group of Eight (G8) Summit Meeting

Thirdly, as has already been widely reported, Prime Minister Abe yesterday chose the Lake Toya area in Hokkaido as the venue for the 2008 G8 Summit Meeting. The 27 square mile lake sits in the middle of a scenic national park dotted by small volcanoes and hot springs.

Related Information (G7/G8)

IV. Message of condolence for the death of former President of the Russian Federation Boris Yeltsin

My opening statement for today ends with a note that Foreign Minister Aso expressed his condolences, representing the Government of Japan and the people of Japan to the people and the Government of the Russian Federation and the surviving family members of the former President of Russia, Boris Yeltsin.

That is it from me. Questions, please.

Related Information (Press Release)

V. Follow-up questions concerning the announcement of the location for the 2008 G8 Summit Meeting

Q: On the G8 summit meetings, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he would consider the areas that filed their candidacies for the G8 summit meeting, but they failed as of yesterday. I was wondering how high the possibility is that the other areas like Kyoto, Osaka, Okayama, and other areas could be host to the G8 summit.

Mr. Taniguchi: I have absolutely no knowledge about it.

Q: I just want to confirm some facts. I heard that when Japan hosts the G8 summit in Hokkaido next year it will be the first time a Russian President will come to Hokkaido. Is that correct?

Mr. Taniguchi: I think so.

VI. Questions concerning the Six-Party Talks

Q: I know the Six-Party Talks are not exactly moving right now, but how are things going on? Does the Japanese Government have a sense of worry or cause for alarm that there is just nothing in sight?

Mr. Taniguchi: It is going badly. Almost a week has passed since the US Treasury Department repeatedly mentioned that the settlement was complete for North Korea to withdraw any amount of money that they hold at Banco Delta Asia (BDA). It seems that nothing has occurred since. As to whether it is a worrisome development or not, clearly it is a worrisome development. I am sure that this is going to be one of the focal points of discussion between President George Bush of the United States of America and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe when both leaders meet in Washington DC later this week.

Q: Would that mean that if there is just no progress on the BDA issue and the nuclear issue that during Prime Minister Abe's trip to the US and during his talks with President Bush they would issue some kind of strong message to give more pressure to North Korea?

Mr. Taniguchi: The only thing I can tell you with a degree of confidence is that this topic is going to be addressed by the summit meeting, but beyond that I should refrain from making any speculation.

Q: So basically Japan's stance right now is the "wait and see" approach? Just like the US--

Mr. Taniguchi: Apart from continuing to impose sanctions on the country, members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs I am sure have been in touch with many partner nations to pressurize North Korea.

Q: Even until now Japan sees that sanctions are effective?

Mr. Taniguchi: If they were not effective it is useless.

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