Press Conference, 14 October 2008

Statement regarding U.S. announcement of North Korea's removal from the list of state sponsors of terrorism
Japan-U.S.-ROK Vice-Ministerial Consultation

I. Statement regarding U.S. announcement of North Korea's removal from the list of state sponsors of terrorism

Deputy Press Secretary Yasuhisa Kawamura: Good afternoon. Welcome to the conference.

I have two announcements to begin with.

First, Foreign Minister Nakasone issued a statement regarding the U.S. announcement on the rescinding of the designation of North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism. I would like to reiterate Japan's position that we believe it is very important to establish a concrete framework which enables effective verification for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. This is also the goal of the Six-Party Talks. Therefore, we will continue to work closely with the countries concerned, including the United States, to adopt a protocol on the concrete framework for verification. In addition to the nuclear issue, Japan will make its utmost efforts to advance Japan-DPRK relations including the abduction issue.

II. Japan-U.S.-ROK Vice-Ministerial Consultation

Second, today, Tuesday, the 14th, Japan, U.S., and ROK will hold a Vice-Ministerial Consultation in Washington, D.C. Kenichiro Sasae, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, heads the Japanese side, Mr. William J. Burns, Undersecretary for Political Affairs, Department of State, the U.S. side, and Mr. Lee Yong-joon, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the ROK side. The three parties will discuss issues of mutual interest of the three countries.

That's all I have for you today.

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