Top > Announcement > Press Conference by the Press Secretary of MOFA > 25 October 2012

Press Conference by the Deputy Press Secretary, 25 October 2012

  1. Protest by the Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Japan
  2. 53rd Convention of Nikkei, Japanese Descendants, and Japanese Abroad
  3. Public Symposium on Peacekeeping Operations
  4. Dispatch of Election Observers to the Parliamentary Elections of Ukraine
  5. Decision by the Israeli Government regarding the Construction of Housing Units for Jewish People in East Jerusalem
  6. Terrorist Bombing in Beirut

1. Protest by the Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Japan

Deputy Press Secretary Ms. Naoko Saiki: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Let me start by touching upon several topics.

Ms. Saiki: First, on a protest by the Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Japan. Today, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Chikao Kawai, lodged a strong protest against the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Japan, Mr. Cheng Yonghua, over the matter that several Chinese official vessels entered into Japan’s territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands and strongly requested that they leave the waters immediately.

2. 53rd Convention of Nikkei, Japanese Descendants, and Japanese Abroad

Ms. Saiki: Second, on the 53rd Convention of Nikkei, Japanese Descendants, and Japanese Abroad will be held from 30 October to 1 November in Tokyo. The convention is hosted by the Association of Nikkei and Japanese Abroad, and supported by this Ministry. The object in holding the convention is to furnish opportunities for the Japanese descendants, Nikkei, all over the world, to provide information about their countries, and to discuss among themselves ways of strengthening ties of brotherhood and solidarity while keeping in mind the significance of cultural and personal exchanges as the main theme.

There will be a special report and information session on the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster on 30 October and a plenary meeting of country representatives on 31 October. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Koichiro Gemba, will host a welcome reception at the Ikura Guest House in the evening of 31 October.

3. Public Symposium on Peacekeeping Operations

Ms. Saiki: Third, on a public symposium on peacekeeping operations. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Japan’s participation in the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations as well as of the creation of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations within the UN Secretariat.

On 5 November, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Information Center will co-organize the public symposium titled “20 years of Peacekeeping Operations for the United Nations and Japan - Taking on New Challenges.” The venue will be the U Thant International Conference Hall in the United Nations University.

4. Dispatch of Election Observers to the Parliamentary Elections of Ukraine

Ms. Saiki: Fourth, on dispatch of election observers to the parliamentary elections of Ukraine. The Government of Japan has decided to dispatch an expert on regional affairs as well as diplomats of the Embassy of Japan in Ukraine as election observers to the International Election Observation Mission organized by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe/ the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, in order to support fair conduct during the parliamentary elections in Ukraine, which are scheduled for 28 October.

5. Decision by the Israeli Government regarding the Construction of Housing Units for Jewish People in East Jerusalem

Ms. Saiki: Fifth, on a decision by the Israeli Government regarding the construction of housing units for Jewish people in East Jerusalem. The Government of Japan deeply deplores that, according to information available, the Israeli Government has announced the approval of plans for the construction of a total of 797 new housing units in Gilo in East Jerusalem. The Israeli Government continues to proceed with its plan for settlement construction at a time when the international community is making utmost efforts to resume direct negotiations between the Israeli and the Palestinian side. The decision this time clearly goes against the ongoing efforts by the international community to resume negotiations for peace. Japan once again strongly urges that both parties act to enhance mutual trust and continue to make steady efforts toward peace.

6. Terrorist Bombing in Beirut

Ms. Saiki: Sixth, on the terrorist bombing in Beirut. The Government of Japan is gravely shocked and indignant at the terrorist bombing in Beirut, the capital of the Republic of Lebanon, which occurred on the night of 19 October, local time, and killed at least eight people including Brigadier General Wissam al-Hassan, Interior Security Forces Information Branch Chief. Terrorism cannot be justified on any grounds or for any purpose. The Government of Japan strongly condemns such an act of terrorism and expresses its heartfelt condolences to the victims and the bereaved families. The Government of Japan supports the efforts by the Government of Lebanon to foster peace and stability, both domestically and regionally, and strongly hopes that the Lebanese Government will continue such efforts.

With these initial announcements, I will be happy to take your questions now. Are there any questions? I see none. So this concludes today’s conference.  Thank you.

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