Top > Announcement > Press Conference by the Press Secretary of MOFA > 20 December 2012

Press Conference by the Deputy Press Secretary, 20 December 2012

  1. The election of the next President of the Republic of Korea
  2. The Fukushima Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Safety
  3. The passing of the Honorable Daniel K. Inouye, United States Senator
  4. The decision regarding the construction of housing units for Jewish people in East Jerusalem or a part of the Government of Israel
  5. A Series of terrorist attacks in Iraq

1. The election of the next President of the Republic of Korea

Deputy Press Secretary Ms. Naoko Saiki: Good afternoon. Let me start by touching upon several issues before taking your questions.

First, on the election of the next President of the Republic of Korea (ROK). In the presidential election held yesterday in the ROK, Ms. Park Geun-hye was elected. Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Koichiro Gemba sent her a message of congratulation, in which he wholeheartedly congratulates President-Elect Park Geun-hye on her success in the election and expresses his hope that, under her leadership, relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea will further develop on a wide range of areas and will further contribute to peace and stability in the region. Also, Prime Minister Mr. Yoshihiko Noda sent his message of congratulation to President-Elect Park Geun-hye. In his message, Prime Minister Noda, firstly, sincerely congratulates her on the election and, secondly, points out that Japan and the Republic of Korea share not only fundamental values but also strategic interests and that it is in the interest of the two countries to further deepen their bilateral relations and establish a future-oriented multilayered relationship from a broad perspective.

2. The Fukushima Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Safety

Second, on the Fukushima Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Safety. The Fukushima Ministerial Conference on Nuclear safety was held in Fukushima Prefecture on 15 and 17 this month. The conference was co-organized by the Government of Japan and the IAEA. The principal objective of the conference was to contribute to strengthening nuclear safety worldwide. The conference provided yet another opportunity to share with the international community at the ministerial and expert levels, further　knowledge and lessons learned from the accident at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, enhanced transparency, and discussed the progress of international efforts aimed at strengthening nuclear safety, including through the implementation of the action plan as well as of the measures to protect the people and environment from ionizing radiation. The conference was attended by 117 IAEA Member States, many of whom were represented at the ministerial level, as well as by 13 international organizations. At the close of the first day of the conference -- a plenary session at the ministerial level -- the co-presidents issued the outcome document.

3. The passing of the Honorable Daniel K. Inouye, United States Senator

Third, on the passing of the Honorable Daniel K. Inouye, United States Senator. On the evening of December 17, Eastern Standard Time, (December 18, Japan Time), United States senator Daniel K. Inouye passed away at the age of 88. Upon hearing the news, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, as well as Minister for Foreign Affairs Koichiro Gemba, respectfully sent a message to Senator Inouye’s wife, Ms. Irene Hirano Inouye, expressing the condolences and gratitude for Senator Inouye’s efforts toward the development of Japan-US relations.

4. The decision regarding the construction of housing units for Jewish people in East Jerusalem or a part of the Government of Israel

Fourth, on the decision regarding the construction of housing units for Jewish people in East Jerusalem by the Government of Israel. The Government of Japan deeply deplores that the Israeli Government has announced the approval of plans for the construction of 1,500 new housing units in Ramat Shlomo in East Jerusalem. The Israeli Government continues its plan for settlement construction and accelerates such acts in recent days, at a time when the international community is making utmost efforts to resume direct negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian sides. This clearly goes against the ongoing efforts by the international community toward realizing a two-state solution. Settlement activities are a violation of international law, and Japan has repeatedly called upon Israel to freeze settlement activities. Japan strongly calls upon Israel to refrain from any unilateral act that changes the status of East Jerusalem as well as not to implement the plans of construction for the sake of progress in the peace process.

5. A Series of terrorist attacks in Iraq

Fifth, on a series of terrorist attacks in Iraq, Japan has been greatly shocked and is indignant at a series of terrorist attacks in cities of Iraq, including Baghdad on December 16 and 17 which caused many deaths and injuries. Japan expresses its deepest condolences for those who have been killed in attacks and their bereaved families. Terrorism cannot be justified for any reason and Japan condemns these atrocious acts of terrorism that indiscriminately targets innocent people. Japan will continue to proactively support efforts by the Iraqi Government and its people for the stabilization of the security situation and the reconstruction of its economy.


With these initial announcements, I would be delighted to take your questions. If there are no questions, I would like to conclude today’s conference here. Thank you.

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