Summary of the Press Conference by
State Secretary Masahiko Koumura

(on the Incident at the Official Residence of the Japanese Ambassador
to the Republic of Peru)

20 December 1996
(unofficial Translation)

1. In our response to this incident, given that so many people are being held hostage, including not only Japanese nationals but foreign nationals as well, the Japanese Government will continue to make respect for human life its highest priority, and will do its utmost to resolve the situation peacefully, and to cooperate with the Government of Peru so as to respond appropriately to situations as they arise.
2. Additionally, in responding to this urgent situation, on the afternoon of 18 December, the Foreign Ministry established a task force headquarters in its home offices in Tokyo, headed by Vice-Foreign Minister Sadayuki Hayashi. In addition, giving top priority to hostage safety, we are making our utmost efforts to establish communication routes and to obtain precise information. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Yukihiko Ikeda arrived today in Peru at 07:55, Japan time. The Foreign Minister is scheduled to meet with President Fujimori at 10:30.
3. The most significant recent development has been the release of ambassadors from Canada and other countries who were being held hostage. These ambassadors are now serving as intermediaries in the negotiations between the terrorists and the Peruvian Government. In their telephone conversation last night, Japan time, Foreign Minister Ikeda and the U.S. Secretary of State confirmed the importance of maintaining close Japan-U.S. communication on this matter, and clarified their mutual stance that the utmost efforts shall be made to resolve this incident peacefully, making respect for human life the highest priority.
4. Today, at about 06:00 on 20 December, Japan time (about 16:00 on 19 December, local time), the President of the U.N. Security Council issued a statement to the press, strongly condemning this incident. Furthermore, according to media reports, at about 08:00 on 20 December (about 18:00 on 19 December, local time), four more hostages were released, two of whom were reportedly of Japanese descent. (At the time of the report to the Cabinet, this was thought to have been correct; however, currently it appears that three of the released individuals may have been of Japanese descent.) Understandably, delicate situations often necessitate delicate solutions; but whatever response the situation requires, we shall continue to ensure that respect for human life is our highest priority. In keeping with this, we ask for the cooperation of all parties concerned.
5. In closing, the Cabinet has been made aware of all the information I have outlined for you here. This is an unprecedented and extremely serious incident, and although the situation is highly regrettable, the Foreign Ministry intends to draw upon all of its resources in seeking a resolution.