(* This is a provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only. The original text is in Japanese.)

Press Conference by Minister for Foreign Affairs Masahiko Koumura

Date: Friday, May 16, 2008, 9:25 a.m.
Place: In front of the Ministers' Room in the House

Main topics:

Earthquake which Occurred in Western China
Japan-US-Republic of Korea Trilateral Meeting on the Six-Party Talks
Domestic Politics

1. Earthquake which Occurred in Western China

Minister:
At today's Cabinet meeting, I repeated that we have decided to provide aid of 500 million yen and to dispatch the Japan Disaster Relief Team in response to the earthquake which occurred in China, as we already informed you.

Question:
Regarding the earthquake in China, we can see that the damage is more extensive as the situation becomes clearer. In response to this, is the Government of Japan considering the second or the third dispatch of the Japan Disaster Relief Team or further assistance measures?

Minister:
We are naturally prepared for that, with taking into consideration any requests from China. Furthermore, we have confirmed the safety of all of the around 300 Japanese nationals who had been registered to reside in that region. In addition, we have confirmed the safety of 50 other individuals who had not been registered.

Question:
Regarding the Japan Disaster Relief Team to China, I understand that this afternoon, the second team will be dispatched. Has anything been decided on further dispatches?

Minister:
At this time, nothing else is decided, but we would like to advance preparations under the assumption that further dispatches are possible because of the extremely large scale of the damage.

Question:
How do you think the Chinese side regards the assistance provided by the Japanese rescue teams?

Minister:
I am certain that they have expectations. We have made a thorough explanation to the Chinese side that Japan is a country which experiences many earthquakes, therefore the Japanese rescue teams will certainly be useful, as we have the experience, insight and ability to deal with earthquakes. Based on that explanation, the Chinese side has recognized their utility and placed a request for our relief assistance. I expect that our first and second teams will demonstrate remarkable performance together.

Question:
In connection with the earthquake in China, let me refer to the discussions on the natural gas fields. The Japan-China Summit Meeting resulted in progress being made on this issue, although negotiations still remain to be finalized. Do you see any possible influences the recent earthquake might have on this issue?

Minister:
These matters are completely separate from each other.

2. Japan-US-Republic of Korea Trilateral Meeting on the Six-Party Talks

Question:
I understand that Mr. Akitaka Saiki, Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will visit the United States this weekend. What is the significance of the trilateral meeting amongst Japan, the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) taking place at this time?

Minister:
There was a report from North Korea on plutonium, therefore there is a need to discuss the verification of that and whether or not that report of itself can be deemed to be a "complete and accurate declaration." Given that such a matter will be discussed, I believe that these talks will have great significance.

Question:
Do you believe that these submitted materials meet a "complete and accurate declaration" already?

Minister:
This matter must be discussed amongst the three parties, but the position of the Government of Japan is that the report on plutonium alone must be verified for its actual content and unless there is the submission of a plan on nuclear weapons or on uranium enrichment, we will not be able to accurately determine the range of the items that must be disposed in the ultimate third phase. Therefore, our position is that it is vital that thorough efforts should be made in ensuring a "complete and accurate declaration" during the second phase.

Question:
So, you are saying that North Korea's report on plutonium alone fails to qualify as a sufficient declaration?

Minister:
Yes, that is the case. Japan will put forward this position in the meeting among Japan, the United States and the Republic of Korea.

3. Domestic Politics

(See Japanese version.)

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