(* 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: Wednesday, May 28, 2008, 5:30 p.m.
Place: 2nd Floor Entrance to Pacifico Yokohama

Main topics:

Cyclone Disaster in Myanmar
Assistance for the Large-scale Earthquake that Occurred in Western China
Dublin Conference on Cluster Bombs

1. Cyclone Disaster in Myanmar

Minister:
Twenty-three people will be dispatched as part of an international emergency rescue team tomorrow afternoon to provide assistance for the cyclone disaster in Myanmar. They are expected to be in Myanmar for two weeks. They will be working in Labutta in the southwestern part of the country, the area which was hardest hit. My expectations are for this medical team to be of some assistance in providing relief in the aftermath of this disaster.

2. Assistance for the Large-scale Earthquake that Occurred in Western China

Question:
Regarding the earthquake in China, there were media reports that yesterday the Government of China requested Japan to give consideration to using Air Self-Defense Force aircraft in order to transport materials. How do you think about this?

Minister:
Since the Chinese side said that Self-Defense Force aircraft could be used in transporting materials, we give consideration right now to the matter including that possibility.

Question:
What is the possibility of that happening?

Minister:
Prime Minister Fukuda is here in Yokohama now and I would like to ask him what he thinks on this matter.

Question:
What type of materials would be carried, and how would they be carried?

Minister:
I suppose that tents, blankets, pharmaceutical products and flashlights would be included.

Question:
Why are they asking for Self-Defense Force aircraft?

Minister:
My understanding is not that they are specifically asking for Self-Defense Force aircraft to send materials, but rather that they have stated that is no problem if Self-Defense Force aircraft is used.

Question:
I believe that it is quite irregular for China to make such a request. Is it correct to understand that the Government of Japan is taking a forward-looking approach to this request?

Minister:
Given that our basic stance is to assist as much as we can, although it is yet to be determined what kind of transportation means will be used for those materials, our policy is that we would like to respond to specific requests as much as possible.

Question:
Do you mean it is better to send materials by Self-Defense Force aircraft depending on the location?

Minister:
We are going to consider relevant issues, but right now I am here to attend the conference and therefore I am not in a position to state specifically what kind of things are being considered.

Question:
Is it Prime Minister Fukuda who finally decides whether or not Self-Defense Force aircraft are used for this purpose?

Minister:
There are many matters to be considered, and of course the decision by the Prime Minister is very important.

Question:
Are there many difficulties for civil aircraft accessing to the location?

Minister:
That is not what I am saying. What I know at this time is what I have shared with you, and therefore I think that the people in Tokyo right now may be more well-informed about this matter.

Question:
How long do you think it will take for that consideration to be made?

Minister:
I don't know yet.

Question:
In response to the earthquake in China, Japan has taken steps such as dispatching an emergency rescue team. What is Japan's stance in this regard?

Minister:
Japan's stance is that as a neighboring country Japan would like to provide assistance as much as possible, because sizable damage has caused.

3. Dublin Conference on Cluster Bombs

Question:
It appears that a draft international treaty has been made at the Dublin Conference on Cluster Bombs.

Minister:
I understand that a draft will be put forward by the chairperson and we will respond after seeing that. The Prime Minister is strongly determined for Japan to contribute proactively.

Question:
Has a decision been taken on a clear stance in this regard?

Minister:
We will take a decision after we look through the chairman's draft. Negotiations are still underway, and in that circumstance Japan intends to make a contribution to obtain a good consensus.

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