(* 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 Hirofumi Nakasone

Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2009, 8:52 a.m.
Place: In front of the Ministers' Room in the House

Main topics:

Opening Statements
- (1) Announcement of the ODA White Paper
- (2) Visit to Japan by Mrs. Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State of the United States
North Korean Issues

1. Opening Statements

(1) Announcement of the ODA White Paper

Minister:
At the Cabinet Meeting, I reported on the Fiscal 2008 ODA White Paper.

Related Information (Japan's ODA)

(2) Visit to Japan by Mrs. Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State of the United States

Minister:
Regarding a visit to Japan by Secretary of State Clinton, we are currently making adjustments in order to realize this visit as soon as possible. The US side is currently considering concrete details such as the schedule.

Question:
Regarding Secretary of State Clinton's visit to Japan, has there been any concrete talk about it at Cabinet meetings or at informal cabinet meetings?

Minister:
No there has not. At a diplomatic level, adjustments are being made for a visit at an early date.

Question:
In relation to Secretary of State Clinton's visit to Japan, do you currently have any plans to visit the United States?

Minister:
Since adjustments are currently being made for Secretary of State Clinton's visit to Japan, the first thing we need to do is to make concrete plans for her visit.

Related Information (Press Release)

2. North Korean Issues

Question:
There have been reports that North Korea is making preparations to launch a Taepodong II missile. Do you have any confirmation on these reports?

Minister:
I am aware that these reports have been made. We gather and analyze various information on a daily basis as a matter of course. However, because of the nature of this situation, I will refrain from making any comments.

Question:
Is it correct to understand that there will be no immediate launch of the missile or that Japan is not facing an immediate threat?

Minister:
There have been various reports in the newspapers. However, I will refrain from commenting on these as well.

Question:
If there is an immediate danger, I think that that is something that should be properly announced. So is it correct to understand that this is not the case?

Minister:
I cannot comment on this matter including whether there is danger. However, if there were an imminent danger, we would naturally have to take action accordingly.

Question:
Has the security alert level gone up?

Minister:
I cannot comment on this matter, the contents of the information or the situation of the information analysis.

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