(* 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, March 10, 2009, 10:25 a.m.
Place: Briefing Room, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

North Korean Missile related Developments
The Meeting between Kim Hyon-Hi and the Ms. Taguchi's Family
Visit to the People's Republic of China by Prime Minister Taro Aso

1. North Korean Missile related Developments

Question:
North Korea has issued a warning that any movement to intercept the satellite launch will result in a counterstrike. What is your opinion on this?

Minister:
I am aware of the news reports. However, this is a hypothetical question and I do not believe it is appropriate to give a hypothetical response. Given that the situation is what it is, from the Japanese Government's perspective, North Korea should refrain from taking any actions that would impair the region's peace and stability. Additionally, should North Korea decide to launch, whether or not it can be confirmed as a satellite, the Japanese Government would consider this a violation of the UN Security Council resolution. Therefore, I believe it would be necessary for the UN Security Council to thoroughly take up this issue.

Question:
If the UN Security Council takes up this issue, there are censure resolutions and sanction resolutions. Does Japan plan to request a sanction resolution?

Minister:
The launch hasn't taken place yet, and should it actually happen, then this is a matter for the UN Security Council. So I cannot say what we will do at this point nor do I think it is appropriate for me to comment on it.

Question:
Regarding Japan's independent actions taking place apart from the UN Security Council's actions, if, hypothetically, the missile were to be launched, I believe there are many options for Japan to take. What are your thoughts on the necessity of taking further actions against North Korea?

Minister:
This is a repetition of what I have been saying; first we must be persistent in our efforts to make North Korea refrain from launching. Additionally, I believe that the most important thing is for Japan to continue to, along with other countries concerned, call on North Korea. However, I believe that it is of utmost importance that we make efforts so that we would not have to consider this sort of situation.

Question:
Suppose the missile did fly over Japan, in your opinion, should Japan utilize the MD system for a counterstrike?

Minister:
I believe this would be an issue to be considered by the entire government with the Minister of Defense taking a central role. I will refrain from commenting on a hypothetical situation.

Question:
Japan's position is that even a satellite would be a violation of the UN Security Council resolution, and I believe that the US and the ROK share this understanding. Does the Japanese Government have any information on the positions China and Russia take?

Minister:
As is clear from reports on US Special Representative for North Korea Mr. Stephen Bosworth's visit to the ROK and others, I am aware to a certain extent of the ROK's position. Additionally, I visited China recently, and I believe that the US, the ROK and Japan are in agreement, however regarding China and Russia, I understand that they are in agreement so far as to call upon North Korea to refrain from launching, but I have not exchanged opinions with these two countries on anything further. Japan has stated to China that it is a violation of the resolution.

Question:
Regarding the launch of a North Korean satellite or missile, you stated that each country is in agreement that the international community should unite in calling upon North Korea to refrain from launching. However, China and Russia are not in complete agreement with Japan, the US and the ROK as to whether this constitutes a violation of the UN resolution. What do you think of this situation?

Minister:
That was about a hypothetical situation. I believe that it is extremely important for China and Russia, as well as Japan, the US, and the ROK, to make efforts so that this does not happen. If, unfortunately, the launch were to happen, then it would be an issue that needs to be thoroughly addressed at the UN Security Council.

Question:
If and when it is discussed at the Security Council, I am afraid discussions would not go smoothly if there is not a consensus as to whether it is a violation of the resolution. What is your opinion on this point?

Minister:
If and when this takes place, I am sure that each country would express its own opinion and we must discuss what to do taking these opinions into consideration. If such a situation should occur, I believe all countries would share the opinion that it is extremely deplorable. However, at the moment, all I can say regarding how the Security Council will choose to deal with the situation is that it will be decided at that time.

Question:
Whether it is a missile or a satellite, of course this is a hypothetical situation, however, if it were to fly over to Japan, this would be a great concern to those living in Japan. At the moment, can you tell us if the situation is under control, and at what stage in the developments with North Korea should an announcement be made?

Minister:
Of course, this is a serious threat to Japan and to the people of Japan, and as I have been saying repeatedly, we must make efforts to prevent the launch. As you just mentioned, there is the past example of the missile landing off the coast of Sanriku. This incident was extremely deplorable and such an event should never be allowed to happen again. Because of this as well, I believe that Japan must make the utmost effort to not let this launch take place.

Question:
If a missile should fall on Japan, will we be alright and will Japan's actions be sufficient?

Minister:
If this were to actually take place, naturally we must take every measure to ensure that the lives and assets of Japanese nationals are protected. If, hypothetically, the missile is launched in the direction of Japan, I believe the government will have to take necessary measures of course.

Question:
Basically, will the announcement from the Japanese side be made after the launch? Will there be any announcements at the stage that there are indications of the launch?

Minister:
I do not know if there will be time to make any announcements and since this is a hypothetical question, I cannot answer it. Again, I repeat myself when I say we must be persistent in our efforts to stop the launch.

Question:
Previously, announcements were made after the launch. Will there be any announcement if there are clear indications that the launch will occur?

Minister:
Even if there are indications, we do not know whether the launch will actually take place. I believe it would be inappropriate for the Japanese Government to take the liberty of making an announcement at that stage. In addition, it would be problematic if the announcement were to inflame public panic.

Question:
Depending on the circumstances, warnings or alerts may be issued for commercial airplanes, fishing vessels and other ships. What is your opinion on this?

Minister:
If it is a satellite launch, there are procedures to be taken. If North Korea states that they took actions to this effect, the relevant areas must be on alert. However, even if it is purported to be a satellite or even if it actually is a satellite, this does not change our view that it is in violation of the Security Council resolution.

2. The Meeting between Kim Hyon-Hi and Ms. Taguchi's Family

Question:
Currently, against the backdrop of an increasingly tense situation in North Korea, a meeting will take place between Kim Hyon-Hi and Ms. Taguchi's family tomorrow. In light of this prevailing situation in North Korea, can you explain what the significance of this meeting is?

Minister:
As far as the meeting itself, as I stated yesterday, in response to the wishes of the Iizuka family, the Government of Japan made efforts and the Government of the Republic of Korea also offered its cooperation in coordinating this. The meeting will be realized in response to the wishes of the families of the abductees, and I think this is a separate issue to issues such as missiles.

Question:
In the context of abduction, nuclear, and missile issues, doesn't Japan take the view that in some way this opportunity will send a message to North Korea? The media is reporting on each of the various issues and I believe that interest in this matter is quite high both within Japan and within North Korea. What are your thoughts on that?

Minister:
I do not know how the North Korea side views this meeting, but it is being reported in the media and a press conference will be held. Therefore, naturally, North Korea will be able to follow the circumstances following this meeting. As far as we are concerned, we believe that in that process, if somehow this can help to resolve the abduction issue, which is also an issue related to the families involved, and if this could have some influence on that and move the situation in a positive direction, then that would be good.

Question:
Given that North Korea seems to be taking a more stern position, and that it is possible that this format will specifically focus attention on Kim Hyon-Hi, who North Korea has not recognized as one of its own agents, don't you take the view that this could conversely result in a negative influence on Japan-North Korea relations?

Minister:
I have not thought that out to that degree. This is a matter of a humanitarian issue, and this is something that as far as the families are concerned, everyone should easily be able to understand that this is something that they would want to undertake and I believe that it is best to think that it is good that this meeting is taking place.

3. Visit to the People's Republic of China by Prime Minister Taro Aso

Question:
The other day, you traveled to the People's Republic of China. I believe that the next step will be for Prime Minister Aso to schedule a visit to China. About when do you think that will take place?

Minister:
Coordination on that is currently underway, and therefore the itinerary has not been set.

Question:
Is there a possibility that this could happen during this month?

Minister:
Regarding that point as well, we must take into consideration the needs of the other side and there are the considerations of the Diet schedule. Furthermore, there is a diplomatic schedule that must be set from April onwards. But nothing has been decided. Right now all I can tell you is that coordination is underway.

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