(* 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: Friday, March 13, 2009, 9:01 a.m.
Place: In front of the Minister's room in the House

Main topics:

Opening Statement
- Cabinet Decision on the Draft Law on the Penalization of Acts of Piracy and Measures against Acts of Piracy
North Korean Missile Issue
Foreign Minister Nakasone to Attend the Tokyo International Conference on African Development IV (TICAD IV) Ministerial Level Follow Up Conference

1. Opening Statement

Cabinet Decision on the Draft Law on the Penalization of Acts of Piracy and Measures against Acts of Piracy

Minister:
Today, the Cabinet approved the Draft Law on the Penalization of Acts of Piracy and Measures against Acts of Piracy. Acts of piracy are a crucial issue for our maritime security, and from that perspective, taking necessary action to counter piracy meets Japan's national interest. And I recognize that the Cabinet decisions of 13 March related to anti-piracy is quite significant. Hereafter, I hope that the Diet will hold full deliberation on this draft law and enact it as soon as possible. Furthermore, given that it is important to eradicate piracy from its very roots, and with that objective in mind, we must make efforts to strengthen capabilities related to maritime security activities of the nations in the neighboring areas and enhance cooperative structures with related countries. Moreover, Japan intends to make active use of official development assistance (ODA) and other means in order to stabilize the situation in Somalia itself.

Related Information (Piracy)

2. North Korean Missile Issue

Question:
North Korea has notified international agencies of its plan to launch a satellite, as well as the possible affected geographic area and the timing for that launch. How do you take this notification?

Minister:
As has been reported in the media, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have received the notification from North Korea that the launching of a test communication satellite will take place between April 4 and April 8. Also, North Korea also reported which maritime areas would be placed in danger, and Japan received that information from both organizations.

Question:
Considering the fact that, North Korea had never notified the plan of launching missiles before, how do you see the intentions of North Korea this time?

Minister:
As North Korea claims that it plans to launch a test communications satellite, I suppose that North Korea is following the proper procedures to launch a satellite.

Question:
Some people point out that North Korea made this notification in order to preempt international criticism. Please tell us how Japan would respond if North Korea did carry out a launch, and how do you see the impact on discussions taken place at fora such as the United Nations Security Council?

Minister:
I do not know what North Korea is aiming for, but to prevent North Korea from the launch with cooperation among other concerned nations is our first priority. If a launch takes place and brings damage to Japan, we have to take thorough measures. Also, to keep close consultations with the concerned nations at the United Nations Security Council is very important. I believe that no matter what it is called, launching would be a violation of the related United Nations Security Council resolution. And we share this view with the United States and the United Kingdom, therefore the Security Council will discuss closely in case the launch occurs. .

Question:
Would you immediately strengthen Japan's own sanctions when a launch, whether it is a satellite or a missile, takes place?

Minister:
I cannot answer hypothetical questions, but I am sure that thorough discussions would take place within the United Nations Security Council.

Question:
North Korea is preparing to launch a missile while seeking to establish a stance that complies with international rules, but in the event that in fact a satellite reached orbit and began to broadcast any content, I believe that it would indeed be difficult to secure the understanding of the international community for any sanctions imposed on North Korea. How would Japan intend to appeal to the international community to gain understanding for its view that such a launch is a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions?

Minister:
The United Nations Security Council resolution that you are referring to cover North Korean activities related to ballistic missiles. Even if this launch was claimed to be a satellite, we believe that it would amount to a violation in terms of technical aspects. From this viewpoint, we will strive for thorough discussions with concerned countries.

Question:
What would Japan do if, after an actual launch, the launched object was indeed confirmed to be a satellite?

Minister:
First of all, our primary objective is to prevent the launch from taking place. Even if the launch did take place and was claimed to be the launch of a satellite, we would keep our position that this would amount to a violation of the United Nations Security Council resolution, and we would undertake thorough consultations on this matter within the United Nations Security Council. As I stated earlier, if the security of Japan or the lives of the people of Japan was brought to danger, then, I believe that we should take thorough measures.

3. Foreign Minister Nakasone to Attend the Tokyo International Conference on African Development IV (TICAD IV) Ministerial Level Follow-Up Conference

Question:
I understand that you will attend the TICAD IV Ministerial Level Follow-Up Conference which is scheduled to be held in Africa, in the Republic of Botswana. Please tell us of your aspirations for taking part in the conference.

Minister:
I will attend that conference if I receive approval for that from the Diet. Last year, TICAD IV was held in Japan and given that this upcoming conference is a follow-up ministerial conference, I expect that there will literally be thorough discussions of the subsequent developments of each participating country and the overall situations that have come to be since TICAD IV, as well as what approach can be taken going forward to promote development in Africa. Given that this is a truly important conference, I very much hope to be able to attend it and serve as the co-chair of the conference.

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