(* 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, April 3, 2009, 8:47 a.m.
Place: In front of the Ministers' Room in the House

Main topics:

Exchange of Notes between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of Djibouti concerning the status of the Self-Defense Forces of Japan, etc. in the Republic of Djibouti
North Korean Missile Issue

1. Exchange of Notes between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of Djibouti concerning the status of the Self-Defense Forces of Japan, etc. in the Republic of Djibouti

Minister:
Currently, vessels of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) are conducting activities against pirates around the area of the Aden Bay off the coast of Somalia. In order to ensure their smooth operations, we have taken a Cabinet decision on a so-called Status of Forces agreement with the Republic of Djibouti. This evening, it is scheduled that I will sign this agreement together with the international cooperation minister in charge of foreign affairs of Djibouti. I know that this operation will be very challenging for the members of the SDF, but I very much look forward to seeing them do their utmost.

2. North Korean Missile Issue

Question:
Regarding the North Korean missile issue, the time and date of launching that North Korea has announced is coming up tomorrow. The concerning nations are making efforts to urge North Korea to exercise self-restraint, but at the same time, there have been media reports that North Korea has been loading fuel. What are your feelings about how the outlook will be from tomorrow on?

Minister:
As we always say, we absolutely do not want North Korea to conduct any activities that would increase tensions and damage stability in the region. We are constantly making every effort right up to the last minute. Regarding media reports, the announcement that North Korea made was that the launch would take place sometime from April 4. As far as we are concerned, the Government has established a structure that will enable it to respond to any situation that may arise. There still is time left, and we will continue to make our efforts right up to the very last minute.

Question:
The notification by North Korea was that the launch would be conducted sometime between April 4 and April 8. I am sure that weather will be one factor, but as far as your standpoint as Foreign Minister, how do you analyze when the timing of the launch will be.

Minister:
I do not know anything about that. That is something that they will decide.

Question:
In the event that a launch does take place, and if something were to fall within the territory of Japan, is it right to assume that Japan will not refrain from shooting it down.

Minister:
That is clearly something very natural, but in the event that any threat or damage arises to the people, assets, and territory of Japan, or if there is a high probability that such a threat will arise, we must respond and one measure is to shoot it down.

Question:
Regarding that issue, North Korea has made provocative statements such as that if the Japanese side shoots her flying object down, then North Korea may strike a city in retaliation. What is your response to that?

Minister:
I do not really know about the media reports from North Korea, and I do not understand the intention of North Korea criticizing missile interception. Whether it is referring to the event of a missile crossing over Japan with no influence or the event threatening Japan, that is something that I really do not understand. However, as I said earlier, in the event that damage or a threat were posed to the lives and the assets of the people, it is natural that any country would shoot down an object and that is what I think as well.

Question:
If a launch actually takes place, Japan intends to bring this matter to the United Nations Security Council. In the event that a launch does take place, what will be the timing for Japan to bring this up with the United Nations Security Council?

Minister:
In the event that there is an actual launch, Japan will call for a gathering of the United Nations Security Council, and will maintain close contact with all concerned nations, and discuss the response to be taken. Thorough consultations will be needed in that process, and strong messages including resolution will be very important to issue.

Question:
Are you saying that you still don't know what the timing will be for that?

Minister:
That will certainly depend on the situation and the timing of the launch. In the event that there is a launch, I think that it is important for us to take action as quickly as possible in response.

Question:
When consultations are taking place in the Security Council, I suppose there will be discussion as to whether or not to adopt a resolution and whether or not to add sanctions. I suppose that is what the consultations will be focused on. For the Government of Japan, in the event that a serious flight path occurred, are you taking the view that it is absolutely necessary to add in new sanctions?

Minister:
You have used the words "a serious flight path," but whether or not this is a communication satellite, the common view of all the countries of the United Nations Security Council is that it will amount to a violation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions. Although there are some points which our view does not exactly match the views of China and Russia, when we consider the situation from that point of view, I think that to take a firm response is the most important. We must not be ambiguous in our response.

Question:
Mr. Gates, the United States Defense Secretary, has stated that the United States takes the view that it will not shoot down any missiles which do not come to the territory of the United States. However, if we were to consider the situation based on the Japan-US Security Treaty, then in the event that a missile or communications satellite or something else that was launched by North Korea flew into the territorial waters or lands of Japan, would it be correct to assume that the United States would work together with Japan to shoot it down?

Minister:
I know that Mr. Gates has made a statement only by media reports, so I do not fully know what he said. However, under the Japan-US Security Arrangements, the United States has been also responding to this situation, and as we have said repeatedly, we will take appropriate measures to the situation depending on the way it flies and the situation it develops. I do not know about the issues of the territory of the United States.

Question:
Regarding a proposal for a United Nations Security Council resolution on sanctions, I understand that the president of the United States has prepared a new draft resolution on sanctions. Is it correct to assume that has also been discussed between Japan and the United States?

Minister:
I understand that conversation took place in that direction at the summit meeting in London and other venues. I believe that we must thoroughly appeal to the international community in a clear manner to show that this is truly a violation of the Security Council resolutions, and naturally we must also send that message to North Korea. Regarding sanctions and other measures, that is something we have to decide after thoroughly analyzing the situation of any launch that may occur. There are various discussions taking place with the Liberal Democratic Party and the ruling parties. But first of all, to urge North Korea not to launch, and in the event that a launch does actually take place, to conduct thorough consultations within the United Nations Security Council is vital.

Question:
There are media reports that North Korea has succeeded in creating small nuclear weapons. What are your thoughts on these media reports?

Minister:
I am not aware of the content of any such reports.

Question:
What do you think the influence will be on discussions such as the Six-Party Talks?

Minister:
I do not have an accurate understanding of such media reports, and therefore I should refrain from making any comments.

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