(* 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 Koichiro Gemba

Date: Friday, September 9, 2011, 3:27 p.m.
Place: MOFA Press Conference Room

Main topics:

Opening Remarks
- (1) Relations with New Government of Libya
- (2) Measures, including Asset Freezes, Imposed against Syrian Officials
- (3) Foreign Ministerial Teleconferences with the U.S., the Republic of Korea, U.K., Australia, China, and Russia(Omitted)
Q&A: To be posted shortly.

1. Opening Remarks

(1) Relations with New Government of Libya

Minister Gemba: Anti-government protests occurred in Libya this February, followed by the civil war. Presently, the Libyan National Interim Council (NTC), which replaced the old Qaddafi regime, is making progress in the process of democratization. In response to this, Japan has decided to inform the NTC that Japan will continue its friendly relations with Libya. I made a remark about it at today's Cabinet Meeting.

(2) Measures, including Asset Freezes, Imposed against Syrian Officials

Anti-government protests have been spreading throughout Syria since mid-March this year, and crashes between the protests and the Syrian security forces have been killing a large number of civilians. Japan has been working closely with the international community and demanding that the Syrian Government immediately stop the use of force against civilians. While major countries have taken measures, including asset freezes, imposed against Syrian officials, we obtained an approval by today’s Cabinet Meeting about taking measures, including asset freezes directed at Syrian officials from today on, to contribute to the efforts of the international community in the aim of solving the Syrian issue.

(3) Foreign Ministerial Teleconferences with the U.S., the Republic of Korea, U.K., Australia, China, and Russia(Omitted)

2. Q&A: To be posted shortly.

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