(* 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 Fumio Kishida

Date: Friday, February 15, 2013, 10:26 a.m.
Place: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

Opening Remarks
- (1) Death and injuries of Japanese nationals in Guam
- (2) Terrorist attack on Japanese nationals in Algeria
Disclosure of Cabinet members’ assets
The Senkaku Islands
Japan-Russia relations
Disclosure of Cabinet members’ assets
Takeshima issue
Introduction of a new liberty policy and visit to Okinawa

1. Opening Remarks

(1) Death and injuries of Japanese nationals in Guam

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida: Due to an incident that occurred in the evening of February 12 in Guam, three Japanese nationals lost their lives and ten others were injured. I wish to express my deepest condolences to the deceased and to their families. I would also like to extend my sympathies to those who were injured in the incident.

In the wake of this incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dispatched two officials to Guam to reinforce the operations of the Consulate-General of Japan in Hagatna. To ensure the safety of Japanese nationals, we have been working with local relevant authorities, have been gathering relevant information, as well as communicating with the families of the victims and other related parties so as to offer the maximum support possible.

Ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals abroad is an important mission of the Government. We will continue to make every effort to offer all necessary support to facilitate the return of the victims and their families to Japan.

(2) Terrorist attack on Japanese nationals in Algeria

Minister Kishida: Tomorrow marks one month since the occurrence of the terrorist attack against Japanese nationals in Algeria which occurred on January 16. I would like to take this opportunity to once again offer my deepest condolences to the victims and their families and my heart goes out to the people who were affected by the incident.

Japan does not tolerate any acts of terrorism. We believe that the terrorists are wholly responsible for this incident. It is an extremely reprehensible incident and must be condemned in a resolute manner. In response to this incident, Japan will work in close coordination with other countries, regional and international organizations to implement measures to fight terrorism and ensure the stability of the region.

In an aim to verify the background of the incident and our response, and to compile future countermeasures, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a “Response Team For The Enhancement of Safety Measures of Overseas Companies and Citizens” which I lead. Works are currently underway. We will also work in coordination with the verification committee of the Prime Minister’s Office on this issue to further advance our operations.

2. Disclosure of Cabinet members’ assets

Watanabe, Kyodo News: Assets of Cabinet members will be disclosed today. Will you please give your personal views on your assets and also share your views on the challenges or issues regarding the current system?

Minister Kishida: With regard to my personal assets, I consider them to be a cumulative total of the experiences I have had in my life. I have no further comments to add on the matter.

On the current system, I believe it is of critical importance for a person in a public position to constantly maintain a high level of transparency and maximum accountability regarding ourselves. The current system is in place to enable us to clarify our stance I just mentioned. While a number of criticisms have been leveled at it, we should continually revise various aspects of it where necessary, to make the system more reliable and easier to understand for the Japanese people. Although I do not have any specific ideas, I believe taking the approach I just described is important.

3. The Senkaku Islands

Ohtani, NHK: There are reports that Chinese Government vessels once again intruded into Japanese territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands this morning. I would like to ask if the facts have been confirmed, what the Japanese Government's response is, especially whether a protest has been lodged, and what your response is on the matter.

Minister Kishida: I have been told that three Chinese Government vessels made an intrusion into Japanese territorial waters. This is absolutely unacceptable and also extremely regrettable. We have already lodged a protest against the Chinese Embassy in Japan. Specifically, the Deputy Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau lodged a protest against the Chinese Embassy.

4. Japan-Russia relations

Ando, Hokkaido Shimbun: It has been reported that former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori visited the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday and was officially requested to bring the Prime Minister’s letter on his next visit to Russia. Mr. Mori is scheduled to visit Moscow, Russia as early as next week. What discussions do you expect will be held in his meeting with President Vladimir Putin with regard to the developing negotiations over the Northern Territories? Prime Minister Abe is also planned to visit Russia in the near future. Prior to this, do you have any plans to meet with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for now? I appreciate any comments you might have on these matters.

Minister Kishida: Regarding former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori’s visit to Russia, I am optimistic that his visit will reaffirm and further develop the friendly relations between Japan and Russia, which is, in many ways, a critical bilateral relationship. At this point in time, nothing has been decided concerning the schedule for future diplomatic visits.

5. Disclosure of Cabinet members’ assets

Mori, Asahi Shimbun: Compared to the last disclosure, we have seen a substantial increase in the average value of assets reported by Cabinet members. I suppose one of the reasons for this can be attributed to a relatively large number of hereditary Diet members in the Cabinet. Will you please share with us your views on this?

Minister Kishida: I am not aware of the details, especially of other Cabinet members’ disclosure, and so I am not familiar with the scope of the overall asset increase compared to past data or the breakdown of these assets. I do not have with me any detailed materials for an analysis of the issue. I hope to re-examine the data to verify the validity of your assertion.

6. Takeshima issue

Azumi, Freelance: A commemoration ceremony will be held on Takeshima Day, a week from now, on February 22. I understand that you will not be attending, but are there any plans of sending a message or something similar?

Minister Kishida: Regarding the Government’s handling, it is still under consideration and so specific action or response has not been determined at this point.

7. Introduction of a new liberty policy and visit to Okinawa

Miyashiro, Ryukyu Shimpo: A new guideline on the Liberty Policy was announced the other day which regulates the off-duty activities of the servicemen of U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ). According to the guideline the scope of applicable personnel has been expanded. However the consumption of alcohol outside U.S. military facilities, which had been prohibited except inside their homes, has been approved with time restrictions. Local governments in Okinawa are concerned about the easing of regulations on U.S. servicemen. What is your understanding and assessment including the effectiveness of the new guideline?

I would also like to ask an additional question. You are scheduled to visit Okinawa this afternoon and meet with Governor Hirokazu Nakaima during your two-day visit. What discussions do you plan or hope to have with the Governor to move forward with various issues, including the relocation of Futenma Air Station?

Minister Kishida: Regarding your first question, I am aware that an announcement was made regarding the new liberty policy effective as of February 13. I understand that the new policy establishes a baseline policy across all the services and commands in Japan whereas each installation previously observed temporary measures respectively. I am also aware that regardless of rank, off-installation public consumption of alcohol is prohibited during the hours at night-time, that military personnel below a certain rank are subject to a curfew, and that the USFJ will continue its already existing procedures where random sobriety checkpoints and the “Hotline” program are implemented. Further, the policy also provides for USFJ component commanders and other senior operational commanders the latitude to put in place more restrictive provisions to meet mission requirements. The new policy must absolutely ensure effectiveness, which I will be closely monitoring.

Regarding my visit to Okinawa, I have had the opportunity to visit Okinawa on several occasions and in a variety of capacities. However, this will be my first visit to Okinawa as the Minister for Foreign Affairs. During my visit to Okinawa, I am scheduled to meet with Governor Hirokazu Nakaima and other local stakeholders. I hope to have candid discussions and sincerely hope that my visit to Okinawa will be the first step and of some help towards establishing a solid relationship based on trust with the people of Okinawa.

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