Press Conference by Press Sec. 30 May 1995

Emergency humanitarian assistance for those afflicted by the earthquake on Sakhalin Island in the Russian Federation
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Terusuke Terada: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. The Government of Japan has decided today to donate, in response to a request from the Russian side, assistance materials -- blankets, emergency medical kits, food, drinking water, dialysis machines, etc. -- as the first emergency humanitarian assistance for the people afflicted by the earthquake on the northern tip of Sakhalin Island. These materials, accompanied by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be transported to Yuzhno- Sakhalinsk by a YS11 of the Maritime Safety Agency, leaving Hokkaido at 15:00 this afternoon, and being delivered to the persons in charge on the Russian side there. Taking into account the expanding scale of the disaster, the Government of Japan is continuing to coordinate donation and transportation of additional materials.

Q: The Russian side, as far as I remember -- and Kyodo News Agency carried this piece of news -- that they don't need any help from Japan.

A: Perhaps you might have read a rather wrong report coming from a certain news agency. But let me clarify the situation. Of course, as soon as we came to know this sad news coming from the Russian Federation, our diplomatic representatives in Moscow rushed to the Russian Government, expressing the condolences of the Japanese Government and of the Japanese people for those victims of the earthquake. At the same time, we offered our assistance, both material and human. Also, yesterday, perhaps you may know that the Japanese Government provided the Russian authorities with a list of assistance materials which were to be made easily available. In order to facilitate possible transportation, we moved all these disaster relief goods from Narita depot to Hakodate, because we thought that we could send them out immediately, as soon as we received a formal request from the Russian Government. The request came. That is why I am just now making this announcement. Of course, this is just our first attempt. We have to continue our humanitarian assistance. Now, you didn't ask me the question, but let me refer to another aspect of our relief efforts. We also offered the dispatch of our experts -- what we call the Japan Disaster Relief Team. We offered a team numbering close to 100. We were told that this personnel assistance is not needed under the present circumstances; but instead, we were requested to offer assistance materials. So, now you understand that you have read a rather wrong report.

Q: I have already received both the news from your side and from the other side.

Q: I would like to ask about the humanitarian relief that was refused. What exactly does the Disaster Relief Team do? Why do you think this team was passed up and why it was not needed? Do you think there will be a need for the team in the future?

A: Of course, we had a tragic experience in the Kobe area this year, and under the circumstances, we were able to accumulate a certain expertise in dealing with a disaster situation. We had very generous assistance given to us by the Government of the Russian Federation, and now, seeing such a disaster striking the neighboring island, we really saw that the time had come for us to return the kind offer given to us by the Russian Government on the occasion of the Kansai disaster. Apart from that, of course, since we instituted the Disaster Relief Team -- it has a rather short history, but -- it was sent to many places, such as the Republic of Columbia, the Republic of El Salvador and other places. So, I would say that our team would be very much helpful in offering its technical know-how and assistance to those countries which request the dispatch of a team. But, let me remind you of one thing. As far as our system is concerned -- because after all, the dispatch of a Japan Disaster Relief Team is made possible by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) -- our law says very clearly that, if requested by the disaster-stricken country, we are ready to dispatch the team. We are not able to force the dispatch of such a team. As I said in my initial statement, in that the dispatch of such trained personnel was not needed, I take it that the Russian Government had enough manpower and specialized personnel to deal with the present disaster situation.

Q: On a related matter -- could you tell me when exactly Russia requested the material aid?

A: On when we received the request from the Russian Government -- yesterday, while Chief Cabinet Secretary Kozo Igarashi was giving his press conference, he was not able to say that the Government of Japan had received a specific request from the Russian Government. Now, I am making this announcement; so, perhaps we received it last night or this morning. I can't say precisely at this moment. My colleague will check on that.
Statement by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Terusuke Terada: I would simply like to remind you on this occasion that a Statement was issued yesterday by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Let me introduce to you the thrust of the statement made by Foreign Minister Kono. The Government of Japan is deeply concerned about rapid deterioration of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We strongly request the Bosnian Serb forces immediately to stop their hostile activities against the United Nations, and to release all the detained United Nations peace-keepers immediately. Since the outbreak of the conflicts, Japan has maintained its stance that the only true solution is through negotiations, not the use of armed forces, and has repeatedly urged this upon the parties to the conflict. Japan, once again, insists that a solution cannot be achieved in Bosnia and Herzegovina unless these parties abandon their approach of resorting to force. We appeal to all the parties to lay aside their arms and come to the negotiation table. The Government of Japan expresses once again its support for the peace efforts being made by the United Nations officials led by Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for the Former Yugoslavia Yasushi Akashi, by the Contact Group, and by the international community, for the resolution of the conflict. The Japanese Government also pays respect to the courage of those who are engaged in United Nations activities or humanitarian assistance, as they are continually working in the difficult situation in the region. Finally, let me express that it is the firm will of the Japanese Government to continue its support for such efforts.
Reports of alleged spying on an embassy
Q: Regarding Australia's spying activities -- is the Government of Japan going to reinforce its security in the embassies, or do you plan to complain to the Australian Government?

A: So far, we have found no truth whatsoever to the matter. Anyhow, let me tell you that this sort of thing should be dealt with through diplomatic channels. I think I am duty bound to refrain from making any further comments on this matter.
Possible provision of rice for North Korea
Q: When exactly is Japan sending rice to North Korea? There have been reports that the Government of Japan was sending a mission to North Korea --

A: Let me correct you.

Q: South Korea.

A: The Government has no intention of sending any mission whatsoever to North Korea, but rumors are that perhaps the ruling parties might consider sending a mission to South Korea. This is what I read in the Japanese language papers.

Q: Is there any development in the Japanese parliament regarding that matter -- whether Japan is going to provide rice to North Korea?

A: You may recall the statement made in the evening of 26 May by Deputy Prime Minister and National Unification Board Minister Hong Jae Hyong of the Republic of Korea. He stated that the Government of the Republic of Korea is ready to offer rice and other cereals needed by North Korea without any preconditions attached. This was stated by the Government of the Republic of Korea, and we are naturally waiting for any reaction which should come from Pyongyang.
Timing of trade-related consultations between Japan and the United States of America
Q: Do you think there is a possibility for discussions of trade conflict between Japan and the United States before the G-7 Summit?

A: I would like to state that the United States Government has answered that it would be willing to hold consultations on 20-21 June in Washington, D.C. with respect to the question of automobiles and auto parts. We are thinking that we should like to have consultations as expeditiously as possible. We would like to have the meeting take place in Geneva, since we took this matter to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Therefore, the issue should be discussed at the place where the WTO is headquartered. I think such a letter will be sent to United States Trade Representative Mickey Kantor in due course of time.

Q: In the Summit between President Clinton and Prime Minister Murayama, will this matter be discussed?

A: When we say, "as expeditiously as possible," this certainly implies that we should like to have consultations prior to the opening of the G-7 Summit in Halifax. But still, we are to discuss the timing and venue of the consultation to be held between the Governments of the United States and Japan.

Q: You used the term that you would like to have it as soon as possible, under the WTO. But at the same time you said that the letter will be sent to the United States in due course of time. The urgency is not the greatest.

A: I just explained the intention of the Japanese Government using the terms that we should like to start the consultations as soon as possible, and such a manifestation of the Japanese Government's position will be conveyed in writing to the United States Government in due course of time.

Q: But "due course" means what? The Halifax Summit is on 15 June.

A: If you take it that way, I withdraw that expression. Such a communication will be made quickly.

Q: Why I ask this is, if you recall, Ambassador Kantor, appearing on David Brinkley's show, spoke more like a politician -- talking about workers of the USA, and this type of thing -- and then he said that the Japanese have neither refused nor confirmed this date, etc. He is trying to achieve some mileage on that issue, that the Japanese Government has not replied.

A: In that case, I do thank you very much indeed for drawing my attention to the delicate use of expressions in English. I feel very much indebted to you.

Q: Can I ask you a question? Ambassador Kantor mentioned that they have suggested these talks on 20 June. What is the feeling in the Government of Japan about this late date before the sanctions are supposed to go into effect? Is the United States trying to really press the original strategy as we understand it of taking Japan to the brink and then expecting that they will again buckle under?

A: In the first place, I am not privy to the mind of Ambassador Kantor. But I would like to stress that we would like to initiate consultations as quickly as possible because the truth is that the Japanese automobile sector is already being damaged by this announced list of sanctions.
Status of the second installment of yen credit to the Islamic Republic of Iran
Q: In the talks between officials of the Iranian Foreign Ministry and the Japanese Foreign Ministry, the matter concerning the yen loan to Iran -- the only thing that we remember is that the Japanese Government postponed decision- making on this matter.

A: I think you are rather vague about the point which you are trying to make, but I take it that you are referring to the second installment of yen credit. Is this what you would like to ask?

Q: Yes. The second installment -- that is right, but I didn't want to get into the details. The fact is that there were no conditions as far as we remember, but one of the newspapers on 22 May has brought up two conditions on the basis of which the United States Government asked the Japanese Government to withhold the loan.

A: I don't have any intention of starting the debate here with respect to the question of the Islamic Republic of Iran, but I would simply like to give you the factual information. The position of the Government of Japan is that we are still studying the case. That is all. This is all that I can say in answer to your question.
Visit to Japan of Member of the Commission of the European Communities Edith Cresson
Q: May I talk about Europe and Japan? Regarding the visit of Member of the European Commission Edith Cresson, Commissioner in charge of Science, Research and Development, Human Resources and Education -- I have two questions. The first is: how do you react to this visit? Secondly, what do you think about the proposal regarding the cooperation between Europe and Japan on education and research?

A: To my great regret, I am not really following closely the visit of Member of the European Commission Edith Cresson, although I knew from the start that she would be coming, and certainly we are very much honored with her graceful presence in Japan. At this time of course, she is wearing a different hat -- she has come as Commissioner in charge of Science, Research and Development, Human Resources and Education, and I think it is quite fit to see that we should enhance further the cooperative relationship between Japan and the European Union in the field of science and technology. I am quite sure that her mission has been to convey this message to us, and I am quite sure it has been gladly accepted by the interested quarters in Japan. Again, since the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not have the pleasure of having a talk, I do not have ample information.

Q: She isn't meeting the Foreign Minister?

A: I don't think she is meeting Foreign Minister Kono this time.
Ongoing technical negotiations between the United States of America and North Korea on the Agreed Framework
Q: Can I get an update from you on the ongoing talks in Kuala Lumpur? I was checking my notes from last October. This particular round, in terms of days, has gone on for longer than any previous round, including the Gallucci round.

A: I simply have to tell you that the negotiations are going on in Kuala Lumpur. You must understand that while the negotiations are going on, I am not in a position to make any comments. I am quite sure that once this round of negotiation is over, I will be quite happy to make such comments, if I am allowed to do so.

Q: Does the old practice still stand that the United States is keeping you informed of what is going on?

A: We do have the presence of a senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs there in Kuala Lumpur, together with his counterpart from the Republic of Korea.

Q: May I ask you one direct question on this? Is there any chance at all that at these talks the entire Agreed Framework is being re-negotiated so that North Korea does not get replacement nuclear reactors but some alternate means of fuel?

A: May I remind you that we consider these negotiations as a sort of technical negotiation. The negotiation aims at the question of determining the type of light-water reactors which we intend to offer. Therefore, the negotiators are not supposed to talk about anything outside the context of the U.S.-North Korea Agreed Framework, signed in October 1994.
Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA)
Q: You have published results on ODA. How do you expect the future of ODA? Not on a monetary basis -- but is ODA going to grow in the future, or do you think it is time to reduce monies in the coming years?

A: I have not yet checked on today's release of ODA, but our position was clearly enunciated on the occasion of the last Ministerial Meeting of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Very fortunately, this Government is not yet suffering from aid fatigue. We still feel the necessity of enhancing our ODA.

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