Press Conference by Press Sec. 6 June 1995

Visit to Japan by President Nelson Mandela of the Republic of South Africa
Acting Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ken Shimanouchi: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I would like to make a brief statement regarding the visit to Japan by President Nelson Mandela of the Republic of South Africa. President Mandela, accompanied by a suite, will pay a State Visit to Japan from 2 to 6 July 1995. During his stay in Japan, President Mandela will make a State Call on Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan. Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan will host a State Dinner in honor of President Mandela. President Mandela will have official talks with Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama. Prime Minister Murayama will host a luncheon in honor of President Mandela. The Government of Japan sincerely welcomes the visit of President Mandela, which will further strengthen the friendly relations existing between Japan and the Republic of South Africa.
Reports of recent comments regarding Korea by a former Government official
Q: Today in South Korea there is a big uproar against the comments of former Foreign Minister Michio Watanabe. I know that former Foreign Minister Watanabe did retract his earlier remarks, but I would like to hear you correct those initial comments.

A: Are you interested in what happened in Seoul, or both, or --

Q: I know what happened in Seoul; I would like to know what the Japanese Government is going to do about it.

A: We do not have the details of what former Minister for Foreign Affairs Michio Watanabe initially said, although we are aware of the statement that he issued last night. So, we are not in a position to comment on this matter. Regarding this question, the Japanese Government has, on a number of occasions, expressed to the people of the Korean Peninsula Japan's deep remorse and regret over the fact that they experienced unbearable suffering and sorrow as a result of Japan's actions in the past.
Discussion of civil aviation between Japan and the United States of America
Q: Could you go through the reasons why there is a looming dispute over civil aviation -- this dispute across the Pacific with the United States?

A: Our position is that it is desirable to resolve this issue through dialogue. I think you have seen in the Japanese newspapers that Minister of Transport Shizuka Kamei had a telephone conversation with Secretary of Transportation Federico Pena of the United States of America. Let me give you a very brief readout of this conversation. Secretary Pena proposed to Transport Minister Kamei that, on 6 or 7 June, Japan approve all the applications made by Federal Express, and that talks be held between the two Governments on 8 June regarding the expansion of air cargo opportunities. In response to this proposal from the United States side, Transport Minister Kamei said that, although Japan did not deny the rights of Federal Express under the Civil Air Transport Agreement between Japan and the United States of America, Japan believed that, if there were any problems relating to the exercise of the rights under the Agreement, that understanding and agreement was necessary between the two sides. He further said that the applications made by Federal Express were far-reaching, and that consultations were necessary between the two Governments in order for the Japanese side to make a decision based on an agreement between the two Governments. Transport Minister Kamei proposed that Japan and the United States hold consultations on the vice-ministerial level. In response, Secretary Pena said that he understood Japan's position, and that he would like to study the Japanese proposal. That is how matters stand now.

Q: Is it also Japan's position that the 1952 Agreement was made under duress, and therefore a fresh agreement is required?

A: Our position is that we would like to discuss this matter -- the Agreement itself and the operation of the Agreement. That is why we proposed talks at the vice- ministerial level.

Q: You do not wish to discuss the Agreement? You wish to --

A: We wish to discuss matters relating to the Agreement in these talks.

Q: If I could confirm something on the Japanese understanding of that Agreement. You mentioned that Transport Minister Kamei did not dispute Federal Express' rights under the Agreement. The United States officials say that, under the Agreement, Federal Express and the other two carriers should not have to apply for new routes, but only inform the Government that this is an existing right under the treaty. The way they explain it is that they don't want to negotiate about the treaty as long as these rights, as they see it, are not being guaranteed. Their position is -- we are willing to discuss increasing opportunities on both sides, but not as long as the existing rights under the treaty are not being met. Is it Japan's position, on Federal Express and the other carriers, that they have the right to the extra flights? Or do they require Japanese Government approval each time that they want to add one of these flights?

A: Our position is that we do not deny that Federal Express has rights under the bilateral agreement, but that -- as Transport Minister Kamei told Secretary Pena -- should there be problems regarding the exercise of these rights, that these problems should be resolved through discussions by the two sides, that understanding and agreement are necessary.
Japan's support for the Palestinian Interim Self-Government
Q: Yesterday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Kozo Igarashi said Japan is considering providing development assistance to Palestine. It is for the first time that Japan is considering such a thing. Is there any kind of change to the Japanese position toward recognizing the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)?

A: It has been, all along, our position to extend as much support as possible to the Palestinian Interim Self- Government. We have already extended aid through multilateral channels. We are now considering forms of direct assistance. But this is still under study; we have not reached any conclusion yet.

Q: So, the Japanese position has not changed?

A: There has been no change in that regard. It is our position to extend as much support as possible to the Palestinian Interim Self-Government.
Ongoing debate on a no-war resolution in the Diet
Q: Does this ongoing wrangle between the ruling coalition parties on the so-called no-war resolution put you in a position of some embarrassment during the 50th anniversary of the United Nations?

A: This is something for the legislature to decide. The Government does not have any comment on it.

Q: The Government is wrangling over it also, not just the legislature.

A: Thank you very much.

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