Press Conference by the Press Secretary 20 December 1996

1. Attack on the Japanese Ambassador's Residence
2. Additional security measures undertaken in various Japanese establishments due to the attack on the Japanese Embassy in the Republic of Peru
3. Visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs Yukihiko Ikeda to the Republic of Korea
4. Negotiation procedures with terrorists at the Japanese Ambassador's Residence in Peru
5. Japan-Republic of Peru cooperation to free hostages at the Japanese Ambassador's Residence in the Republic of Peru
6. Discussions on the hostage situation in the Republic of Peru between Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto and Minister for Foreign Affairs Yukihiko Ikeda
7. The setting up of special task forces
8. Contact with hostages inside the Japanese Ambassador's Residence
9. Security situation at the Japanese Ambassador's Residence in the Republic of Peru

1. Attack on the Japanese Ambassador's Residence

   Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hiroshi Hashimoto: Good Afternoon ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regular briefing. Regarding the attack on the Japanese Ambassador's Residence in the Republic of Peru, a press statement was issued by the President of the United Nations Security Council vigorously condemning the situation on 19 December, New York time. The Government of Japan understands that this statement represents the will of the international community. We give maximum consideration to the safety of the hostages. We intend to do our utmost to ensure their safe and early release, and to resolve the situation peacefully. That is my announcement, I would be delighted to take any questions that you may have.

2. Additional security measures undertaken in various Japanese establishments due to the attack on the Japanese Embassy in the Republic of Peru

   A: We have already taken measures to protect our overseas establishments. In view of this incident, we are considering further strengthening of our efforts so that a similar incident will not be repeated like this.

3. Visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs Yukihiko Ikeda to the Republic of Korea

   Q: Foreign Minister Ikeda is in Peru right now. Will his stay in Peru affect the scheduled meeting with the Korean Foreign Minister scheduled on 26 December?

   A: First of all, Minister for Foreign Affairs Yukihiko Ikeda is in Peru, and we still do not know when he will be back to Tokyo. For the time being he will concentrate on the present mission. But, at the same time, he considers the relations with the Republic of Korea to be very important. That is reflected in the fact that Foreign Minister Ikeda personally telephoned Minister of Foreign Affairs Yu of the Republic of Korea before he went to Peru.

4. Negotiation procedures with terrorists at the Japanese Ambassador's Residence in Peru

   Q: Will the Government of Japan be in direct negotiations with the terrorists?

   A: The Foreign Minister is now in Lima. I would like to tell you the objectives of the visit by Foreign Minister Ikeda. There are four objectives: first, to establish an effective Japanese headquarters in Lima; second, to communicate to the officials of the Government of Peru Japan's basic view that efforts should aim to resolve this incident peacefully, giving maximum considerations to the safety of the hostages; third, to facilitate coordination of views on the situation among the major diplomatic core in Lima; fourth, to meet with concerned Japanese and Japanese-Peruvians. Foreign Minister Ikeda met President Alberto K. Fujimori of the Republic of Peru and the negotiator, the Minister of Education, of the Government of Peru. And, presumably he has already met the German Ambassador. Furthermore, he is going to have a chance to meet the American and Canadian Ambassadors possibly early tomorrow -- Japanese time.

   Q: Given the fact that the Embassy is technically on Japanese soil, does the Government of Japan have a role to play in negotiating with the terrorists?

   A: We understand that the Peruvian Education Minister is now coordinating efforts. Therefore, Foreign Minister Ikeda will have a chance to be briefed by the Canadian Ambassador on the situation. We still do not know what the two gentlemen will talk about. We will have to wait and see. For the time being, Foreign Minister Ikeda is trying to collect first-hand information on the situation.

5. Japan-Republic of Peru cooperation to free hostages at the Japanese Ambassador's Residence in the Republic of Peru

   Q: Is the Government of Japan asking the Government of Peru to compromise and allow the prisoners to go free?

   A: We are not in a position to share the content of the talks between Foreign Minister Ikeda and President Fujimori. However, in principle, the Government of Japan gives maximum consideration to the safety of the hostages. We must wait to see what President Fujimori has discussed with Foreign Minister Ikeda.

   Q: Would you expect the Government of Japan to ask for a compromise if it meant the safety of the hostages?

   A: The situation is very delicate. We cannot tell you the actual policy of the Government of the Japan on this. What I can tell you is the principle position of the Government of Japan on this.

6. Discussions on the hostage situation in the Republic of Peru between Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto and Minister for Foreign Affairs Yukihiko Ikeda

   Q: Has Foreign Minister Ikeda been in contact with Prime Minister Hashimoto yet? If so, what was this about?

   A: Prime Minister Hashimoto often comes to the operation room of the Foreign Ministry. Whenever possible, Mr. Ikeda communicates with the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister, in fact, is in charge of the Foreign Ministry while Foreign Minister Ikeda is out of the country.

7. The setting up of special task forces

   Q: He set up a special task force. What exactly have they been doing?

   A: There are two types of task forces. One has been established by the Cabinet, and is headed by the Prime Minister. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a task force, as well. As I mentioned, the Prime Minister often comes to our operation room to oversee operations, and is fully informed of what is going on. As far as the task force of the Cabinet is concerned, yesterday they had their first meeting.

8. Contact with hostages inside the Japanese Ambassador's Residence

   Q: Do you have direct contact by cellular phone with hostages inside the Ambassador's Residence?

   A: Using various means, we try to ascertain what is happening inside the Ambassador's Residence. However, we are not in a position to tell you how we are doing this, because it is directly related to the safety of the hostages.

   Q: Do you have accurate information on this?

   A: We are doing our utmost to gather information related to the situation inside the Ambassador's Residence.

9. Security situation at the Japanese Ambassador's Residence in the Republic of Peru

   Q: Does the Government of Japan admit that their security was too relaxed at the embassy on this night?

   A: Viewing the fact that three Japanese experts were killed by terrorist groups several years ago, we have had a tight security system at the Ambassador's Residence, and at the office of the Japanese Embassy over there. In particular, when we celebrated a big reception on 18 December, we asked the Government of Peru to provide additional security. However, it is most unfortunate that the guerrilla group managed to enter the compound of the Ambassador's Residence.

   Q: Would you say that there is nothing more that could be done?

   A: What I can tell you is that we have made our best efforts, but unfortunately we must admit that the terrorist group still managed to enter the compound.

   Q: I am sorry, I would like to clarify, did the Government of Peru provide additional security that night?

   A: Yes, that is right.

   Q: Do you have figures on the number of guards, your own and those provided by the Government of Peru?

   A: Yes, just one moment. First of all, the home Government sends three security officers to the Embassy. One local staff member is always nominated as the security officer. Apart from that, we ask for additional security officers to work for the Embassy: three during the daytime, and four persons at night. We ask the Government of Peru for special security, and they provide four policemen with two patrol cars throughout the night. The Ambassador is always provided with three security officers. When we had the reception on the 18th, we asked the Government of Peru to provide additional security service. In addition to the four policemen, more than 20 security officers were located at the Ambassador's Residence.

   Q: There seems to be quite a large number of security staff. Did the system itself fail in this incidence?

   A: Unfortunately, we still do not know the exact situation of the attack. Almost all the Japanese Embassy staff, including the Ambassador, have been taken hostage. After a burst was hear we knew that terrorists groups were already inside the Ambassador's Residence.

   Q: Can you explain what additional security steps might be taken at your embassies worldwide from here on out?

   A: We are taking measures in relation to personnel, and to give additional equipment for security.

   Q: Is this for all your embassies?

   A: It depends on the place. There are relatively safe places. There are places where it will be appropriate for us to strengthen our security. But in any case, I will tell you that we have already taken measures for this. But, in view of the fact that this incident took place, we will take further appropriate measures. Thank you very much.