Press Conference 3 October 2000

1. Announcement on the Japan-Singapore Economic Agreement for a New Age Partnership
2. Comment on the recent clashes between the State of Israel and the Palestinian Authority
3. Remarks concerning the unveiling of a plaque honoring Mr. Chiune Sugihara
4. Announcement on emergency assistance to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for drought disaster
5. Comment on Japan-People's Republic of China consultations on issues related to the Law of the Sea and the delimitation of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ)
6. Remarks on the first Japan-Sweden Joint Committee on Science and Technology Cooperation
7. Joint submarine search and rescue exercises
8. Follow-up question on the Japan-Singapore Economic Agreement for a New Age Partnership
9. Question on the progress of negotiations with the Republic of Korea concerning a possible free trade agreement
10. Questions on the upcoming visit to Japan of Premier Zhu Rhongji of the People's Republic of China and maritime related issues
11. Questions on the recent clashes in the Middle East and other related issues
12. Follow-up question on Mr. Chiune Sugihara

1. Announcement on the Japan-Singapore Economic Agreement for a New Age Partnership

   Press Secretary Ryuichiro Yamazaki: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have several items to begin with.

   First of all, I hope you have copies of this joint study report entitled the Japan-Singapore Economic Agreement for a New Age Partnership. This is a report by a joint study group between Japan and the Republic of Singapore composed of government officials, academics and business leaders. They had their first meeting in Singapore in March of this year, and this was a follow-up to an agreement between former Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi and Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong of the Republic of Singapore when they met in December 1999 to embark on this joint study. The second meeting was held in Tokyo in April, the third meeting in June in Singapore, the fourth meeting in August in Tokyo, and the fifth meeting on 27-28 September in Singapore, which adopted this joint study report.

   This report is composed of four sections. Section one provides an overview of the current global trend for greater regional integration. Section two, the main part of the report, focuses on the possible scope of a Japan-Singapore free trade agreement. This is divided into three parts: (1) trade and investment liberalization and facilitation; (2) cooperation in the growth sectors of the future; and (3) consultation and disputes settlement. Furthermore, section three describes the economic, strategic and other benefits that Japan and Singapore can expect to derive from a bilateral free trade agreement. The conclusions and recommendations of the joint study group are contained in section four.

   On 28 September, the joint study group adopted this, and three recommendations are mentioned in section four: (1) the prime ministers of Japan and Singapore make a joint announcement, at an appropriate location and time in October or November 2000, that the two countries intend to enter into formal negotiations with a view to concluding an economic partnership agreement between them; (2) the negotiations begin at the earliest possible time targeting January 2001 and be concluded within a reasonably short period of time so as not to lose momentum; and (3) given that the scope of negotiations will transcend the focus of a traditional free trade agreement, the resulting government-to-government agreement should henceforth be referred to as the Japan-Singapore Economic Agreement for a New Age Partnership.

   As footnotes, the area of agriculture is not to be covered by this Agreement because negotiations in this area are either ongoing or are expected to be ongoing within the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework. This Agreement, in general, is to supplement the multilateral trading system of the WTO. The areas that are covered pertain to trade in goods and services, the pursuit of further liberalization, investment, competition policy, and mutual recognition agreements. These items are covered by the WTO, but have not yet attained either sufficient results or progress. We hope that by agreeing on rules between Japan and Singapore in these areas, it will provide the momentum behind shaping a model agreement, which could be some sort of reference to the WTO negotiations.

   The joint study group also takes up areas not covered by the WTO, such as expediting trade procedures, some cooperation in the financial sector, and harmonizing the legal system for e-commerce, for example.

   On 29 September, the day after the joint study group report was announced, Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori and Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong received, through their respective officials, a copy of this joint study report.

   Related Information (Japan-Singapore Relations)
   
2. Comment on the recent clashes between the State of Israel and the Palestinian Authority

   Mr. Yamazaki: We are deeply concerned that due to the recent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli police many people have been injured, including more than 40 killed. We convey our condolences to the bereaved families and send our sympathies to those injured.

   We cannot allow the clashes to continue and lead to any more killings. We must not let this valuable opportunity to attain a just and lasting peace in the Middle East slip by. We strongly call upon the parties concerned to refrain from provocation and violence and to exert the utmost self-restraint to calm down the situation at the earliest opportunity.

   Related Information (Japan-Middle East Relations)
   
3. Remarks concerning the unveiling of a plaque honoring Mr. Chiune Sugihara

   Mr. Yamazaki: This ceremony, hosted by Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono, will be held from 2:00 pm on 10 October at the Diplomatic Record Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This plaque is mounted in honor of the late Mr. Chiune Sugihara, who took a humanitarian and courageous decision under the extremely difficult situation where Jews were persecuted by Nazis.

   This year marks the 100th anniversary of Mr. Sugihara's birth. The tenth of October marks an anniversary of the new diplomatic relations established in 1991 between Japan and the Republic of Lithuania, where Mr. Sugihara issued visas for the fleeing Jewish people.

   The ceremony will be attended by Mrs. Yukiko Sugihara, Mr. Sugihara's widow, and those related to Israel and Lithuania in Japan, among other guests. This is open to the press, but if space is limited there may have to be pool coverage.

   Related Information (Japan-Lithuania Relations)
   Related Information (Japan-Israel Relations)
   
4. Announcement on emergency assistance to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for drought disaster

   Mr. Yamazaki: On 3 October, the government of Japan decided to extend an emergency grant aid of 481 million yen to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. When Prime Minister Mori visited Pakistan in August this year, the Government of Japan informed Pakistan that it would extend assistance, and it has now formally decided on its implementation.

   In Baluchistan and Sind Provinces in Pakistan, a disastrous drought has caused great human and material damage since last summer. According to the Government of Pakistan, more than 140 people have died, approximately 2.2 million people are afflicted, and crops and livestock have suffered severe losses.

   In June this year, the Government of Japan extended emergency assistance of about 41 million yen in total to cope with the disaster. In view of the seriousness of this disaster, the Government of Japan has decided to extend this new emergency assistance from a humanitarian standpoint.

   In response to the nuclear testing conducted by Pakistan, the Government of Japan announced on 29 May 1998 that it would suspend new yen loans and new grants except emergency and humanitarian assistance and grant assistance for grass-roots projects. The assistance extended this time is in the emergency and humanitarian category.

   Related Information (Japan-Pakistan Relations)
   
5. Comment on Japan-People's Republic of China consultations on issues related to the Law of the Sea and the delimitation of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ)

   Mr. Yamazaki: Consultations with the Government of the People's Republic of China at the officials level on the Law of the Sea and the delimiting of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) took place on 27-28 September in Beijing. Consultations were also held on how to establish a framework for mutual prior notification concerning maritime survey activities.

   This was the 11th round of consultations on the delimitation of the EEZs, and there was a detailed exchange of views on our respective positions, which led to better understanding of each other's positions, but we have yet to move forward to achieve more progress. The frequencies of these meetings will be about once every six months, and we hope that early next year we will have the next round of these consultations in Tokyo.

   On the second issue of mutual prior notification of maritime survey activities, there was already one meeting in September, and this was the second round of these talks. There are three main issues: (1) Where in what waters do we apply this prior notification? (2) What is the timing of such prior notification? And (3) what would be the content of such prior notification? There are two basic assumptions, namely that whatever we do in this prior notification area, it will not affect our respective positions concerning the delineation of the EEZ and that this was something that we are trying to establish on a voluntary basis.

   This was the second round of talks, and we are trying to establish a framework as soon as possible, but it seems that we still need a little more time in order to come to a meeting of minds on this issue.

   Related Information (Japan-China Relations)
   
6. Remarks on the first Japan-Sweden Joint Committee on Science and Technology Cooperation

   Mr. Yamazaki: The Science and Technology Agreement between Japan and the Kingdom of Sweden was concluded in January 1999, and this is the first follow-up meeting to this Cooperation Agreement. The meeting will be held on 5 October in Stockholm. From Japan, Deputy Director-General for Arms Control and Scientific Affairs Yukiya Amano will be heading our delegation. They will exchange views on our respective science and technology policies as well as explore areas for mutual cooperation. Sweden has a very high gross domestic product (GDP) ratio in research and development expenditures. It was 3.71% of their GDP in 1997. Japan's similar figures were 3.25% for 1998. We believe that we can learn a lot mutually in this area.

   Related Information (Japan-Sweden Relations)
   
7. Joint submarine search and rescue exercises

   Mr. Yamazaki: This is a joint training exercise between Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) and the navies of the United States of America, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea, and is part of the confidence-building measures among these countries. The joint training exercises will take place off the coastal waters of Singapore from 2-14 October.

   The exercise itself involves, as far as Japan is concerned, one submarine, the Akishio, and one submarine rescue tender called the Chiyoda, involving about 200 personnel.

   The following countries have sent observers: Australia, the Republic of Chile, the Republic of Indonesia, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, and Canada. The main purpose of these rescue operations is to practice how to rescue personnel from a submarine in distress.

8. Follow-up question on the Japan-Singapore Economic Agreement for a New Age Partnership

   Q: On the report from Singapore and Japan, you said it makes reference to certain areas that are covered by the WTO when there has not been sufficient progress. Are those actually identified in the report?

   Mr. Yamazaki: Some areas I have already mentioned. However, when I said progress not made in these areas, I meant that they are technically within the scope of the WTO agreements, but the WTO has yet to move forward in some of these areas.

   Related Information (Japan-Singapore Relations)
   
9. Question on the progress of negotiations with the Republic of Korea concerning a possible free trade agreement

   Q: Could you please tell me where the negotiations with South Korea are going concerning investment and trade?

   Mr. Yamazaki: We had the first round of meetings earlier this spring, and the second round on the same day, 28 September. This involves mostly government and academics. The idea that was proposed by President Kim Dae Jung of the Republic of Korea in Atami was that we should also have the business sector address this issue. President Kim Dae Jung proposed to our side that a Japan-Korea FTA Business Forum should be established to study the issue of a possible free trade agreement mainly involving business sector people. We agreed to that, but have yet to choose who the participating businessmen will be and on what schedule this issue will be discussed. We are still at this stage.

   Related Information (Japan-Republic of Korea Relations)
   
10. Questions on the upcoming visit to Japan of Premier Zhu Rhongji of the People's Republic of China and maritime related issues

    Q: Relating to China, what are the dates for Zhu Rhongji's visit?

    Mr. Yamazaki: Premier Zhu Rhongji of the People's Republic of China will be coming on 12 October and leaves on 17 October.

    Q: Is it hoped that this question of pre-notification will not be exactly solved, but that there will be some agreement on this issue before his visit?

    Mr. Yamazaki: We have not really set a deadline, but are doing our best on this issue to try and move forward.

    Related Information (Visit to Japan of the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, and Mrs. Zhu Rongji)
    
11. Questions on the recent clashes in the Middle East and other related issues

    Q: There was a mention on the clashes in Palestine. Is it different from the reaction noted in the other statement issued last Saturday?

    Mr. Yamazaki: It is basically the same, but because casualties have increased since then it goes a little further in our hope that things will calm down, and we ask the parties for their utmost self-restraint.

    Q: In the other statement, I read the word "terrorists." Could you please elaborate on who the terrorists are mentioned in that statement?

    Mr. Yamazaki: The word here refers to the situation in which there was disorder in Gaza; we are not specifically pointing a finger at anyone, as your question implies. This word is not used in the new statement.

    Q: What is your reaction as to the reason why these clashes have taken place?

    Mr. Yamazaki: It is very difficult to know what the reason is. The most important thing behind these statements is that we want the situation to settle down, and in order for that to happen we urge strongly both parties concerned to exert the utmost efforts, and I am sure that everyone in the international community is hoping that the situation will settle down.

    Q: I read a report saying that the EU and America criticized a visit by Mr. Sharon to holy Islamic places. Do you have any comment on that?

    Mr. Yamazaki: I have only seen the report, and I do not know how official the statement that you quote is. I have no comment to make on this, as I have only seen it through press reports.

    Q: So, Japan is basically not giving any reason explaining the clashes by any parties?

    Mr. Yamazaki: It is a fact that these clashes have happened and people have unfortunately been killed and injured. It is our government's utmost desire to see that the parties involved exert self-restraint and bring peace and order as was there before.

    Q: Most of the victims, if not all, are from one party, so how is it that both can be responsible for this?

    Mr. Yamazaki: I did not say "both" and I did not identify parties. I said all parties that are concerned and involved.

    Q: Does the government plan any further action besides the wish that the situation should calm down?

    Mr. Yamazaki: We are very much involved in the Middle East peace talks and are doing our best to cooperate, for instance, the efforts for achieving peace in the multilateral track. We are watching the various developments mentioned in the press, such as the visit to Paris of Secretary of State Madeleine Albright of the United States of America to meet with President Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority and Prime Minister Ehud Barak of the State of Israel. We will monitor this to see what developments arise from these meetings.

    Related Information (Japan-Middle East Relations)
    
12. Follow-up question on Mr. Chiune Sugihara

    Q: Concerning Mr. Sugihara, what kind of humanitarian and courageous decisions did he make?

    Mr. Yamazaki: This took place during World War II. Mr. Sugihara issued visas to Jewish people from Lithuania who wanted to travel through Japan to escape from oppression. This is a very well-known story, and this ceremony is to commemorate his very courageous and humanitarian contribution.

    Related Information (Japan-Lithuania Relations)
    Related Information (Japan-Israel Relations)