Press Conference 16 May 2000

1. Messages of condolences following the passing of former Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi
2. The recent visit of Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori to Okinawa
3. Visit to Japan by Dr. Nabeel Sha'ath, Minister for Planning and International Cooperation of the Palestinian Interim Self-governing Authority
4. High level conference on Southeastern Europe
5. Visit to Japan by Minister of Foreign Affairs Tang Jiaxuan of the People's Republic of China
6. Question concerning the messages of condolences following the passing of former Prime Minister Obuchi
7. Question on the scheduled meeting with Minister for Planning and International Cooperation Sha'ath
8. Issues in relation to the Middle East Peace
9. Questions on recent comments made by Prime Minister Mori

1. Messages of condolences following the passing of former Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi

   Press Secretary Ryuichiro Yamazaki: Good afternoon. I have several announcements to make at the outset. The first is in relation to the passing away of former Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi. From virtually all over the world, we have been receiving various messages of condolences. I would just like to mention the names of the various leaders that have sent messages of condolences as of 11 o'clock this morning. From the United States of America, President William Jefferson Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright; from the Russian Federation, President Vladimir Putin, former President Boris Yeltsin and Mrs. Yeltsin, and Alexy II; from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Prime Minister Anthony Blair; from the French Republic, President Jacques Chirac, and Prime Minister Lionel Jospin; from the Federal Republic of Germany, Prime Minister Gerhard Schroeder; from the People's Republic of China, President Jiang Zemin, and Prime Minister Zhu Rongii; from the Republic of Korea, President Kim Dae Jung and Prime Minister Pak Tae-jun; from the Republic of Indonesia President Abdurraham Wahid; from the Republic of Singapore, Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong; from the Republic of the Philippines, President Joseph Estrada; from Malaysia, Prime Minister Mohamad bin Mahatir; from the Kingdom of Cambodia, King Norodom Sihanouk, and Prime Minister Hun Sen; from Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed; from Mongolia, President Natsagiyn Bagabandi; from the Kingdom of Nepal, the President of the Lower House; from Australia, Prime Minister John Howard; from the Federated States of Micronesia, President Leo A. Falcom; from the Republic of Palau, President Kuniwo Nakamura; from the Republic of Bulgaria, President Petar Stoyanov and Prime Minister Ivan Kostov; from the Arab Republic of Egypt, President Hosni Mubarak; from the Republic of Yemen, Prime Minister Abd al-Karim al-Iryani; from the Republic of Peru, President Alberto Kenya Fujimori; and from the European Union, Mr. Romano Prodi. As you probably know, the memorial service to be held jointly by the Cabinet and the Liberal Democratic Party will be from 14:00 on 8 June in the Nippon Budokan.

2. The recent visit of Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori to Okinawa

   Mr. Yamazaki: Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori went to Okinawa this Sunday past. I accompanied him on this day-trip, which had a full schedule. This was the first time in his capacity as Prime Minister that Prime Minister Mori visited Okinawa. As Prime Minister Mori was saying to many people in Okinawa, including members of the press during the press conference, his ties with Okinawa go back to the days when he and the late former Prime Minister Obuchi were classmates at Waseda University. At that time Mr. Obuchi was raising funds for going to Okinawa to help the people there, and Mr. Mori helped him with this fundraising.

   During the visit, the Prime Minister visited the Peace Park. He also had meeting with leaders of the local community where the G8 Summit is going to be held in the northern part of Okinawa, and attended the opening ceremony of the Bankoku Shinryokan, the official conference site, together with Governor Inanime and Mayor Kishimoto and various Ambassadors and Ministers of the G8 countries. The Prime Minister also visited the venue where he will hold the press conference in his capacity as President of the G8. In addition, he went to encourage the participants at the so-called Children's Summit, which assembled representatives of primary and middle school students from all over Japan and where a declaration on protecting the environment was adopted. The Prime Minister spent nearly an hour there, observing the actual adoption of the declaration and sending remarks of encouragement. Prime Minister Mori also visited Shuri Castle, where the official banquet will be held, and he paid a call on Governor Keiichi Inanime of the Government of Okinawa Prefecture. Towards the end of the day he held a press conference.

   It was late afternoon that we learnt of the passing away of former Prime Minister Obuchi, and Prime Minister Mori publicly expressed his very deep condolences.

   With respect to preparations for the Summit, we are very impressed that things are moving smoothly. The Prime Minister said at his press conference that he renewed his determination to make the G8 Kyushu-Okinawa Summit a great success and, in this connection, he again requested the support and cooperation from the local community of Okinawa, without which we cannot hold a successful Summit.

   Related Information (G7/G8)
   
3. Visit to Japan by Dr. Nabeel Sha'ath, Minister for Planning and International Cooperation of the Palestinian Interim Self-governing Authority

   Mr. Yamazaki: Dr. Nabeel Sha'ath, Minister for Planning and International Cooperation of the Palestinian Interim Self-governing Authority, will be visiting Japan from 17-19 May. This is a follow-up to a proposal which Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono made to President Yasser Arafat during his visit to Japan in October last year, to hold this series of meetings here in Japan so that we can help the Palestinian side as they move toward concluding the Permanent Status Agreement by 13 September of this year. Tomorrow afternoon, Dr. Sha'ath will pay a visit to Mr. Ito, the President of the Lower House, and in parallel some of his staff dealing with higher education will have a bilateral education committee meeting with senior officials in our Ministry. There are actually six areas -- education, politics, economic cooperation, finance, industry and trade, and private investment -- where we will have joint committee meetings.

   After tomorrow afternoon's session on education and culture, on the morning of Thursday 18 May, Dr. Sha'ath will participate in discussions on political issues, and then over lunch discuss economic cooperation issues. At the Ministry of Finance that afternoon he will attend discussions on finance, to be followed by discussions on industry and trade at the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. Then at the Japan External Trade Organization he will engage in talks on private investment. At the end of the afternoon, Foreign Minister Kono and Dr. Sha'ath will hold bilateral, ministerial-level political consultations.

   The Government of Japan has already pledged $200 million in grants to Palestine, for the two years 1999 and 2000, of which $113 million have already been dispersed. We feel that it is very important at this rather crucial stage that Japan has this bilateral dialogue with the Palestinians. Moreover, this dialogue will also help to fulfill Japan's role as President of the G8, especially in the context of the discussions of the G8 Foreign Ministers that will be coming up in July.

   Related Information (Japan-Middle East Relations)
   
4. High level conference on Southeastern Europe

   Mr. Yamazaki: I announced the holding of a high level conference on Southeastern Europe a couple of weeks ago. The meeting began yesterday and is scheduled to finish this afternoon. You have in front of you a list of participants and the opening address by Foreign Minister Kono. I would just like to point out several salient points in the speech.

   On page three, in the second paragraph, it is noted that, "Since the outbreak of conflict in 1991 [in former Yugoslavia], Japanese Foreign Ministers have visited that region a total of five times," including Foreign Minister Kono, in his first term in Croatia in 1995 and most recently in December last year to Kosovo and Macedonia. This demonstrates Japan's strong involvement in the region. On top of that, one paragraph down on the third line it says that, "Japan has pledged a total of $237 million of aid to Kosovo etc."

   On the following page, second paragraph from the bottom, Foreign Minister Kono mentioned that, "This conference is focusing on three parallel steps. The first is the promotion of a harmonious political culture. The next is the restoration and establishment of human dignity. The third step the transfer to a market-based economy."

   At the end of the fourth page he identifies the following issues: "Firstly to examine the root causes of inter-ethnic conflict and hatred. Secondly, going beyond the political and economic issues, how can we ensure a climate of tolerance and sensitivity through respect for different cultures and ethnic groups, and the preservation of cultural heritage and assets? Thirdly how to educate people to respect peace, not conflict." Foreign Minister Kono went on to say that, "Furthermore I believe it is necessary to look closely at how we can turn a state or nation oriented society which have visited over and over in their region, into a society centered on humanity." Further down on the second paragraph it says that, "Economic stability is also a prerequisite for allowing democracy to take root."

   Finally, on the next paragraph down, Foreign Minister Kono mentions the fact that when he visited Europe during the new year, his theme speech at the French Institute on Foreign Relations in Paris on "New Dimensions in Japan-Europe Cooperation," this [dialogue] is a typical kind of testimony for strengthening that, and he goes on to express his hopes for the success of the meeting.

   Related Information (Japan-Europe Relations)
   
5. Visit to Japan by Minister of Foreign Affairs Tang Jiaxuan of the People's Republic of China

   Mr. Yamazaki: Last Friday my colleague, Deputy Press Secretary Chikahito Harada, touched upon the recent visit to Japan by Minister of Foreign Affairs Tang Jiaxuan of the People's Republic of China, so I need not repeat the information provided then. However, Foreign Minister Tang's schedule did not conclude until the weekend. From Friday afternoon to Saturday, Foreign Minister Kono spent a total of nine hours together with Foreign Minister Tang. I would just like to give you our overall assessment of that important visit.

   Our basic assessment is that it was extremely successful; through the talks the two Foreign Ministers were able to engage in in-depth discussions as well as to build upon their mutual friendship. It was actually the first time that Foreign Minister Kono had met with Foreign Minister Tang since assuming his position last October. The last time Foreign Minister Kono had met Foreign Minister Tang was in a non-official capacity about a year ago.

   The discussions between the Ministers were very timely, and the climate of the discussions was very warm and cordial. One of the results agreed upon was to hold the visit to Japan by Prime Minister Zhu Rongji sometime toward the middle of October, which would be the most significant diplomatic event between Japan and China in the remainder of this year.

   Some issues raised were slightly "sore to the ear to listen to," but it was to convey, or reflect the atmosphere within some sectors of Japan. Foreign Minister Kono mentioned those issues because he wishes for the further development of bilateral relations building upon their present state. It was our appreciation that Foreign Minister Tang showed a certain understanding of what Minister Kono said, and at the same time he explained the Chinese position on several of these issues.

   It is our recognition that after the mutual visit of President Jiang Zemin in 1998 there have been mutual visits at high levels and ministerial levels, and we have set the groundwork for developing our bilateral relations in the years to come. We are very pleased that the two Ministers could really relax and have a good in-depth exchange of views.

   Related Information (Japan-China Relations)
   
6. Question concerning the messages of condolences following the passing of former Prime Minister Obuchi

   Q: I heard only one message received from the Arabic countries. Was this the only message from those countries?

   Mr. Yamazaki: I think you should take this in context; this list is current as of 11 o'clock today. In due course I think other messages will start to come in, though I do not predict from where they are going to come. As they come in, we may want to make it public, because we want to share with our people the sentiments of condolences that have been expressed and probably will be expressed in the future.

   Q: So there is only one from the Arabic countries?

   Mr. Yamazaki: I do not know at this point, as two hours have passed since our last calculation. However, as I said, from Egypt, President Mubarak, and from Yemen, Prime Minister Iryani.

7. Question on the scheduled meeting with Minister for Planning and International Cooperation Sha'ath

   Q: Concerning Dr. Sha'ath's meeting with Mr. Kono, do you have any details about the discussions they will have?

   Mr. Yamazaki: I would like to give you the details after the meeting actually takes place. However, as I was trying to describe, this whole exercise is on the one hand trying to help the Palestinian side on concluding the agreement on Permanent Status, the deadline being 13 September. We would also like to listen to them as to how they intend to complete the final status negotiations and what their outlook is. I cannot go into further detail at this present time.

   Related Information (Japan-Middle East Relations)
   
8. Issues in relation to the Middle East Peace

   Q: What is Japan's view on the current status of the Middle East Process?

   Mr. Yamazaki: I would rather not comment on the aspects of the negotiations. That is rather something that should be worked out by the parties concerned of the various "track" negotiations. But we have been playing a constructive role in the Middle East both bilaterally and regionally, in water supply, environment, and other working groups. We have also been doing our best to help in facilitating a better atmosphere for lasting peace in the region.

   Q: On the same issue, I read in a Japanese newspaper that a conference which is scheduled to be held in Tunisia might be canceled. This would be for the Working Group on Environment. Do you have any confirmation on the status of this?

   Mr. Yamazaki: I do not have any official confirmation at this time. In due course we will see how the situation surrounding this important meeting develops; this will enable us to reach a final decision on what to do.

   Q: So the final decision has not been reached?

   Mr. Yamazaki: No, it has not been reached.

   Q: There is a possibility that?

   Mr. Yamazaki: All possibilities are open.

   Q: Concerning the Balkans conference, when is it going to close?

   Mr. Yamazaki: This afternoon. In relation to your Tunisian question, what I was saying in very abstract terms is that one of the recent developments in the region is, of course, the very regrettable collision between the Israeli military and the Palestinian people, including, I believe, the Palestinian police, in the West Bank-Gaza area. It has been reported that at least three have died and many have been injured. It is of concern to us that this situation, which could have a detrimental effect on the Permanent Status negotiations, has occurred. We ask both sides, Israeli and Palestinian people alike, to exert restraint in this situation.

   Q: So you consider both sides are responsible for this?

   Mr. Yamazaki: We are concerned that this incident has occurred, not the question of who is responsible. What we are asking is that both sides exercise restraint at this time.

   Q: Do you have any results concerning the invitations that you extended to Israeli officials, including the Prime Minister, to visit Japan?

   Mr. Yamazaki: I have to check on that.

   Related Information (Japan-Middle East Relations)
   
9. Questions on recent comments made by Prime Minister Mori

   Q: I would like to ask a question about the comment made by the Prime Minister last night, in which he said that Japan is a divine country, etc. Is there any official or unofficial reaction from other Asian countries? And do you have any idea of whether these comments could effect the Prime Minister's visit to the Republic of Korea?

   Mr. Yamazaki: On the first question I have not seen any reaction from the overseas press at this time. As there has not been any reaction in the press, I cannot answer your second question at this time.

   Q: Is this statement different from the Japanese definition of the Emperor's role in the Constitution?

   Mr. Yamazaki: I do not know, as I have only seen press reports of what was said, not what was actually said in full. Chief Cabinet Secretary Mikio Aoki was also asked the same question by reporters this morning, and he declined to comment because he had not seen what was said in full.