Press Conference 19 January 2001

1. Statement on the shooting of President Laurent Desire Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo
2. Reaction to a recent missile test conducted by the Republic of India
3. Visit to Japan by Director General Mike Moore of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
4. Joint Japan-United Kingdom announcement on cooperation on global e-commerce
5. Questions on the resumption of the export of whale products by Norway

1. Statement on the shooting of President Laurent Desire Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo

   Deputy Press Secretary Chikahito Harada: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. I have four announcements to start with. My first announcement is on the shooting of President Laurent Desire Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

   The Government of Japan was astonished at the news that President Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo was shot at the presidential palace in the afternoon of 16 January (local time) and died on 18 January, and is deeply concerned about the incident.

   Japan strongly hopes that the domestic situation including public order will not deteriorate due to this incident. The incident should not be a trigger for intensified strife among the conflicting parties, and Japan requests all the related parties to sincerely observe the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement, which is supported by the international community including Japan.

   Related Information (Japan-the Democratic Republic of the Congo Relations)
   
2. Reaction to a recent missile test conducted by the Republic of India

   Mr. Harada: My second announcement is on the recent missile test conducted by the Republic of India.

   The Government of Japan is acutely concerned by India's test launching of a missile on 17 January in that it might hamper the moves toward the easing of tensions in South Asia and intensify the nuclear arms and missile development race in the region.

   Japan calls on India to refrain from further missile testing and hopes that the Islamic Republic of Pakistan will exercise self-restraint.

   Japan conveyed this position through diplomatic channels to India on 17 and 18 January and to Pakistan on 18 January.

   Related Information (Japan-India Relations)
   
3. Visit to Japan by Director General Mike Moore of the World Trade Organization (WTO)

   Mr. Harada: My third announcement is on the visit to Japan by Director General Mike Moore of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

   Director General Moore will visit Japan from 30 Tuesday to 31 January as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

   During his stay in Japan, Director General Moore will have talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono and other relevant ministers and officials.

   At this juncture, the WTO members are coordinating with each other in a process to launch a new round of negotiations at the WTO, and the Fourth Ministerial Conference is expected to be held within this year.

   The purpose of Director General Moore's visit is to exchange views with Japanese government officials and others involved in WTO issue concerning the launch of a new round and related matters.

   Related Information (WTO)
   
4. Joint Japan-United Kingdom announcement on cooperation on global e-commerce

   Mr. Harada: My final announcement today is the joint announcement on cooperation between Japan and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on global e-commerce.

   The governments of Japan and the United Kingdom announced today that they would cooperate to promote the development of global electronic commerce.

   This cooperation is based on a shared vision of the development of a global information society, and involves setting out policy principles and an agenda for cooperating both bilaterally and collaboratively in international fora.

   Japan and the United Kingdom aim to foster a positive environment for the growth of e-commerce through cooperation enhancing information infrastructures, establishing transparent and objective ground rules for the digital marketplace, building user and consumer confidence, maximizing the social and economic benefits of e-commerce, and promoting global participation.

   Japan and the United Kingdom believe that all governments have a key role to play in this development by optimizing private sector involvement, minimizing legal and regulatory barriers, ensuring public confidence in e-commerce policy, taking account of the needs and interests of the wider community. International cooperation and the harmonization of countries' e-commerce policies will assist in the creation of a global e-commerce environment, and extend its benefits to all.

   Related Information (Japan-U.K. Relations)
   
5. Questions on the resumption of the export of whale products by Norway

   Q: Norway recently announced that it would restart exports of whale blubber. As a consumer of whale products what would Japan's reaction be to this?

   Mr. Harada: We are aware of the information you just mentioned. First of all we would like to gather information related to that announcement and clarify the intention of the Government of the Kingdom of Norway, and based upon that we will consult with the ministries concerned and consider our position on this issue.

   Q: On the other hand, today, consumer groups are going to the Norwegian embassy to submit a letter for the Norwegian prime minister protesting against the exports, because they say that the whale blubber contains chemical contaminates unfit for human consumption. Will Japan check the blubber once it comes, if it comes, and how would it address consumers?

   Mr. Harada: As I told you, we need to go through a certain process, because we have not got enough information on this issue. Based upon an assessment of the information we will consider how we should deal with the whale products from Norway. We have not yet arrived at any position so I think it is premature to comment on your question.

   Related Information (Japan-Norway Relations)