Press Conference 17 July 2001

1. Statement on the situation in the Middle East
2. Questions on the schedule of Minister for Foreign Affairs Makiko Tanaka

1. Statement on the situation in the Middle East

   Press Secretary Norio Hattori: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have just one statement to make with regard to the Middle East.

   The Government of Japan deeply regrets that the terrorist bombing that occurred in Binyamina killed one individual and caused many injuries. Japan expresses its condolences to the bereaved family. It is vital that the Mitchell Commission report be implemented according to the timeline that was agreed to by Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Japan urges all parties to exert maximum self-restraint.

   Related Information (Japan-Middle East Relations)
   
2. Questions on the schedule of Minister for Foreign Affairs Makiko Tanaka

   Q: Do you have any information on any bilateral meetings that Foreign Minister Tanaka is expected to have when she visits Hanoi next week?

   Mr. Hattori: To my understanding, the details of the visit by Minister for Foreign Affairs Makiko Tanaka to Hanoi are not yet fixed. We are expecting that important bilateral meetings with some of our neighboring countries will be held, but nothing has yet been decided.

   Q: If the Foreign Minister goes to Vietnam she would include several countries would she not?

   Mr. Hattori: Yes, it is an ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Meeting.

   Q: Just to choose one country would not be diplomatic.

   Mr. Hattori: Generally speaking, the schedule for bilateral meetings is decided upon the basis of the issues for which discussions at the ministerial level are required. There are many countries that will participate, so of course the schedule of bilateral meetings that Minister for Foreign Affairs Tanaka is going to hold will not be limited to just one or two countries--it will be as wide as possible within the framework of time constraints.