Press Conference 15 March 2002

1. Statement on the situation in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
2. Visit to Japan by President Gustavo Noboa Bejarano of the Republic of Ecuador
3. Question concerning the attendance of Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi at "The Town Meeting"

1. Statement on the situation in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

   Deputy Press Secretary Joji Hisaeda: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have two announcements to make today, the first of which is on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

   Japan welcomes the signing of the agreement on redefinition of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) that will reshape Yugoslavia into a loose union composed of Serbia and Montenegro, as a result of European Union mediated talks on the redefinition of the FRY, including the status of Montenegro.

   Japan pays a great tribute to Dr. Javier Solana Madariaga, the High Representative for EU Common Foreign and Security Policy, who made strenuous efforts toward this agreement, and highly values the efforts made by leaders of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the Republic of Serbia, and the Republic of Montenegro.

   Japan will continue to work toward the stability and prosperity of Southeastern Europe in cooperation with the international community.

   Related Information (Japan-Serbia and Montenegro Relations)
   
2. Visit to Japan by President Gustavo Noboa Bejarano of the Republic of Ecuador

   Mr. Hisaeda: My second announcement concerns the upcoming visit to Japan by President Gustavo Noboa Bejarano of the Republic of Ecuador.

   President Noboa of Ecuador and Mrs. Noboa will visit Japan from 27 to 30 March.

   During their stay in Japan, President Noboa and Mrs. Noboa will call upon Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan.

   President Noboa will also have a meeting with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi as well as other leaders of both political and business circles.

   The Government of Japan sincerely welcomes the visit of President Noboa and Mrs. Noboa, which will further strengthen the friendly relations existing between Japan and Ecuador.

   Related Information (Japan-Ecuador Relations)
   
3. Question concerning the attendance of Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi at "The Town Meeting"

   Q: I have heard that Foreign Minister Kawaguchi will have a meeting with the public to publicize the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Do you have any information in English on that?

   Mr. Hisaeda: I think that you are perhaps talking about "The Town Meeting" that Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi will have on 7 April at Iino Hall. I will check to see what I can find for you on that.