Press Conference 31 October 2003

1. Adoption of the draft resolution on nuclear disarmament submitted by Japan to the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly
2. Question concerning visit to Pyongyang by Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China Wu Bangguo

1. Adoption of the draft resolution on nuclear disarmament submitted by Japan to the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly

   Press Secretary Hatsuhisa Takashima: Good afternoon and thank you for coming to the briefing. Today I have one announcement I would like to make, which is about the adoption of the draft resolution on nuclear disarmament.

   The Government of Japan welcomes the adoption, by an overwhelming majority, of the draft resolution on "A path to the total elimination of nuclear weapons" at the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly on 30 October (New York time).

   The Government of Japan has annually submitted draft resolutions on nuclear disarmament since 1994 and has enjoyed overwhelming support from the international community. Inspired by the strong sentiment calling for the total elimination of nuclear weapons, Japan, as the only nation in the world to have suffered atomic bombing, submitted a draft resolution this year as well. The resolution is based on the fundamental position that places great importance on realization of a peaceful and safe world free of nuclear weapons through a steady continuation of a "practical and incremental approach" toward the total elimination of nuclear weapons. This draft resolution was adopted with large support.

   Following the adoption of its draft resolution, Japan intends to continue and intensify its diplomatic efforts in the area of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

   Related Information (Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Adoption of the Draft Resolution on Nuclear Disarmament Submitted by Japan to the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly)
   
2. Question concerning visit to Pyongyang by Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China Wu Bangguo

   Q: Following the visit to Pyongyang by Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China Wu Bangguo, will Chinese Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Dai Bingguo be coming to Japan to consult with the Japanese Government on the six-party talks?

   Mr. Takashima: The arrangement is now being made between the Japanese and Chinese governments on Mr. Dai's visit to Japan, but no official itinerary has been set yet.

   Q: What is the reaction of the Japanese Government on Chairman Wu Bangguo's visit to Pyongyang?

   Mr. Takashima: We appreciate the Chinese effort for the continuation of the six-party talks. Japan wishes to have the comprehensive solution of the North Korean issues, which include the abduction and missile issues in addition to the nuclear development program of North Korea.