Press Conference 14 December 2004
- Defense cooperation between Japan and the United States of America
- Grassroots human security grant aid to Iraq
- Assistance through the Trust Fund for Human Security for enhancing basic education in Timor-Leste
- Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations on the presidential election in Ghana
- Question concerning attack on the US Consulate-General in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia
- Questions concerning debt reductions for recipients of Japanese aid
- Question concerning debt of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
- Question concerning visit to Japan by His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of Jordan
- Questions concerning security situation in Iraq
- Follow-up questions concerning defense cooperation between Japan and the US
- Questions concerning test firings of ballistic missiles by India and Pakistan
- Question concerning official development assistance (ODA) to China
- Questions concerning Ms. Megumi Yokota
- Question concerning possible economic sanctions on North Korea
- Defense cooperation between Japan and the United States of America
Press Secretary Hatsuhisa Takashima: Good afternoon and thank you very much for coming to the briefing. Today, I would like to make several announcements before I take questions.
The first one is about defense cooperation between Japan and the United States of America.
Representing each government, Minister for Foreign Affairs Nobutaka Machimura and US Ambassador to Japan Howard Baker today exchanged diplomatic notes on cooperation in the development of a ballistic missile defense system. This exchange of notes enables both governments to further cooperate in the field of missile defense by introducing joint evaluation and analysis of ballistic missile defense capabilities, in addition to the existing cooperation such as joint technical study of the components of the missile defense system such as nosecones and infrared seekers.
I would like to add that the cooperation between Japan and the US under this new arrangement will not include technological cooperation at the stage of development or deployment that needs to be decided by the Government of Japan separately. It will also not include exportation of arms as stipulated in the Japanese principle on arms exportation.
Related Information (Japan-The United States Relations)
- Grassroots human security grant aid to Iraq
Mr. Takashima: The second announcement is about the Japanese aid to Iraq.
The Government of Japan has decided to extend a grassroots human security grant aid of about US$353,000 in total to the Agency for Cooperation and Technical Development (ACTED), a French non-governmental organization (NGO), for the implementation of the Project for Improvement of Access to Safe Drinking Water in the Rural Areas of Al-Muthanna, in the southern part of Iraq.
ACTED is supplying water using water tankers in some regions of the Governorate of Al-Muthanna where water supply facilities are especially weak. It has become difficult, however, for ACTED to continue to carry out its activities because of a shortage of funds, and it has asked the Government of Japan for assistance in providing funds necessary for the project, including the rental fee for 44 water tankers.
The project will provide hygienically safe water for about 67,000 residents in the southern part of Samawah, the central city of the governorate, and the surrounding areas, and is expected to help stabilize the peoples' living conditions.
Related Information (Grassroots Human Security Grant Aid to Iraq (Governorate of Al-Muthanna including Samawah))
- Assistance through the Trust Fund for Human Security for enhancing basic education in Timor-Leste
Mr. Takashima: The next announcement is about the assistance to Timor-Leste or East Timor.
The Government of Japan and the United Nations (UN) decided to extend assistance of a total of US$1.169 million through the Trust Fund for Human Security for the program "100 Schools Project: Improving the Quality of Primary Education in East Timor" to be implemented in the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste by the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).
This project aims at supporting Timor-Leste in the area of basic education. The project has three major components of teacher training, supporting school management and conducting education campaigns through parent-teacher associations, which take a common approach of bringing the community and school level personnel together to build capacity at the village level.
The project is expected to support the people and communities in East Timor through enhancing their basic education system.
Related Information (Assistance through the Trust Fund for Human Security for enhancing basic education in Timor-Leste)
- Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations on the presidential election in Ghana
Mr. Takashima: The next announcement is about the statement of the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the presidential election in the Republic of Ghana.
In the presidential election in the Republic of Ghana, it has been confirmed through a free, fair and peaceful electoral process that His Excellency Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor, the current President, will be re-inaugurated as the president of the country. Japan congratulates President Kufuor and the people of Ghana.
Japan expects that Ghana will make further contributions to the realization and maintenance of peace and stability in Africa, in particular in West Africa, by continuously advancing democracy as a model country in Africa.
Related Information (Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Presidential Election in Ghana (Final Election Result Confirmed))
- Question concerning attack on the US Consulate-General in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia
Q: My question regards your statement on the attack on the US Consulate-General in Jiddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In this statement, you did not mention Saudi Arabian Government's efforts to fight against terrorism. You also did not mention your support for the Saudi Government's fight against terrorism. This is what I noticed in your statement. Do you have any comments?
Mr. Takashima: Let me first repeat the statement issued by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the attack on the US Consulate-General in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia. It was issued on 8 December, and it states as follows:
Japan extends heartfelt sympathy for those who were killed and condolences to the bereaved families in the attack on the US Consulate-General in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, that took place at 11 a.m. (Japan time: 5 p.m.) on 6 December local time, and hopes for the quick recovery of the injured.
Japan strongly condemns acts of terrorism that sacrifice innocent people and will cooperate with the international community to eradicate terrorism.
I would like to add that Japan will cooperate with Saudi Arabia which will host an international conference on counterterrorism in February of next year. We take note that this kind of effort by Saudi Arabia is very important to jointly fight against terrorism, as part of the international community as a whole.
The Government of Japan will continue its utmost efforts to secure the safety of Japanese residing in or visiting foreign countries.
Related Information (Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Attack on the U.S. Consulate-General in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia)
- Questions concerning debt reductions for recipients of Japanese aid
Q: I have a question regarding Japan's aid to Iraq for reconstruction. Under the Paris framework, as I recall, members discussed extensively to allow for the waiver of Iraqi public debt. My question is, where does Japan's latest position stand now? The second question is, if Japan allows such a waiver, other borrowers of Japanese aid might ask for similar treatment. If so, have there been any such requests from countries?
Mr. Takashima: Japan, as a member of the Paris Club, will do the same thing as other members of the Club. For instance, in the case of Iraq's public debt, Japan agreed to write-off 80% of the debt the Iraqi Government owes to Japan, along with other member countries of the Paris Club. This is a kind of international cooperation extended to Iraq to reconstruct the nation in the aftermath of the oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein and the military conflict that occurred afterwards.
In talking about debt reductions for other countries, Japan has been extending debt reduction schemes for other countries, especially for the very poor countries in Africa, to reduce the burden of the debt in those countries. This has been done in accordance with international cooperation and Japan's new policy for debt reduction. Doing so for Iraq is in the spirit of cooperation, and we would consider a debt waiver or debt reduction on a case-by-case basis.
Q: So that would mean that if other countries were to experience a similar plight as Iraq, Japan will consider similar debt relief measures?
Mr. Takashima: As I have said, we will consider it on a case-by-case basis. That means that it is up to the situation surrounding the nation concerned.
We believe that debt has to be repaid. That is the principle policy of ours. Also, it is an internationally accepted concept. However, if the financial situation is very severe as to create some sort of unnecessary hardships for the welfare of the people living in a country, we will then consider a debt reduction or debt waiver as a special measure to assist that country in rehabilitating from its state of agony.
Q: Which countries need Japan's debt relief among borrowers of Japanese public sector money?
Mr. Takashima: As a matter of fact, we have already extended debt relief for several countries, mainly in the African continent.
Related Information (The Issue of Iraq)
- Question concerning debt of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Q: On this issue, I am wondering if you have any update on Japan's position on the debt of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. I think I read a report yesterday that His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of Jordan asked Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to consider this kind of debt relief in the same way. Do you have any details on this issue?
Mr. Takashima: Japan has been extending rescheduling of the debt repayment for Jordan several times. In addition to that, the Government of Japan, on the occasion of H.M. King Abdullah's visit to Japan, offered a grant assistance of four billion yen (US$38.0 million) to Jordan to reduce financial difficulties.
Related Information (Japan-Jordan Relations)
- Question concerning visit to Japan by His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of Jordan
Q: Do you have any update on the talks going on today with Jordanian officials?
Mr. Takashima: This morning, Foreign Minister Machimura met with the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Bassem I. Awadallah of Jordan and had a discussion on such issues as assistance for Iraq and others.
Related Information (Japan-Jordan Relations)
- Questions concerning security situation in Iraq
Q: I noticed yesterday that Prime Minister Koizumi and Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda said that Japan is ready to withdraw its units in Iraq if the situation there is not safe enough to continue. Are you waiting for some casualties to happen? In that case, you will make your decision to withdraw the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) from Iraq? The situation in Iraq now is not safe as everybody in the world knows, but you are still waiting to see what will happen. What do you think will happen?
Mr. Takashima: Recently, the Japanese Government decided to extend the stay of the Japanese SDF in Iraq by one year, that means until 14 December 2005. This decision was made under the Law Concerning the Special Measures on Humanitarian and Reconstruction Assistance in Iraq that enables the Government of Japan to dispatch the SDF to Iraq. This law specifically requires the Government to choose a non-combat zone for the dispatch of the SDF. That means, if there is any possibility of the area where the SDF is in right now becoming a combat zone or combat area, the Government of Japan will then have to withdraw its SDF because this is required by law.
At this moment, after very careful consideration, we regard the general situation of the area where the SDF are in, namely the city of Samawah in the southern part of Iraq, to be relatively safe. There were no casualties among the SDF in that area, and no gunshot was fired yet. The situation is as such, and we believe that this situation will continue for another year. That is the reason why we decided to extend the duration of their stay. If there is any change in the circumstances or situation, the Government will then consider either withdrawing or replacing or removing the forces. It is up to the situation and that it is in accordance with the requirement of the law.
Q: You know that the public in Japan is not satisfied by what the Government of Japan is saying about the extension of the SDF mission in Iraq. So what do you think? Who is right-the Government or the public opinion?
Mr. Takashima: The Government believes that its decision based upon a careful study of the situation is right and correct. We believe that our SDF are in a relatively safe area in Iraq. That is the reason why we decided to continue the stay of the SDF. Also, I would like to add that they are very much welcomed by the local people and the local government. What they have been doing in Samawah, namely humanitarian assistance for the provision of safe water to the residents or reconstruction of schools, hospitals and roads-those are very much appreciated by the people in that region. Therefore, we believe that the people in Japan would understand the reason why the Government decided in such a way.
We recognize that more than half of the people surveyed opposed the extension of the stay, but it is the Government's responsibility to decide whether or not to keep the SDF in Iraq for another year, and we decided in such a way.
Related Information (The Issue of Iraq)
- Follow-up questions concerning defense cooperation between Japan and the US
Q: Concerning Japan's missile defense initiative with the US, some countries have expressed concern that this might initiate an arms race in East Asia. What is your reaction toward this kind of operation?
Mr. Takashima: The missile defense system is purely a military system for defense purposes, and there is no other way for it to be used. It is not for offensive purposes, and therefore, we do believe that this will not create an arms race as such.
In addition, Japan needs the capability to defend itself from possible ballistic missile attacks from other countries. Indeed, missiles do exist in this part of the world, and we have to consider that sort of situation. That is the reason why the Government of Japan reached agreement with the US to cooperate on technological research work for a missile defense system. This exchange of notes is within that scope of cooperation, and we will consider further ways and means of cooperation when the time comes.
Q: You said some countries already have missiles. Which countries are they?
Mr. Takashima: North Korea has fired ballistic missiles over the Japanese archipelago once. Also, their missiles landed in the vicinity of Japanese mainisland.
Q: So you have a concern that North Korea might attack Japan?
Mr. Takashima: I am simply stating the fact that North Korea had fired ballistic missiles twice-one flew over the Japanese archipelago and one landed in the Sea of Japan.
Q: So Japan does not consider other missiles in the area such as in the Republic of India, the People's Republic of China, and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as threats? So you think these are not threats to Japan?
Mr. Takashima: We are fully aware that some of the missiles owned by some countries are capable of reaching Japan.
Q: So they are threats to Japan?
Mr. Takashima: That is a matter of fact.
Q: Can you give me a little more detail, if you have any, regarding this missile defense system? What kind of technologies and devices are going to be jointly developed with the US? You mentioned that under the existing, previous agreement, the nosecone development. What kind of technologies?
Mr. Takashima: The technological research for some components of the missile defense system is now being done between Japan and the US. Not the entire system but some components of the system are being studied. This exchange of notes extends to some extent the areas of cooperation in capability assessment, analysis and evaluation type of work.
Q: Can you describe what kind of components or technologies Japan can offer the US?
Mr. Takashima: As I have stated, nosecones or infrared seekers. Two more technological research works are now being conducted between Japan and the US.
Q: Do they possibly include smart chips or semiconductors?
Mr. Takashima: I am not aware of that.
Q: Does Japan understand the need of other countries to develop their own missiles also for defense?
Mr. Takashima: My understanding is that there are countries in the world where the study on the missile defense systems is now being done.
Q: So Japan understands that this is their right in the same way that Japan has the right to develop and research its own missile defense?
Mr. Takashima: As I have said, the ballistic missile defense system is purely a defense equipment. It has no other uses.
Related Information (Japan-The United States Relations)
- Questions concerning test firings of ballistic missiles by India and Pakistan
Q: I think India recently fired some test-missiles as well as Pakistan. What was the Japanese reaction on this issue?
Mr. Takashima: We made a protest, and we expressed deep concern. We urged them not to repeat.
Q: But do they not have the right to develop missiles in the same way that Japan has the right to develop missiles?
Mr. Takashima: As I have said, the Japanese missile defense system is only for defense. The missiles you are mentioning are offensive missiles.
Q: So Japan supports defensive missiles but not offensive missile technology?
Mr. Takashima: Japan needs to defend itself.
Q: So they developed missiles, and yet Japan provides assistance to countries that are developing offensive missiles. Are you not concerned that you are supporting countries that are developing weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the same way that you expressed this concern when you accused Iraq of producing such weapons and stopped all kinds of assistance to Iraq?
Mr. Takashima: Under the careful consideration of Japan's foreign policy, Japan decided to resume official development assistance (ODA) both to India and Pakistan. Assistance to those countries were suspended when they conducted nuclear tests several years ago.
Related Information (Missile Non-Proliferation)
- Question concerning official development assistance (ODA) to China
Q: There is a big debate in Japan concerning the extension of ODA to China. Are you really going to stop the ODA to China?
Mr. Takashima: The Government of Japan has been studying the necessity and size of ODA to each country receiving Japanese ODA. We make up a country-by-country plan of ODA. In the case of China, within a year or two, the Government of Japan will make a thorough study of the future plan of ODA to China. In that study, we will consider how much ODA should be extended to China. At this moment, we do not have any plan to suspend or stop or abolish any sort of ODA. We believe that China still requires assistance from Japan, especially in the fields of environmental protection. ODA has been utilized very effectively in China, and we are very much pleased that this kind of assistance is also welcomed by the Chinese Government and people.
Related Information (Japan-China Relations)
- Questions concerning Ms. Megumi Yokota
Q: North Korea handed over to Foreign Ministry officials who visited Pyongyang the remains of Ms. Megumi Yokota. Japanese Foreign Ministry officials accepted both the remains and the explanation that North Korea gave, that those remains are bona fide bones of Ms. Megumi Yokota. I personally think Foreign Ministry officials should apologize for accepting the remains. What are your comments?
Mr. Takashima: I can only say that in Pyongyang, Foreign Ministry officials had no way or mean to identify whether the remains were those of Ms. Megumi Yokota. The only way to find out is by conducting scientific analyses in Japan. Therefore, we used a chartered flight to keep the condition of the so-called bones and remains as intact as possible and to quickly deliver them to scientific research centers. Thanks to those arrangements, the scientists in Japan were able to find out that those bones were not those of Ms. Yokota.
Q: Have Foreign Ministry officials asked North Korea whether those remains were bona fide? Can you confirm on what ground the Japanese side decided to accept those bones?
Mr. Takashima: Actually, the story we were told is that the body of Ms. Megumi Yokota was buried. Then her husband recovered it and cremated it. He kept the remains of the bones at his own residence. At one time, during the course of the discussion between Japanese and North Korean officials, the said husband handed over to Japanese officials the case which contained the remains of Mr. Yokota's so-called bones. So there was no other way but to take the bones back to Japan and conduct studies. That was it. After we got the report from the laboratory that the remains were not those of Ms. Yokota, we made a protest to the North Korean side through diplomatic channels, and we urged them to give us an explanation as to why this happened.
Q: Can you confirm local Japanese reports that Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau Mitoji Yabunaka of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs went into a room by himself to accept those remains or bones from the North Korean side? If so, why did he go into that space alone?
Mr. Takashima: I do not have such information.
Related Information (Japan-North Korea Relations Abduction Cases of Japanese Nationals)
- Question concerning possible economic sanctions on North Korea
Q: Is Japan seriously considering sanctions on North Korea?
Mr. Takashima: Economic sanctions is one of the options we have under the law. We are considering how to respond to North Korea in various ways, but we have not decided one way or the other. We have to wait until the full report of the analysis of the materials is given to us.
Related Information (Japan-North Korea Relations)
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