Press Conference 31 August 2004

1. Invitation of Iraqi athletes to Japan
2. Invitation of young Iraqi diplomats to Japan
3. Invitation of trainees of the Muthanna TV Station to Japan
4. Message from Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi concerning presidential election in Chechnya
5. Upcoming visit to Japan by local administrative officials from the Russian Far East
6. Japan's accession to Protocols I and II of Geneva Conventions
7. Campaign period for 50th anniversary of Colombo Plan
8. Question concerning recent visit by members of Defense Agency to the US Department of Defense
9. Questions concerning planned inspection by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of the Northern Territories
10. Questions concerning "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue
11. Questions concerning security situation in Iraq
12. Follow-up questions concerning Northern Territories
13. Question concerning reported death of the wife of Chairman Kim Jong-Il

1. Invitation of Iraqi athletes to Japan

   Assistant Press Secretary Akira Chiba: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for coming. I would like to start today's briefing. Today I have ready for you three sets of announcements. The first set deals with Iraq, the second set deals with the Russian Federation, and the third set with other matters.

   The first set of announcements concerning Iraq is composed of three pieces of information. The first one concerns the decision of the Government of Japan to invite eight Iraqi athletes from 1 to 15 September, who will take part in the Pan-Arab Sports Games in judo and track and field competitions to be held in the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria later that month. This is another realization of our policy to assist Iraqi athletes aiming to participate in international competitions.

   The eight athletes will participate in intensive training and adjustment in cooperation with the All Japan Judo Federation and the Japan Track and Field Federation. During their stay, they will also pay courtesy calls on Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Isao Matsumiya, Chairperson of the Special Committee for Iraq of the House of Representatives Toshiji Saito, and Chairperson of the Special Committee for Iraq of the House of Councillors Toyoaki Ota. After their stay, they will move to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to join the main Iraqi national team. The invitation is expected to promote friendly relations with Iraq and understanding of Japan on the part of Iraqis. The participation of Iraqi athletes in the games is expected to strengthen the hopes and solidarity of the people of Iraq striving for reconstruction of their country.

   Related Information (Visit to Japan by the Members of Iraq's National Team for the Arab Games)
   
2. Invitation of young Iraqi diplomats to Japan

   Mr. Chiba: The second piece of information concerns the decision of the Japanese Government to train 19 young Iraqi diplomats from 5 September to 14 October. This is in response to the request made by the Foreign Ministry of Iraq.

   The aim of this training is not only capacity building of young Iraqi diplomats but also promotion of friendly relations with Iraq, through providing future diplomats with broad knowledge on foreign policy, politics, economy, society, history and culture of Japan, and through having them witness the actual situation of this country.

   Lectures will be given to these diplomats in various fields including Japanese foreign policy both region wise and field wise, official development assistance (ODA), security and international law. At the same time, visits are scheduled to the Diet, judicial courts, educational institutions and the media as well as inspection tours out of town.

   The German Embassy will also participate in the training, in materialization of the agreement between Japan and the Federal Republic of Germany to pursue cooperation on assistance for Iraq. This training will be undertaken as a program of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

   Related Information (The Issue of Iraq)
   
3. Invitation of trainees of the Muthanna TV Station to Japan

   Mr. Chiba: The third piece of information concerns the fact that the Government of Japan will receive 11 trainees of the Muthanna TV Station from 6 September to 8 October, concerning broadcasting, in cooperation with the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK).

   The Muthanna TV Station is a public station situated in Samawa of the Governorate of Al-Muthanna to the south of Iraq. The training will involve planning, interviewing, filming and editing and will be undertaken as a program of JICA as well, aiming at the comprehensive upgrading of technique.

   The training is expected to promote production of good programs that will play a positive role in the dissemination of information as well as formulation of public opinion in the regional community of Iraq.

   The Japanese Government has decided earlier to provide filming equipment including cameras and editing equipment including video decks to the said TV station. Efficient usage of Japanese ODA is also expected through the provision of technique relevant to employment and maintenance of such equipment.

   Three of the 11 trainees will further stay in Japan for two weeks to cover stories on Japan's postwar reconstruction and pre-school education of Japan. The Muthanna TV Station will air two series of the results.

   Related Information (The Issue of Iraq)
   
4. Message from Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi concerning presidential election in Chechnya

   Mr. Chiba: The second set of announcements consists of two pieces of information concerning Japan-Russia relations.

   First, upon completion of the presidential election of the Republic of Chechnya, Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi issued a message for Minister for Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov of Russia through the Embassy of Japan in Moscow as follows:

   I have been informed that the presidential election of the Chechen Republic ended basically peacefully without major confusion. It is my understanding that this election is an important step towards the consolidation of the Chechen Republic and is of utmost importance for the efforts by the Russian Government for political solution of the Chechen issue. It is my hope that the peaceful completion of the election will lead to promotion of further political solution of the Chechen issue.

   Related Information (Japan-Russia Relations)
   
5. Upcoming visit to Japan by local administrative officials from the Russian Far East

   Mr. Chiba: The second piece is an information clip for you. A group of 12 local administrative officials from the Russian Far East will visit Japan from 1 to 7 September at the invitation of the Japan-Russia Youth Exchange Committee.

   The group, the majority of which is composed of female officials whose average age is 32, will visit Tokyo, Hokkaido, Kyoto and Niigata, to exchange views with local officials, deepen their understanding on the Japanese administrative system as well as international exchange by localities, and will promote their understanding of Japan through cultural experience programs.

   Related Information (Japan-Russia Relations)
   
6. Japan's accession to Protocols I and II of Geneva Conventions

   Mr. Chiba: The first piece of the third set of announcements concerns the decision made by the Japanese Cabinet this morning to join Protocols I and II of the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the protection of victims of international armed conflicts. Japan will deposit instruments of accession with the Government of the Swiss Confederation today. The protocols will come into effect for Japan six months from today, that is, 28 February 2005.

   The legislation of seven emergency-related laws were established in the 159th Diet session, providing basis for appropriate implementation of international humanitarian laws including the two protocols.

   Japan's accession will promote protection of the life and property of Japanese nationals as well as the development of international humanitarian law in the international community, thereby increasing international confidence in Japan.

7. Campaign period for 50th anniversary of Colombo Plan

   Mr. Chiba: The final piece of information concerns ODA. I would like to make an announcement that the campaign period for the 50th anniversary of Japan's international cooperation will be launched from 1 September to 30 November 2004.

   The year 2004 marks the 50th anniversary of Japan's participation in the Colombo plan on 6 October 1954. We celebrate the 50th anniversary of Japan's provision of ODA to friendly countries.

   You may consult the homepage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to find out what concrete activities will be undertaken. There will be a lot of activities that will be going on in town.

   Related Information (The 50th Anniversary of Japan's International Cooperation)
   
   
8. Question concerning recent visit by members of Defense Agency to the US Department of Defense

   Q: Can you tell us anything about the recent visit made by members of the Defense Agency to Washington DC?

   Mr. Chiba: Director-General of North American Affairs Bureau Shin Ebihara of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Director-General of Defense Policy Bureau Kazuki Iihara of the Defense Agency visited the United States of America from 27 August to discuss the various issues concerning the defense arrangements of the two countries. They covered a range of issues. A concrete briefing was given in Washington DC.

   To go back to the briefing that was given, Director-General of North American Affairs Bureau Ebihara of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Director-General of Defense Policy Bureau Iihara of the Defense Agency went to Washington DC to discuss matters of mutual interest at the US Department of Defense. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage of the US, Deputy Defense Undersecretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs Richard Lawless of the US, Senior Director for Asia Michael Green of the National Security Council and Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz of the US also showed up briefly at the meeting.

   The exchange of opinions involved how we can discuss the matters concerning the transformation of US forces and various aspects of Japan-US security arrangements. Concerning the transformation of US forces, we have confirmed with the US side that the important thing is to maintain deterrence of US forces in Japan while being mindful of the alleviation of burden to the people of Okinawa. We told the US side that we would like to show our views regarding the transformation of US forces in Japan, and the US side responded by saying that they are waiting for Japan's explanation on this issue.

   Concerning the CH-53D helicopter crash, the Japanese side once again conveyed our regrets. If we had been unlucky, lives might have been lost in this accident. We asked the US side to investigate thoroughly as to what caused the mishap.

   As for the flight of CH-53D helicopters, we asked the US side that they should be considerate of the strong anxiety showed by the people of Okinawa on this issue and that we would like the US side to reconsider flying the helicopters until a thorough explanation is given on the causes and measures so that this type of accident does not happen again. The US side responded that this issue will be followed up by Commander of US Forces in Japan, Lieutenant General Thomas C. Wascow in Okinawa.

   This is the outline of the briefing that was made in Washington DC.

   Related Information (Japan-The United States Relations)
   
9. Questions concerning planned inspection by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of the Northern Territories

   Q: The Russian Foreign Ministry has criticized Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's planned visit to Hokkaido to inspect the Northern Territories. They think it may negatively influence Japan-Russia relations. What are your comments?

   Mr. Chiba: I am aware of the comment made by the Russian side today. Our position is that these are Japanese territories, and there should be no reason that an inspection by Prime Minister Koizumi of the Northern Territories would complicate Japan's relations with Russia.

   Q: Who invited the local administrative officials from the Russian Far East?

   Mr. Chiba: It is the Japan-Russia Youth Exchange Committee.

   Q: Is it an official body?

   Mr. Chiba: It is an official body. As I understand, it is an international organization.

   Q: How do you think this inspection of the Northern Territories will affect the Northern Territories issues diplomatically?

   Mr. Chiba: The issue surrounding the Northern Territories is an ongoing issue. The Russian side is quite serious about discussing the matter with us. As for actual diplomatic talks, I think I should refrain from commenting.

   Q: Has the Russian Government conveyed their dissatisfaction to the Japanese Government through formal diplomatic channels?

   Mr. Chiba: As far as I know, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a comment. It is not directed directly to Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs through diplomatic channels.

   Related Information (Japan's Northern Territories)
   
10. Questions concerning "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue

    Q: Regarding Foreign Minister Kawaguchi's visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan, there was a reference to the "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue in the press release. Could you give us some background as to what that is?

    Mr. Chiba: The "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue was launched this time in Astana, Kazakhstan. This is aimed at consolidating cooperation between Japan and the Central Asian countries. We plan to carry on with this Dialogue, and we are planning to have additional sessions of this Dialogue. This was the first one that was launched during Foreign Minister Kawaguchi's visit to Central Asia.

    Q: What type of cooperation? Is it economic cooperation? If so, is that possibly in oil transportation or that type of cooperation?

    Mr. Chiba: It covers a broad range of regional cooperation: consolidation of peace, economic cooperation as you mentioned, social development, cooperation in the areas of energy and environment as well as cultural exchange. These are examples of the broad range of cooperation that is envisaged for this Dialogue.

    Q: I would like to know whether Central Asian countries have similar dialogues with China and Russia. Is there a similar dialogue existing between Central Asia and China or Central Asia and Russia?

    Mr. Chiba: There are a number of groups, if I may say so, of dialogue or consultations involving Central Asia. We are part of those. This one concerns the framework that will be established between Japan and Central Asia.

    Related Information (PRESS RELEASE "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue/Foreign Ministers Meeting - Relations between Japan and Central Asia enter a New Era -)
    
11. Questions concerning security situation in Iraq

    Q: Recently, there have been many attacks in the area where the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF) are stationed in Iraq involving mortars or shells. How do you describe the situation there?

    Mr. Chiba: There have been some explosions close to the camps of the SDF deployed in Samawa. At this stage, it is not possible for me to confirm if they were attacks aimed at our troops there. As far as I know, there are no continuing incidents of explosions in that area.

    Q: Is Japan planning to provide assistance to ordinary Iraqi citizens to facilitate the process that they must undergo to acquire visas? I heard that procedures to grant visas to Iraqis are very difficult. A lot of assistance has been provided to the Iraqis in the Samawa area. Do you think the Japanese Government will facilitate the visa procedures for Iraqi citizens?

    Mr. Chiba: That is a very interesting suggestion, and I will convey that to the relevant colleagues in the Foreign Ministry. To date, there are no concrete plans of what you mentioned.

    Related Information (The Issue of Iraq)
    
12. Follow-up questions concerning Northern Territories

    Q: What is the situation with regard to the negotiations on the Northern Territories? When is the next planned meeting between the Japanese and Russian sides on the question of the Northern Territories?

    Mr. Chiba: I am sorry, I do not have concrete information on that.

    Q: There is no meeting planned?

    Mr. Chiba: That is to say, I am not aware of them. I have to check for information on concrete plans.

    Q: If there were a meeting planned, you would be aware of it? I am asking whether the negotiations have come to a standstill. Is there any diplomatic initiative underway at the moment with regard to the question of the Northern Territories?

    Mr. Chiba: I do not know if this is a straight answer to your question, but of course, the issue is a very important one. We have been continuing our dialogue with the Russian side, aiming at the visit of President Vladimir Putin of Russia early next year. As I said before, I am not aware of any concrete dates set for any specific dialogue. I can tell you that this is an issue that is not one we can just let sit around.

    Related Information (Japan's Northern Territories)
    
13. Question concerning reported death of the wife of Chairman Kim Jong-Il

    Q: What does the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs know about the reported death of the wife of Chairman of the National Defense Committee of North Korea Kim Jong-Il?

    Mr. Chiba: We have read media reports about her demise, but we do not have any concrete information on this.

    Related Information (Japan-North Korea Relations)