Press Conference 18 October 2005
- Upcoming visit to Japan by President George W. Bush of the United States of America
- Presentation of Foreign Minister's Commendation to Mr. Hitoshi Arayashiki, Representative of the East Timor Office, OISCA International
- National referendum on the draft constitution of Iraq
- Emergency grant aid in response to large-scale earthquake disaster in Pakistan
- Japan's election as a member of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations
- Adoption of the Protocol for the Amendment to the "International Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation, 1988" and to the "Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf, 1988"
- Second Japan-EU Talks on Counter-Terrorism
- Visit to Japan by Minister of Foreign Affairs Monyane Moleleki of the Kingdom of Lesotho
- Visit to Japan by Prime Minister Denzil Douglas of Saint Christopher and Nevis
- Cancellation of visit to Japan by President of the Council of Ministers Silvio Berlusconi of the Republic of Italy
- Cultural grant aid to the Republic of Niger
- Question concerning visit by Minister for Foreign Affairs MACHIMURA Nobutaka to the People's Republic of China
- Questions concerning visit by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to the Yasukuni Shrine
- Follow-up question concerning visit by President Bush
- Question concerning Japan-China meeting on the sideline of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Meeting in Pusan, ROK
- Question concerning visit to Japan by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld of the US
- Questions concerning realignment of US forces
- Upcoming visit to Japan by President George W. Bush of the United States of America
Deputy Press Secretary Tomohiko Taniguchi: Good afternoon. As usual, I have announcements to make before taking questions. First about the visit of President George W. Bush of the United States of America (US).
President Bush will visit Japan on 15 and 16 November and have Japan-US summit talks with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in Kyoto. Other issues like itinerary are still being discussed and coordinated.
- Presentation of Foreign Minister's Commendation to Mr. Hitoshi Arayashiki, Representative of the East Timor Office, OISCA International
Mr. Taniguchi: Secondly, about a person who has been working hard in East Timor whom Minister for Foreign Affairs MACHIMURA Nobutaka is going to commend. The announcement goes as follows:
On 18 October, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will present a Foreign Minister's Commendation to Mr. Hitoshi Arayashiki, Representative of the East Timor Office, OISCA International, for his efforts and distinctive achievements in contributing to Japan's technical cooperation in the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. For two years from August 2002, Mr. Arayashiki worked to transfer agricultural technology at the model farm he opened under the harsh environment in East Timor in the early post-independence days, and he continues to contribute to strengthening Japan-East Timor relations up to the present.
- National referendum on the draft constitution of Iraq
Mr. Taniguchi: The next item is about the Iraqi election.
On 15 October, the national referendum was held as you know, and Japan does welcome this as it represents an important step in the development of Iraq's political process.
Japan pays respect to the endeavors of the Iraqi Transitional Government which carried out the national referendum, and to the people of Iraq who went to the polling stations despite all the difficulties especially in terms of security situations. Japan also appreciates the efforts by the United Nations (UN) which cooperated in the implementation of the referendum.
Our hope is that the Iraqi people's nation-building efforts will proceed with harmonious coordination among religious and ethnic groups, and Japan intends to continue providing active support along with the international community.
- Emergency grant aid in response to large-scale earthquake disaster in Pakistan
Mr. Taniguchi: Next, about the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
On 14 October, the Government of Japan decided to extend an emergency grant assistance amounting to US$12 million out of the total amount of US$20 million previously decided as the grant aid for the relief efforts for the people affected by the large-scale earthquake in Pakistan.
On 18 October, the Government of Japan decided to provide the remaining US$8 million for emergency assistance through the international organizations as follows. Details will be posted on the website but let me just briefly read them out.
For the World Food Programme (WFP), US$2.5 million to supply food. To the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the same amount, US$2.5 million, to supply water and hygiene facilities. Thirdly, to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), US$1 million to supply shelter. Fourthly, to the World Health Organization (WHO), the same amount, US$1 million, to supply health care, and fifthly and lastly, to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the same amount, US$1 million, to supply transportation.
This amounts to the promised amount of US$20 million, which is, if my memory is correct, approximately the same size as what the United Kingdom (UK) has pledged and second biggest following the US.
- Japan's election as a member of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations
Mr. Taniguchi: In terms of the UN, at the election for membership of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the UN on 17 October at the 60th session of the UN General Assembly, Japan was again re-elected. As a result, Japan will serve as a member from 2006 to 2008, which will make the 15th term of its service. We take the result seriously as it demonstrates that the role that Japan has played and Japan's contribution to the economic and social field in the international community have been appreciated very much in the UN, and as it shows expectations for Japan's further contribution in the future. It is necessary for the international community to further address actively the issues of nation-building and development of developing countries for world peace and prosperity, while striking a good balance between environment and development. Certainly Japan would like to continue exercising leadership, in concert with the UN and other member states.
- Adoption of the Protocol for the Amendment to the "International Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation, 1988" and to the "Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf, 1988"
Mr. Taniguchi: The next one is a little bit technical but nonetheless Japan welcomes the adoption of the Protocol for the Amendment to the "International Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation, 1988" and to the "Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf, 1988" at the diplomatic conference of the International Maritime Organization that was held on 14 October, last Friday. The protocol contributes to the prevention of unlawful acts using vessels at sea and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and Japan values the adoption as a meaningful move to demonstrate the stance of the international community that it is unified to tackle measures against international terrorism and nonproliferation.
So this is all part of Japan's efforts to tackle terrorism and nonproliferation issues.
Following this adoption, Japan will proceed with necessary examinations toward its conclusion and, at the same time, hopes that other state parties and international organizations will also promote their efforts for the same purpose.
- Second Japan-EU Talks on Counter-Terrorism
Mr. Taniguchi: There is going to be a meeting between Japan and the European Union (EU), that is the Second Japan-EU Talks on Counter-Terrorism, which will be held today, 18 October, in Tokyo. The participants on the Japanese side will be officials concerned headed by Mr. Tadamichi Yamamoto, Ambassador in charge of International Counter-Terrorism; and on the EU side, officials concerned headed by Mr. Gijs de Vries, European Union Counter-Terrorism Coordinator. At the talks, the participants will take up wide-ranging issues on the state of international terrorism and counter-terrorism measures as a whole.
- Visit to Japan by Minister of Foreign Affairs Monyane Moleleki of the Kingdom of Lesotho
Mr. Taniguchi: About some of the visits of foreign dignitaries, first, from the country of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Minister of Foreign Affairs Monyane Moleleki, accompanied by a suite, is visiting Japan from 17 to 22 October as Guest of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. During his stay, Foreign Minister Moleleki will be received by His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince, and will meet with key officials of the Government of Japan including Foreign Minister MACHIMURA to exchange wide-ranging views on international issues.
- Visit to Japan by Prime Minister Denzil Douglas of Saint Christopher and Nevis
Mr. Taniguchi: Also from a Caribbean nation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Prime Minister Denzil Douglas of Saint Christopher and Nevis is visiting Japan from 17 to 25 October. During his stay, Prime Minister Douglas will have talks with key officials of the Government of Japan to exchange views on such issues as promotion of Japan-Saint Christopher and Nevis relations, cooperation in the international arena, etc.
- Cancellation of visit to Japan by President of the Council of Ministers Silvio Berlusconi of the Republic of Italy
Mr. Taniguchi: There was a cancellation of the visit of President of the Council of Ministers Silvio Berlusconi of the Republic of Italy due to domestic reasons like the constitutional reform that is going on in that country. That was announced already.
- Cultural grant aid to the Republic of Niger
Mr. Taniguchi: Lastly about ODA. The Government of Japan has decided to extend to the Government of the Republic of Niger a cultural grant aid of up to 40.3 million yen to enable the office of Radio and Television of Niger to purchase equipment for the improvement of TV programs and Broadcasting. The details will be posted on the website.
- Question concerning visit by Minister for Foreign Affairs MACHIMURA Nobutaka to the People's Republic of China
Q: My question is about Foreign Minister MACHIMURA's possible visit to Beijing this weekend. I have been hearing reports from the Japanese media saying that his visit to Beijing has been cancelled. Can I confirm this with you?
Mr. Taniguchi: I cannot confirm because no such announcement was made about a cancellation up to now. Foreign Minister MACHIMURA hopes very much that he would be able to visit Beijing, so there has been no cancellation as of now.
- Questions concerning visit by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to the Yasukuni Shrine
Q: A related question, could you give us an assessment of what the fallout has been diplomatically from Prime Minister Koizumi's visit yesterday to Yasukuni Shrine? I have one source of mine saying that about 90% of the meetings on the calendar between Japan and the People's Republic of China have been cancelled. Also, there are talks that discussions with the Republic of Korea (ROK) are also being cancelled or postponed. What sort of assessment can you give us of the fallout?
Mr. Taniguchi: On 15 October, there was a meeting between Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Shotaro Yachi and his counterpart, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Dai Bing Guo of China. The bilateral meeting between these two gentlemen was held as scheduled on 15 October. There was a press report which stated that the meeting was scheduled to be extended to the next day, which was cancelled. That report is not grounded because from the beginning, the meeting on the next day, 16 October, was scheduled to substitute the meeting on the previous day, 15 October. So from the beginning there was no agreement between the two nations, Japan and China, to extend the bilateral meeting for another day. Therefore, it was not a cancellation.
In terms of cancellation, yes, on 16 October, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Wu Dawei of China met with Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau Kenichiro Sasae of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Sasae made a courtesy call on Mr. Wu Dawei on 16 October. On the next day, 17 October, Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs Cui Tiankai of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China was scheduled to meet with Mr. Sasae, but our Embassy in Beijing was approached by the Foreign Ministry of China which stated that that meeting would be cancelled. In terms of cancellation, that is it.
In terms of bilateral ministerial meetings between Japan and China, the itinerary and so on are still being coordinated and discussed. So as I announced previously, there have been no cancellations yet.
In terms of Japan-ROK relationship, it is the hope of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan that everything will go on smoothly as scheduled.
Let me just take this opportunity to note that Foreign Minister MACHIMURA has repeatedly mentioned that if there is any problem of any sort between Japan and its neighboring nations, we have to meet as frequently as possible. Foreign Minister MACHIMURA still very much hopes to meet with his counterpart in China. It is the hope of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government of Japan that the meeting between the leaders of Japan and the ROK will be held as scheduled.
Q: I think I saw on the websites of your Embassies in Beijing and Seoul warnings for the Japanese residents of the possibility of so-called anti-Japan protests there. Are you in contact with, for instance, Chinese and ROK Government officials on the matter and asking them to step up security around your Embassies?
Mr. Taniguchi: It is my understanding that, in general terms, the Government of Japan has asked Beijing to prevent any sort of disruptions from happening as it regards to the safety, health, and well-being of Japanese citizens in China.
Q: To what extent? Have you heard about how many security guards are there?
Mr. Taniguchi: I am not informed of that. I do not think there has been the same degree of protests as before.
Q: Related to that, I was told that the various agencies of the Government of Japan have also gone on alert for cyber attacks against Japanese Government and other websites in light of the visit yesterday. Have you received any reports of any increase in cyber attacks?
Mr. Taniguchi: You are right, there have been incidents before where some websites, including the website of our Embassy in Beijing and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have been under attack by unknown sources. But to date, I have seen no such attacks.
Q: Yesterday, Prime Minister Koizumi visited the Yasukuni Shrine. There was a visit by Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau Sasae to Beijing. He wanted to discuss the issue of gas fields, but Beijing seemed to have refused to hold this meeting. What does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hope to do?
Mr. Taniguchi: Thank you very much for your question. First, there has been no announcement that came officially from a Chinese source, be it from the Government or wherever, that a scheduled meeting about gas fields was going to be cancelled. So I cannot answer your question if it is based on a presupposition that the gas field meeting has been cancelled. I should repeat once again that it is the position of the Government of Japan that we would like to solve whatever issues through dialogues and discussions, and that applies also to this gas field issue. We would very much like to have another meeting that was scheduled in Beijing to solve this issue of the East China Sea gas fields.
- Follow-up question concerning visit by President Bush
Q: Could you be somewhat more precise about President Bush's visit? What items are they going to discuss? Which places is he going to visit besides Kyoto?
Mr. Taniguchi: Both nations are working very hard to narrow down those issues so there is very little I can say other than the announcement that I gave you.
- Question concerning Japan-China meeting on the sideline of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Meeting in Pusan, ROK
Q: There is going to be an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Pusan in November. Is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs trying to hold a Japan-China summit meeting between Prime Minister Koizumi and President Hu Jintao of China?
Mr. Taniguchi: Prime Minister Koizumi and Foreign Minister MACHIMURA and others of the Japanese Government have time and again stressed that we need to talk and have as many opportunities as possible for bilateral leadership dialogues. I think it is the position of the Japanese Government that if there is going to be a bilateral on the sideline of the APEC meeting between your President and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, that would be great.
- Question concerning visit to Japan by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld of the US
Q: Speaking of visitors and people not coming, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld of the US is in the region this week but he apparently is not coming to Japan as was originally scheduled. He will be going to Mongolia, for example, apparently instead of Japan. There are reports from Washington that Mr. Rumsfeld was upset that the bilateral issue regarding the US bases was not settled and that that was the reason why he decided not to stop in Japan this week. What information do you have?
Mr. Taniguchi: Actually your question is based on a lot of reports that you and I have seen in newspapers and other sources. First, no one can be sure if the visit was planned originally and then was cancelled. Perhaps I should urge the members of the press to talk to the Pentagon to see if in the first place there was such a plan. My understanding was that there was not. So you cannot cancel a plan which did not exist in the first place.
Other than that, in terms of the idea that the visit was cancelled because the US was dissatisfied with the pace and speed of the dialogue between the two nations, I do not think that was really the case because the two Governments are working very hard and harder still of late to solve the very issue that you mentioned, namely, the base realignments involving Okinawa. It is safe to say that the Governments of Japan and the US are increasingly hopeful that we can solve the issue in due course.
- Questions concerning realignment of US forces
Q: As a follow-up to that, is there a meeting between Japan and the US scheduled to settle the US base issue? What will be the next step?
Mr. Taniguchi: There will be. I cannot say at this point exactly when and where.
Q: I have been hearing that Japan is preparing a mid-term report by the end of this month. Is it just a report which will be formulated by the Japan side or will there be discussions with the US side to form that report?
Mr. Taniguchi: We all should understand that what is going on in terms of base realignments involves many parties, not only Japan and the US, because this is part of a very global, overall picture, namely, the global posture review and force transformation that is going on in the US. Okinawa is just a part of it.
If you use the word "mid-term report," that sounds very much like a half-way report, which it is not because if you look at the situation from a broader context, as I said, this pretty much deals with a very broad picture in the first place. In terms of base realignments that concern Japan, everything will take time. Nonetheless, Japan and the US have accelerated their pace to solve this issue so please be patient to see the result.
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