Press Conference 15 November 2005
- Telephone conversation between Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and President Pervez Musharaff of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
- Telephone conversation between Prime Minister Koizumi and King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
- Visit to Japan by President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin of the Russian Federation and Mrs. Putina
- Japan's observer status to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
- Visit to Japan by First Vice Speaker Mohammad Reza Bahonar of the Islamic Republic of Iran
- Grant aid to the Republic of Djibouti
- Visit to Japan by His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco
- Questions on the state of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Republic of Peru following arrest of former President of the Republic of Peru Alberto Fujimori
- Question regarding denuclearization of North Korea
- Questions concerning upcoming diplomatic meetings between Japan and Russia
- Questions concerning request by the Ainus given to the Governments of Japan and Russia
- Questions on diplomatic meetings during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit Meeting
- Announcement concerning Japan's avian influenza countermeasures package to be announced at the APEC Summit Meeting
- Follow-up questions concerning Japanese and international avian influenza countermeasures
- Telephone conversation between Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and President Pervez Musharaff of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Deputy Press Secretary Tomohiko Taniguchi: Good afternoon. May I begin today's conference by celebrating the "royal" marriage. Her Imperial Highness Princess Sayako married Mr. Yoshiki Kuroda today, and the nation has rejoiced in their happiness and the happiness of the royal household, and we wish them even more of it in the future. So it has been a good day, and a day for celebration.
The first item is the telephone conversation between Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and President Pervez Musharaff of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. President Musharaff made a phone call to Prime Minister Koizumi and talked for about 15 minutes from 9:00 pm on Monday, 14 November. At the outset Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his feelings of mourning to the victims of the earthquake and also paid respect to the strong leadership shown in the difficult situation.
President Musharaff expressed his gratitude for Japan's emergency assistance. President Musharaff said that he paid a visit to Japan's helicopter units the other day, and that he was impressed by the excellent work done by the Self-Defense Forces (SDF). Prime Minister Koizumi in return said that he received a report from the SDF that they were deeply moved by the president's visit and by the fact that President Musharaff himself gave words of encouragement to them.
President Musharaff said that the current challenge is rehabilitation and reconstruction of the afflicted areas. In this regard he said that the Pakistani Government, the United Nations (UN), the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank are jointly carrying out a needs-finding study, and there is need for houses, schools, and hospitals in the areas. He also noted that the "International donor conference for rehabilitation and reconstruction of the areas devastated by the earthquake of 8 October" is scheduled to be held on 19 November, and that President Musharaff himself will attend the meeting and call for the support of the international community. President Musharaff said that he has two requests for Japan: (1) dispatch of a delegation of a certain level to show solidarity, and (2) Japan's generous support for rehabilitation and reconstruction. Prime Minister Koizumi responded that Japan will extend as much support as possible for rehabilitation and reconstruction and that Japan will consider what kind of assistance could be possible. As for the level of the delegation, Prime Minister Koizumi said that he will dispatch a Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Prime Minister Koizumi also said to President Musharaff that he truly respects the President's decisiveness to fight against terrorism without being overwhelmed by the earthquake. The President responded that Pakistan is committed to the fight against terrorism and will continue such endeavors.
- Telephone conversation between Prime Minister Koizumi and King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Mr. Taniguchi: Also, there was a telephone conversation between King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Prime Minister Koizumi of Japan that began at 9:45 pm on 14 November that continued for about seven minutes. The phone call came from King Abdullah II, who expressed appreciation for the condolences that Prime Minister Koizumi sent to Jordan in conjunction with the horrible terrorist attack that happened in that country on 9 November. King Abdullah II said he was also in receipt of Japan's message that Japan is committed to preventing terrorism from occurring. In return, Prime Minister Koizumi once again sent heartfelt condolences to the victims of this terrorist attack, and supported the steadfast attitude of King Abdullah II against any sort of terrorism. Prime Minister Koizumi also paid deep respect to the outstanding leadership shown by King Abdullah II in order to bring about peace to the Middle East and the greater Middle East region and wished King Abdullah II his best. That was the gist of the conversation between Prime Minister Koizumi and King Abdullah II.
- Visit to Japan by President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin of the Russian Federation and Mrs. Putina
Mr. Taniguchi: The next item is about the visit to Japan by President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin of the Russian Federation. President Putin and Mrs. Lyudmila Aleksandrovna Putina, wife of the President, accompanied by a suite, will pay an official working visit to Japan from 20 to 22 November 2005. During their stay in Japan, President Putin and Mrs. Putina will make a state call on Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan. President Putin will also hold a meeting with Prime Minister Koizumi. The Government of Japan sincerely welcomes the visit of President Putin and Mrs. Putina, which will further strengthen the friendly relations between Japan and Russia.
- Japan's observer status to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
Mr. Taniguchi: Next, there was a decision made by a regional body, called the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). We welcome that Japan's observer participation was agreed upon in principle at the 13th SAARC Summit Meeting, which was held in Dacca in the People's Republic of Bangladesh from 12 to 13 November.
Japan has supported the activities of SAARC through the Japan-SAARC Special Fund, amongst other means, under the premises that SAARC is contributing to the regional stability and development in South Asia, which in turn is integral to Asia in its entirety.
Japan will coordinate the modalities of our observer status and remains committed to strengthening our relationship to SAARC through the observer participation.
For those of you who are not necessarily familiar with SAARC, it has been an organization pulling together the nations in South Asia, and Japan started to contribute to this Special Fund in the early 1990s. This support from the Government of Japan to SAARC was further reinforced first by the visit made by former Prime Minister Yoshio Mori when he made a visit to that region, and reinforced again by the visit made by former Minister for Foreign Affairs Yuriko Kawaguchi. Japan had actually long sought the observer status given by SAARC.
- Visit to Japan by First Vice Speaker Mohammad Reza Bahonar of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Mr. Taniguchi: The next item is about the visit by First Vice Speaker Mohammad Reza Bahonar of the Parliament of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Mr. Bahonar, the First Vice Speaker of Majiles, which is the Parliament of Iran, is now visiting Japan by the invitation of the Government of Japan from 14 to 18 November. During his visit he will meet Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Yohei Kono, President of the House of Councilors Ms. Chikage Ogi, and others.
- Grant aid to the Republic of Djibouti
Mr. Taniguchi: The last item to announce is about official development assistance (ODA). On 14 November the Agreement on Technical Cooperation between the Government of Japan and the Republic of Djibouti was signed in Djibouti. By concluding this agreement it is further expected to contribute to smooth implementation of Japan's technical cooperation in Djibouti and to the economic and social development of the country.
- Visit to Japan by His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco
One last thing, that is also about the visit of a dignitary, which is the visit to Japan of King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco. King Mohammed VI, accompanied by a suite, will pay a state visit to Japan from 27 to 30 November 2005. During his stay in Japan King Mohammed VI will meet their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan. Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress will host a state banquet in honor of King Mohammed VI. King Mohammed VI will hold a meeting with Prime Minister Koizumi of Japan. The Government of Japan sincerely welcomes the visit, which will further strengthen the friendly relations between Japan and Morocco.
- Questions on the state of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Republic of Peru following arrest of former President of the Republic of Peru Alberto Fujimori
Q: If I could I would like to follow-up on questions from last week about former President of the Republic of Peru Alberto Fujimori, the Japanese citizen. What can you tell us about the state of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Peru? There have been reports that the Government of Peru has said that they have withdrawn their ambassador to Tokyo, and Vice President David Waisman Rjavinsthi of Peru was quoted as saying that he would prefer at this stage to sever relations with Japan. What is the status as far as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is concerned, and what can you tell us about Mr. Fujimori's condition and state at this point?
Mr. Taniguchi: On the last point, about Mr. Fujimori's condition, I do not know. In terms of the diplomatic relationships between Japan and Peru a note verbale, a verbal note, came from the Government of Peru today, 15 November, saying the functions of the ambassador from Peru have been terminated. So in terms of whether or not that is a withdrawal of the ambassador from Peru, what I can say is that a verbal note, which is the official document regarding that, only states that the Government of Peru is terminating the functions of the ambassador, so that is what I can say in terms of the relationship between Peru and Japan. As far as the remark that you mentioned is concerned, we are aware that those remarks have been made, but I really do not think that I should make any comment about that.
Q: If you could just clarify, I am a little confused about how to interpret "termination of the function of the ambassador." In diplomat-ese what does that mean? It is not a severing of relations but it is a fairly serious standing, correct?
Mr. Taniguchi: Well, that is one way to put it that is often used in these circumstances. Indeed, that is based pretty much on clause 43 in the Vienna Convention. There is nothing unusual in the wording itself, the wording has been used frequently on these occasions.
Q: So these words are official words?
Mr. Taniguchi: Yes they are, and perhaps I should add that Minister of Foreign Affairs Oscar Maurtua de Romana of Peru, in responding to the interview in the local media on 11 November said that the Peruvian ambassador stationed in Japan was going to be withdrawn. In Spanish the verb used there was "retiro," which I have just learned is pretty similar to withdraw. But I should stress that the official document that the Government of Japan is in receipt of only states that the Government of Peru is going to terminate the functions of the ambassador. Importantly, during the interview Foreign Minister Romana made it clear that the so-called "retiro" is in no way going to affect the bilateral relationship between Japan and Peru. So that is something that I should add.
Q: At one point you said verbal note, what does that mean? Did somebody call the Ministry and say something?
Mr. Taniguchi: No, it is a special name of an official document; it is a diplomatic term for a written document. So it is one of the official documents used in such occasions among diplomatic circles. By the way, "a note verbale" shows that it is pretty much a diplomatic jargon, because it is a French term.
Q: What is the reaction of the Government of Japan towards this action by Peru? What comments do you have or actions are you taking?
Mr. Taniguchi: We do not have any comment regarding the decision made by the Government of Peru.
Q: You do not have and you will not be having any comments in the future about this verbal note?
Mr. Taniguchi: We are waiting for another ambassador to come and we will be welcoming him or her of course.
- Question regarding denuclearization of North Korea
Q: Regarding North Korea, there were reports out of the Republic of Korea (ROK) that during the recent talks the North Koreans offered five steps to dismantle their nuclear program. I was wondering what sort of interpretation the Government of Japan has about this?
Mr. Taniguchi: The principle that the Government of Japan is going to stick to is easy and simple: verifiable denuclearization as soon as possible. Whether it is gradual or not, the most important thing is that it is going to be absolutely verifiable and absolute denuclearization. No matter what steps they could be it is going to have to be something that would convince the world community of the commitment that the Government of North Korea is going to have in terms of denuclearization. If the policy is just to buy time, then I believe that it serves no one, including the North Koreans.
- Questions concerning upcoming diplomatic meetings between Japan and Russia
Q: I have a question on Japan-Russian relations, what sort of expectations do you have out of the meetings? The spin seems to be that we should not expect any breakthrough on the territorial issue, but there was a newspaper report that Japan and Russia will sign an agreement that Japan will back the entry of Russia into the World Trade Organization (WTO). What sort of expectations does Japan have out of this meeting as far as territorial or trade issues are concerned?
Mr. Taniguchi: Prime Minister Koizumi gave a couple of remarks to Russian radio when he was interviewed. He answered the question of whether he was optimistic or pessimistic about the territorial issue. His remarks were interesting in that he was not pessimistic, but he was also not optimistic enough to envision that an easy solution will come out anytime soon. He once again reiterated that by solving the territorial issue both nations are going to be able to move on to the next step to have an official peace treaty. So perhaps that is the answer to the first part of your question, and the second part of your question related to what both nations are going to discuss in the upcoming meeting is something I should refrain from making any comment on, as it relates to the decisions of the heads of state.
Q: But can you confirm that the Russians are looking at this as mainly a trade trip, that there are 100 Russian businessmen who are coming with President Putin?
Mr. Taniguchi: It appears so, but I do not think I should speculate in any way on their motivation.
Q: But as far as you know, there are some 100 Russian businessmen coming as part of the delegation?
Mr. Taniguchi: Well, no, I do not know if it is part of the delegation, just at the same time as the delegation.
- Questions concerning request by the Ainus given to the Governments of Japan and Russia
Q: I would like to ask about this demand of Ainus to give them the so-called Northern Territories as an antonymous state. This document was handed to the ministry and to the Russian embassy.
Mr. Taniguchi: That is not the position of the Government of Japan.
Q: Can you confirm that it was given to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, that they were the ones who received it?
Mr. Taniguchi: I do not know.
- Questions on diplomatic meetings during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit Meeting
Q: Regarding the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit Meeting and the Japanese position, is there a possibility of meeting some dignitaries from the People's Republic of China or the ROK, especially President Roh Moo Hyun of the ROK?
Mr. Taniguchi: On 18 Prime Minister Koizumi is going to meet President Roh Moo Hyun.
Q: Just because he is the host of this APEC meeting? Because someone from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs from China has said that it is impossible for Japanese and Chinese leaders to meet. Vice-Minister Shotaro Yachi confirmed that it is very difficult.
Mr. Taniguchi: He did not actually confirm, he said that it seemed to be difficult. I agree with him, we cannot be optimistic about it, but we have always been hopeful that as neighbors we should meet as frequently as possible. We are still waiting for good news to come from China.
- Announcement concerning Japan's avian influenza countermeasures package to be announced at the APEC Summit Meeting
I actually have been waiting for the question about APEC to come, because during the APEC meeting Prime Minister Koizumi is going to announce Japan's plan to attack avian influenza. I cannot give you a detailed description of what sort of package Japan is going to propose during the meeting, but it is something that you could call a package, quite a large one, actually. So please remain interested in what sort of package it will turn out to be.
- Follow-up questions concerning Japanese and international avian influenza countermeasures
Q: Is this a completely Japanese plan or an international one?
Mr. Taniguchi: It is basically a Japanese plan, but to implement anything of this magnitude and this breadth you should involve as many international organizations and non-government organizations (NGOs) as possible, so for that matter it is an international assault against this pandemic.
Q: Because many countries, including Russia, are going to propose some measures and plans. For example, in President Putin's speech there will be a mention of some Russian vaccines, so maybe it is kind of a cooperation.
Mr. Taniguchi: Well, it sounds to be a very good idea, and as far as that sort of competition is concerned, that is one of the best competitions that anyone can expect.
Q: Any time estimate on when that announcement is going to be made in Bussan?
Mr. Taniguchi: At the occasion of the Summit Meeting.
Q: Will it be in his official speech on Sunday?
Mr. Taniguchi: When the heads of state meet. It is probably going to be 19 November. In terms of avian influenza, Japan has done quite a lot already, mostly for Southeast Asian Nations. Japan has given various forms of economic assistance in the amount of US$2.2 million in order to help those nations tackle avian influenza. So the package that Japan is going to propose on 19 November is going to be a pretty interesting and big one.
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