Press Conference 1 February 2005

1. National assembly election in Iraq
2. Joint study groups on possibility of economic partnership agreements (EPA)
3. Question concerning Okinotorishima Island
4. Question concerning Six-Party Talks

1. National assembly election in Iraq

   Press Secretary Hatsuhisa Takashima: Good afternoon and thank you very much for coming to the briefing. Before taking questions, I would like to make two announcements.

   First, on the Iraqi national assembly election which was held on 30 January. The Government of Japan wishes to pay respect to the Iraqi Interim Government which made great efforts to overcome various obstacles to implement the election as well as to the Iraqi people who showed their commitment to the election by casting ballots.

   We also appreciate the United Nations (UN) for its effort to cooperate with the Iraqi Government in the implementation of the elections. The national assembly, which is to be established in the wake of this election, is going to play a leading role in building a peaceful and democratic Iraq, including the drafting of the new Constitution. The Government of Japan is determined to continue to support the nation-building by the people of Iraq.

   Related Information (The Issue of Iraq)
   
2. Joint study groups on possibility of economic partnership agreements (EPA)

   Mr. Takashima: The second announcement is about the joint study groups on economic partnership agreements (EPA).

   The Government of Japan has commenced two joint study groups to study the possibility and feasibility of concluding an EPA or free trade agreement (FTA) with the Republic of Chile and the Republic of Indonesia. The joint study group with Chile was held here in Tokyo at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for two days until today while discussions with Indonesia were held in Jakarta also for two days until today.

   These joint study groups are preliminary steps toward officially deciding whether the governments concerned, including that of Japan, should enter the formal negotiations for concluding an EPA. The Government of Japan expects that the joint study group with Indonesia will have the final report of its conclusions by April of this year. There is no set target date for the study group between Japan and Chile.

   Related Information (Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA))
   
3. Question concerning Okinotorishima Island

   Q: I would like to ask you about a plan proposed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to possibly construct a power generation facility near Okinotorishima Island. Could you tell us if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs supports the proposed plan or has any other position regarding this issue?

   Mr. Takashima: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no jurisdiction over the Okinotorishima Island because that is the territorial island of Japan. All those issues are domestic ones handled by appropriate government agencies. My understanding is that Governor of Tokyo Shintaro Ishihara presented his ideas, including the construction of electric power generators using waves, and other plans including some kind of fishing industry-related thing in Okinotorishima. We are not in a position to discuss this any further.

4. Question concerning Six-Party Talks

   Q: Up to this point, could you tell us if the Japanese Government believes it is desirable to have a sort of working-level meetings before resuming the Six-Party Talks?

   Mr. Takashima: The most important thing is to hold the Six-Party Talks as soon as possible because it is overdue now. We are urging North Korea to come back to the negotiating table. The format of the Six-Party Talks depends upon consultations to be conducted and decisions to be made amongst the member countries. So far as the Japanese Government is concerned, it is perfectly alright with us to have working-level meetings if it is so arranged.

   Related Information (Japan-North Korea Relations Six-Party Talks on North Korean Issues)