Press Conference 8 April 2005
- Dispatch of Ambassador on Special Mission to the funeral service of His Holiness the late Pope John Paul II
- Japan's assistance for the earthquake disaster off the coast of Sumatra (Dispatch of the Second Japan Disaster Relief Medical Team)
- Grant assistance for the Republic of Maldives
- Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations on the progress of India-Pakistan relations
- Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Ichiro Aisawa to attend Oslo Donors' Conference on Sudan 2005
- Visit to Japan by Vice Prime Minister & Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor Ehud Olmert of the State of Israel
- Emergency assistance for the flood disaster in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
- Guests and national/special days of the 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan (9 to 15 April)
- Question concerning recent visit to Japan by Mr. SAIF EL-ISLAM MUAMMAR AL QUDHAFI, President of the Gaddafi International Foundation for Charity Associations
- Questions concerning visit to India by Premier Wen Jiabao of the People's Republic of China
- Questions concerning Japan-Republic of Korea bilateral talks in Islamabad, Islamic Republic of Pakistan
- Question concerning impact of history/territorial issues
- Question concerning visit to Yasukuni Shrine by Taiwanese citizen
- Question concerning history issue
- Questions concerning textbooks in relation to Iraq
- Follow-up question concerning visit to Japan by Israeli official
- Questions concerning textbook issue
- Dispatch of Ambassador on Special Mission to the funeral service of His Holiness the late Pope John Paul II
Assistant Press Secretary Akira Chiba: Good afternoon gentlemen. Thank you very much for coming to the briefing. I would like to make several short announcements before I take questions.
The first announcement concerns the dispatch of Ambassador on Special Mission to the funeral service of His Holiness the late Pope John Paul II.
The Government of Japan has decided to dispatch Mr. Yoriko Kawaguchi, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, as Ambassador on Special Mission to the funeral service of His Holiness the late Pope John Paul II, who passed away on 2 April at 9:37 p.m., to be held on 8 April from 10:00 a.m., that is Japan time 5:00 p.m. this afternoon, at St. Peter Basilica, Vatican.
During the 26 years of his papacy, the late Pope John Paul II continued to strive consistently for world peace through mediation and conciliation for peaceful solutions of regional and internal conflicts as well as easing of tension. He also made a great effort to promote inter-faith dialogue, urging the importance of mutual understanding among religions. Upon his visit to Japan in 1981, His Holiness visited Hiroshima and Nagasaki and appealed for nuclear disarmament. The Government of Japan has decided to dispatch the Ambassador on Special Mission to the funeral service against such a background and in view of the friendly relations with the Vatican.
As to our royalty, on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor, His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince has attended this morning the ceremony held at St. Mary's Cathedral in Tokyo.
- Japan's assistance for the earthquake disaster off the coast of Sumatra (Dispatch of the Second Japan Disaster Relief Medical Team)
Mr. Chiba: The second announcement concerns Japan's assistance for the earthquake disaster off the coast of Sumatra.
On 6 April, the Government of Japan decided to dispatch the Second Japan Disaster Relief Medical Team comprising 17 members (including three doctors, four nurses and a pharmacist) to help victims of the earthquake disaster that took place before dawn on 29 March off the coast of Sumatra, as the medical need in the disaster area remains high. The Second Team will leave Japan for the area on 7 April and is expected to arrive tomorrow.
- Grant assistance for the Republic of Maldives
Mr. Chiba: The third announcement concerns another effort taken by Japan concerning the tsunami disaster.
Japan decided to provide food aid amounting to 200 million yen to the Republic of Maldives, and an exchange of notes has been done yesterday in Colombo, the capital of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Due to the destruction of infrastructure for transport in Maldives caused by the last tsunami, transport costs have increased, which has led to a chronic shortage of food. Against such a background, Japan decided to provide food aid to Maldives.
- Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations on the progress of India-Pakistan relations
Mr. Chiba: The fourth announcement concerns the statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations on the progress of India-Pakistan relations.
The Government of Japan welcomes the commencement of bus service between Muzaffarabad and Srinagar in Kashmir that took place yesterday on 7 April 2005.
The Government of Japan expresses its hope that this positive development will further accelerate the ongoing Composite Dialogue between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and that relations between the two countries will continue to improve.
- Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Ichiro Aisawa to attend Oslo Donors' Conference on Sudan 2005
Mr. Chiba: Further to Africa, I would like to announce that Mr. Ichiro Aisawa, Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, will visit the Kingdom of Norway and the Kingdom of Sweden from 10 to 12 April. Mr. Aisawa will attend the Oslo Donors' Conference on Sudan to be held on 11 April in Oslo, Norway.
In Sweden, he will have talks with key figures of that country.
At the Conference in Oslo, Mr. Aisawa will announce Japan's support policy for the consolidation of peace in the Republic of the Sudan. The delegation from Japan will also include Mr. Keitaro Sato, Ambassador in Charge of Conflict and Refugee-related Issues in Africa.
- Visit to Japan by Vice Prime Minister & Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor Ehud Olmert of the State of Israel
Mr. Chiba: The next announcement concerns the visit to Japan by Mr. Ehud Olmert, Vice Prime Minister & Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor of the State of Israel.
Mr. Ehud Olmert, Vice Prime Minister & Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor of Israel will visit Japan from 10 to 13 April at the invitation of the Government of Japan.
During his stay in Japan, Mr. Olmert will pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and will exchange views with leading figures of Japan on Japan-Israel bilateral relations and the Middle East peace process. Mr. Olmert will also deliver a speech at the opening ceremony for the Israel-Japan Hi-Tech and Venture Capital Forum 2005, which will be held on 13 April to promote economic relations between Japan and Israel.
The Government of Japan considers that strengthening dialogue with the parties concerned with Middle East peace process, in particular Israel and the Palestinian Authority, is important in contributing to promoting peace in the Middle East, at a time when the peace efforts have entered a crucial stage on such issues as the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the election of the Palestinian Legislative Council. The visit by the Vice Prime Minister is expected to provide an opportunity for meaningful exchange of views not only on the friendly relations between Japan and Israel but also the way to promote peace in the Middle East.
- Emergency assistance for the flood disaster in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Mr. Chiba: The next announcement concerns Japan's emergency assistance for the flood disaster in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
On 5 April, the Government of Japan has decided to extend emergency assistance in kind equivalent to about 15 million yen including electric generators, plastic tanks, tents and blankets, to the Government of Venezuela, which has sustained great damage from flooding caused by heavy rains.
The equipment arrived on 6 April at 10:00 a.m. local time.
- Guests and national/special days of the 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan (9 to 15 April)
Mr. Chiba: My last announcement concerns the guests and national/special days of the 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan. This announcement will be given every Friday.
We have an abundance of dignitaries visiting Japan during this period of time.
First, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Haakon of the Kingdom of Norway from 10 to 13 April. The National Day is 11 April.
Second, Ms. Jadranka Kosor, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, from 10 to 13 April. Their National Day is 12 April.
Third, Mr. Samuel Schmid, President and Chief of the Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sports of the Swiss Confederation, from 14 to 20 April. The Swiss National Day is 15 April.
Mr. Wolfgang Clement, Minister for Economics and Labor of the Federal Republic of Germany, from 13 to 14 April. The National Day falls on 13 April.
Finally, Mr. François Loos, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade of the French Republic, from 14 to 15 April. The National Day event will take place on 14 April.
- Question concerning recent visit to Japan by Mr. SAIF EL-ISLAM MUAMMAR AL QUDHAFI, President of the Gaddafi International Foundation for Charity Associations
Q: There were some meetings between the Libyan official and the Japanese Prime Minister and other ministers. Do you have any briefing on these meetings?
Mr. Chiba: This visit by Mr. SAIF EL-ISLAM MUAMMAR AL QUDHAFI, President of the Gaddafi International Foundation for Charity Associations, took place some time ago. I am afraid I do not have detailed material on his meeting with dignitaries. As I recall, he met with six Cabinet ministers altogether and had an exposition of his work of art in Tokyo. If you need further information, I would like to provide that to you later.
- Questions concerning visit to India by Premier Wen Jiabao of the People's Republic of China
Q: I would like to ask you about the visit of Premier Wen Jiabao of the People's Republic of China to India from tomorrow. How do you see this very important visit?
Mr. Chiba: We understand that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is visiting South Asia and that he has successfully completed his visit to Pakistan. It is in our interest also that any such diplomatic effort will contribute to the stability and prosperity of the region.
Q: Some people think that if these two major powers come together, it will complicate the security framework of the region. What do you think?
Mr. Chiba: I do not fully understand what you mean by complicating the security framework. However, I do believe that the strengthening of ties and friendship between these two important countries will definitely contribute to world peace.
- Questions concerning Japan-Republic of Korea bilateral talks in Islamabad, Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Q: Could you tell us how the Japanese Government has evaluated the outcome of yesterday's bilateral talks or foreign ministerial talks in Islamabad?
Mr. Chiba: Minister for Foreign Affairs Nobutaka Machimura and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ban Ki-Moon of the Republic of Korea (ROK) met in Pakistan yesterday for about an hour and a half. The evaluation made by the Foreign Minister himself is that this marked a very important step for the two countries toward a better direction concerning bilateral relations.
As to the issue of history, we understand that many messages have been delivered to us from the ROK side. It is our duty to seriously consider the feeling of the Korean people. Our position is that we should reflect what is to be reflected and face history squarely.
It has been known from the outcome of the meeting that the visit by Prime Minister Koizumi will be scheduled some time later this year although the date is not specified. This will be another important step for the promotion of the bilateral relationship.
Q: Can I ask you to clarify what facing the issues squarely and reflecting what is to be reflected mean?
Mr. Chiba: The stance of the Japanese Government concerning the issue of the past has been spelled out in former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama's statement in 1995. It is a very famous statement, and it is known worldwide. I will not go into the details by reiterating it, but in that, the Japanese Government's position concerning history is clearly stated.
- Question concerning impact of history/territorial issues
Q: Do you feel in any way that the history issue and the territorial issue between Japan and the ROK and Japan and China are preventing the countries from discussing foreign issues such as the nuclear issue or economic and trade issues?
Mr. Chiba: As you all know, concerning security issues for example, the nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsula is an important issue for all the three countries that you have just mentioned. Concerning this issue, dialogue is continuing and history or territorial issues are not impeding talks like that at all. I believe that all three countries share strategic interest in some issues, and on those issues, we can further cooperate.
- Question concerning visit to Yasukuni Shrine by Taiwanese citizen
Q: A lawmaker from Taiwan recently visited Yasukuni Shrine. Do you feel in any way that the Japanese Government is faced with two options, either siding with Taiwan or China?
Mr. Chiba: We are aware of the visit of the Taiwanese citizen to the Shrine from news reports. However, we are not in a position to make any comments on that.
- Question concerning history issue
Q: Can I seek a clarification on historical issues again? If, as you say, your government's position is already reflected in the 1995 statement, it means that every time there is an issue, you will refer to that statement. Does it not amount to not doing anything?
Mr. Chiba: I fail to understand your question. Could you specify please?
Q: If every time problems arise between Japan and the ROK or Japan and China over historical issues and you refer to the 1995 statement as your Government's position, it probably will not solve the issues. From our standpoint, it also means you really are not doing anything. What is your comment please?
Mr. Chiba: I do not share your view that reiterating our stance on how we view the past amounts to not doing anything. I do not share that view.
- Questions concerning textbooks in relation to Iraq
Q: I have a question about textbooks related to Iraq. I read a report by the Kyodo News Agency that the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology asked the publishers to change the description of certain information about Iraq, such as Iraq does not have weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and other issues related to Iraq. So what is the Japanese Government's official stance on WMD in Iraq? We know that officials of the United States of America (US) stated clearly that there were no WMD there, they did not find them. But it seems that the Japanese Government is still insisting that Iraq has WMD. So what is your comment?
Mr. Chiba: I do not see of any government statement saying that there are still WMD in Iraq. I wonder which statement you are referring to.
As to the Iraqi war, Japan thinks that the violation was on the Iraqi side of the then-Iraqi government. This is the reason why we were supportive of the US action. This is not an issue directly related to whether or not there were WMD, it is an issue of how the previous Iraqi government failed to cooperate with the United Nations (UN).
Q: I remember a statement made by Prime Minister Koizumi which said that WMD should be somewhere, that they must be somewhere. Is that still the official view of the Japanese Government, that WMD are somewhere according to Prime Minister Koizumi?
Mr. Chiba: You are referring to a statement that was made a long time ago. I do not think that is a relevant question at this stage.
Q: It is a fact. So now it is time to know whether or not he still believes so. If he doesn't believe, is it not requested that the Japanese Government withdraw such a statement?
Mr. Chiba: Again, I do not know if that was the statement by the Government as you define it. If you say it is the Prime Minister's comment, then you will have to ask the Prime Minister himself. But I do not think I have an answer to that.
- Follow-up question concerning visit to Japan by Israeli official
Q: On the visit by the Israeli official, what is the main topic that will be discussed in the meetings and with whom will the official be meeting?
Mr. Chiba: The talks will be held concerning bilateral relations and issues of mutual concern including the peace process in the Middle East. As to the detailed agenda, I would like to refrain from disclosing at this stage since the visit is still some days away. As to the dignitaries he will be meeting, as I said, he will be meeting the Prime Minister, but as to the other people, we are still trying to coordinate.
- Questions concerning textbook issue
Q: I have a question on textbooks. Is it true that if a textbook does not follow Government opinion of an issue, it will not be approved?
Mr. Chiba: As I understand, textbook screening, which comes under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, is such that it is done so as to ensure that the textbooks can be useable in the classrooms. Textbooks are not construed as tools reflecting the views of the Government. The views reflected in these textbooks do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Government. This is our understanding of the system.
Q: So in principle, is it possible that the textbooks might contain a view that is opposite the Government's position?
Mr. Chiba: As I said, textbooks are not regarded as tools to reflect the views of the Government.
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