Press Conference 13 May 2005
- Dispatch of election observers for the elections of the autonomous Bougainville government
- Visit to Japan by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, and Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Nasser Abdullah Al Misnad, the Consort of the Amir
- Japan-People's Republic of China comprehensive policy dialogue in Beijing
- Guests and national/special days of the 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan (14-20 May)
- Question concerning possibility of five-party talks
- Question concerning Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between Japan and the United States of America with respect to Taiwan
- Question concerning mercenaries in Iraq
- Question concerning possible hostage incident in Iraq
- Questions concerning Minister for Foreign Affairs Nobutaka Machimura's interview with Al-Jazeera
- Question concerning upcoming visit to Japan by President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Interim Self-Government Authority
- Dispatch of election observers for the elections of the autonomous Bougainville government
Assistant Press Secretary Akira Chiba: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for coming to the briefing. Today, I would like to make a couple of announcements before taking questions.
The first announcement concerns the dispatch of election observers for the elections of the autonomous Bougainville government.
In response to a request from the Government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, the Government of Japan has decided to dispatch a total of three officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as election observers, one at a time, from 17 May to 7 June to assist the fair and democratic implementation of the provincial elections for the autonomous Bougainville government, Papua New Guinea, to be held from 20 May to 9 June this year.
During their stay in Bougainville, the Japanese election observers will engage in monitoring such tasks as preparations for the elections, balloting and ballot opening in cooperation with observers dispatched from other countries including the Commonwealth of Australia and New Zealand.
The forthcoming elections form the core of the peace process agreed in the aftermath of the armed conflict which continued for about 10 years from 1988. Implementing the elections in a fair and democratic manner is extremely important for the future stability of Bougainville and Papua New Guinea as a whole.
- Visit to Japan by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, and Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Nasser Abdullah Al Misnad, the Consort of the Amir
Mr. Chiba: The second announcement concerns the visit to Japan of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, and Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Nasser Abdullah Al Misnad, the Consort of the Amir.
H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, and Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Nasser Abdullah Al Misnad, the Consort of the Amir, accompanied by a suite, will pay an official working visit to Japan from 7 to 9 June 2005.
During their stay in Japan, the Amir and the Consort will make a state call on Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress will host a court luncheon in honor of the Amir and the Consort of the Amir.
The Amir plans to hold a meeting with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
The Government of Japan sincerely welcomes the visit of the Amir and the Consort of the Amir, which will further strengthen the friendly relations between Japan and the State of Qatar.
- Japan-People's Republic of China comprehensive policy dialogue in Beijing
Mr. Chiba: The third announcement concerns the Japan-People's Republic of China comprehensive policy dialogue, which is taking place today and tomorrow in Beijing, China.
This dialogue is attended by Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Shotaro Yachi and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Dai Bingguo of China. They will exchange views on bilateral relations as well as regional and international matters on a long-term consideration.
- Guests and national/special days of the 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan (14-20 May)
Mr. Chiba: My last announcement concerns the weekly announcement of the dignitaries visiting Japan on the occasion of the 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan. This week, I would like to announce four visits.
The first one is His Excellency Mr. Abid Sharifov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, who will visit from 16 to 20 May. The National Day event is on 17 May. The second one is His Excellency Pehin Dato Haji Abdul Rahman Taib, Minister of Industry and Primary Resources of Brunei Darussalam, from 14 to 21 May. The National Day event will fall on 18 May. The third is Her Excellency Ms. Wu Yi, Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China, from 17 to 24 May. The National Day event is on 19 May. Finally, His Excellency Mr. George Alogoskoufis, Minister of Economy and Finance of the Hellenic Republic, that is Greece, will visit Japan from 17 to 22 May. The National Day event will be on 20 May.
- Question concerning possibility of five-party talks
Q: Minister for Foreign Affairs Nobutaka Machimura mentioned the possibility that Japan, China, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United States of America (US) may hold the so-called five-party talks. To what extent does the Japanese Government believe it is realistic to hold such talks?
Mr. Chiba: The Japanese Government is of the position that North Korea should realize that the Six-Party Talks is in their interest, and we urge the North Korean Government to come back to the table unconditionally as soon as possible.
As to the five-party talks that you mentioned, as far as I understand it, Foreign Minister Machimura expressed that there is such an opinion concerning the situation, but nothing is finalized on this matter.
- Question concerning Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between Japan and the United States of America with respect to Taiwan
Q: My question concerns the statement made by Foreign Minister Machimura in New York on 29 April in which he said that Taiwan is included in the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between Japan and the United States of America. The explanation offered at the previous press conference was that Foreign Minister Machimura reiterated what the Japanese Government had already said in 1960. At that time, Japan was only the landlord for US bases. After the new guideline was introduced between Japan and the US, is it not true that Japan and the US entered a new strategic era?
Mr. Chiba: The answer I gave you last time remains unchanged.
- Question concerning mercenaries in Iraq
Q: I wanted to know Japan's official position concerning mercenaries in Iraq, that is, hired soldiers. How does Japan view the presence of mercenaries in Iraq, that is, soldiers who are hired by contractors, including one Japanese person?
Mr. Chiba: It has been reported that Mr. Akihiko Saito is missing and that he was employed by a security company, Hart Security Ltd. We are trying to find out his whereabouts as well as his situation.
Concerning reconstruction of Iraq, we understand that many people are there to help with the reconstruction of Iraq through the means they have. Japan also wishes to take part in the reconstruction of Iraq in the way that we are able to.
- Question concerning possible hostage incident in Iraq
Q: Is there any new information concerning Mr. Saito's whereabouts? Secondly, are other countries involved in the search for Mr. Saito?
Mr. Chiba: There is no new information on this issue. We still do not know where he is and what the situation is.
As to the second question, yes, we are asking friendly governments to cooperate in this manner to give us information if they obtain any. Since it concerns matters of intelligence and the safety of the people involved, I should like to refrain from making further comments.
- Questions concerning Minister for Foreign Affairs Nobutaka Machimura's interview with Al-Jazeera
Q: My question concerns the news report that Foreign Minister Machimura will appear on Al-Jazeera to call for Mr. Saito's release. When will this be aired?
Mr. Chiba: Foreign Minister Machimura is scheduled to receive an interview late this afternoon. As for what time it will be broadcast, it is up to the TV company. We still do not know at what time.
Q: Do you know at what time this interview will take place?
Mr. Chiba: It is going to be this afternoon. I am sorry, I am not authorized to give you the exact time but sometime this afternoon.
Q: It has not taken place yet?
Mr. Chiba: No.
- Question concerning upcoming visit to Japan by President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Interim Self-Government Authority
Q: Regarding the visit to Japan by President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Interim Self-Government Authority, what is the main purpose of his visit to Japan? Is he going to ask for more aid to Palestine?
Mr. Chiba: President Abbas is coming to Japan on the invitation of the Japanese Government. The Japanese Government is interested in playing its part in the Middle East peace process, so the Japanese Government has been putting efforts into this. We have invited dignitaries from both parties, and President Abbas's visit is one of these efforts that we are taking.
As to what the Palestinian side will raise during this visit, frankly speaking, I do not know. At any rate, both sides will exchange views on the situation there and possible Japanese cooperation to the area.
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