Press Conference 24 February 2006
- Message of condolence from Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi concerning the bombing in Iraq
- A Foreign Policy and Energy Security Seminar "Energy Situation and Foreign Policy in Russia, China and India"
- Japan-India protocol amending the taxation convention
- Grant aid to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
- Questions concerning appointment of Mr. Yuji Miyamoto as Ambassador to the People's Republic of China
- Questions concerning visit to Japan by Mr. Lee Teng-hui
- Message of condolence from Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi concerning the bombing in Iraq
Deputy Press Secretary Tomohiko Taniguchi: Thank you very much for coming.
First let me read out the message issued by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi about the bombing in Iraq.
On 23 February the Government of Japan sent a message of condolence to President Mr. Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Dr. Ibrahim-Al Jafari of the Iraqi Transitional Government, concerning the bombing of the Holy Mosque in Samarra. It goes as follows:
On behalf of the Government and the people of Japan I extend my heartfelt condolences regarding the bombing of the Holy Mosque in Samarra, Iraq on 22 February.
I strongly condemn this incident, for this is a cowardly act intended to interfere with the efforts being made by the Iraqi Government and the people to form a new government under national reconciliation. I hope that this incident will not lead to a chain of retaliation in Iraq. I expect that the ethnic and religious groups will pay respects among themselves, and continue making efforts towards nation-building based on national reconciliation. The Government of Japan will continue its support for such efforts of the people of Iraq.
- A Foreign Policy and Energy Security Seminar "Energy Situation and Foreign Policy in Russia, China and India"
Mr. Taniguchi: Next is an announcement of a seminar to be held soon in Tokyo at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is a foreign policy and energy security seminar titled "Energy Situation and Foreign Policy in Russia, China and India." The seminar will be held on 1 March at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The objective is to give an opportunity to hear thoughts on the energy situation in the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China and the Republic of India from energy experts involved in policy making in those countries and/or those belonging to international organizations such as the International Energy Agency (IEA) and to exchange views on the energy situation in Japan from foreign policy perspectives.
- Japan-India protocol amending the taxation convention
Mr. Taniguchi: The third item is about the Protocol Amending the Convention between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of India for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income. Today, on 24 February, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo, this protocol will be signed by Minister for Foreign Affairs Taro Aso and Ambassador of India to Japan H.E. Mr. Manilal Tripathi.
- Grant aid to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Mr. Taniguchi: The last item is about an official development assistance (ODA) to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
On 24 February, the Government of Japan and the United Nations (UN) decided to extend assistance totaling US$1.76 million through the Trust Fund for Human Security to a project entitled "Establishing a Zone Free of the Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Problem in the Southern Rift Valley, Ethiopia, and Assisting Rural Communities in Agricultural and Livestock Development." That will be established by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in partnership with the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
- Questions concerning appointment of Mr. Yuji Miyamoto as Ambassador to the People's Republic of China
Q: Today Japan appointed Mr. Yuji Miyamoto as new ambassador to China and I was wondering why he was chosen. What do you expect from him in terms of his expertise and how he will try to improve Japan-China relations?
Mr. Taniguchi: In terms of the expertise you can perhaps look at his CV. If you want me to tell you a little bit about his background, Mr. Yuji Miyamoto has been one of the most experienced members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For instance he headed the China Division approximately 14 years ago and he spent stints in the United Kingdom (UK), Atlanta in the United States of America (U.S.), and later served as a minister in the Japanese Embassy in Beijing. After spending another stint in Myanmar he has been the Ambassador in charge of Okinawa Affairs since one and a half years ago. So obviously he is one of the most experienced in terms of Japan's China policy and Japan's overall diplomatic policies, one of the best qualified people that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can send to China.
The other question, what sorts of objectives do we have by appointing this gentleman to China; the answer is not going to be so eye-opening. Obviously China has been, is, and will continue to be, one of the most important nations for Japan and to further diplomatic ties has always been the most important thing accordingly.
In view of the new initiatives that both governments are about to launch, namely to encourage more and more young people to visit each other's nation and to spend a considerable time in each other's nation, I think that is one of the initial steps that Mr. Miyamoto has to take after assuming his duty.
Q: It has been reported that Mr. Miyamoto has been appointed as the new Japanese ambassador to China. Can you confirm this?
Mr. Taniguchi: Yes, you are right.
To confirm, the announcement was made after the Cabinet meeting today, but an official announcement is scheduled to be made on 3 March.
- Questions concerning visit to Japan by Mr. Lee Teng-hui
Q: According to press reports Mr. Lee Teng-hui from Taiwan may visit Japan this coming May and he might visit Yasukuni Shrine as well as give a lecture at the Akita University of International Studies. As far as I remember Foreign Minister Aso said in his speech at the Japan National Press Club that we should not base the relations upon granting visa applications. Are you in view of inserting conditions to the granting of visa applications?
Mr. Taniguchi: As far as tourist visas are concerned Taiwan is a visa free zone, but it does not necessarily mean that people from Taiwan do not have to go through the visa issuance process. But other than that I can only say that we are going to deal with this issue in the most appropriate and adequate fashion.
As regards the supposed itinerary of Mr. Lee Teng-hui, there is no such thing as coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Lee Teng-hui.
Q: Will you be granting him a visa? Did you accept a visa application?
Mr. Taniguchi: Regarding your question, I am not aware of those facts.
Q: Is it correct to assume that preparations have not been made yet?
Mr. Taniguchi: Regarding whether or not preparations are being made, as well as what sort of procedures will be undertaken, I cannot say anything more than that everything will be considered and decided in an appropriate manner.
Q: So have preparations been made?
Mr. Taniguchi: As for whether or not preparations have been made, as I have just mentioned, I am not aware of those facts, and I cannot say anything more than that they will be decided in an appropriate manner.
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