Press Conference by the Deputy Press Secretary, 22 April 2010

Foreign Minister Okada's visit to New York to chair the Open Debate of the United Nations Security Council on Post-Conflict Peacebuilding
Japan-Malaysia Joint Leaders' Statement
Election of Mr. Ryuichiro Yamazaki as Director General of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO)
InterAction Council meetings in Hiroshima
Statement by Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the general elections in Sudan
Close approach flights by military helicopters of China toward Japan's escort ship Asayuki
VIP Visits
Questions concerning the Japan-EU Summit
Questions concerning relocation of Futenma Air Base‎
Questions concerning the visit of Plenipotentiary Envoy of the Russian President to the Far Eastern Federal District of the Russian Federation Mr. Viktor Ishayev

Foreign Minister Okada's visit to New York to chair the Open Debate of the United Nations Security Council on Post-Conflict Peacebuilding

Deputy Press Secretary Hidenobu Sobashima: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.

Today I have several topics. We have distributed three kinds of documents. One is the documents relating to our Minister's visit to New York to chair the Open Debate of the United Nations Security Council on the theme of Post-Conflict Peacebuilding. This is almost a week old so I don't intend to explain, except that, as these are important inputs for peacebuilding we distributed the documents.

Japan-Malaysia Joint Leaders' Statement

Mr. Sobashima: Next, the Japan-Malaysia Joint Leaders' Statement – this is three days old, but for your reference we distributed it.

Election of Mr. Ryuichiro Yamazaki as Director General of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO)

Mr. Sobashima: On last Tuesday, 20 April, Mr. Ryuichiro Yamazaki was elected to be Director General of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO). He will serve his term from 16 September for a period of three years. As there was no other candidate, his candidature was endorsed in the Board Meeting currently held in Malaysia. We are glad that a competent Japanese was elected as Director General of the APO.

InterAction Council meetings in Hiroshima

Mr. Sobashima: For today's topics, so to speak, for your information, InterAction Council meetings were held in Hiroshima, the Experts Meeting as well as the Annual Assembly meeting, until Tuesday 20 April, and later the members have come to Tokyo to pay courtesy calls on the Prime Minister and my Minister. For example, yesterday, Prime Minister Hatoyama received the Honorary President of the InterAction Council, Mr. Malcolm Fraser, former Prime Minister of Australia, and the Co-President Mr. Jean Chretien, former Prime Minister of Canada, and also former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.

Our Minister, Mr. Okada, also received the Honorary President Mr. Fraser yesterday. Also, Mr. Goh Chok Tong, former Prime Minister of Singapore, currently Senior Minister of Singapore, who is also a member of the InterAction Council had a meeting with my Minister, Foreign Minister Okada, yesterday.

The InterAction Council discussed in Hiroshima nuclear disarmament, and we welcome the initiative they are making for the promotion of nuclear disarmament. This is just for your information that the members of the InterAction Council paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.

Statement by Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the general elections in Sudan

Mr. Sobashima: Then, we distributed the Statement by Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the general elections in Sudan. The general elections in Sudan were conducted from 11-15 April. The elections are critically important from the viewpoint of achieving implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) concluded in January 2005.

We sent observers and other countries sent observers to these elections, and we noted that there were some technical and substantive problems concerning the organization of the elections. So Japan wishes that any reasonable appeals that are submitted will be addressed fairly and in accordance with appropriate procedures. At the same time, Japan appreciates that the elections were conducted with the broad participation of the Sudanese people and in largely peaceful circumstances, despite their complexity and the difficulties posed by the extended areas of operation in which much of the polling took place.

Japan considers it essential that, based on the results of these elections, all parties concerned continue to promote democratization in Sudan and make further efforts for the implementation of the CPA and the realization of peace in Darfur. Japan will maintain its active cooperation to these ends.

Close approach flights by military helicopters of China toward Japan's escort ship Asayuki

Mr. Sobashima: Another topic is about the issue of close approach flights by military helicopters of China near Japan's escort ship Asayuki yesterday. Yesterday afternoon it was confirmed that a military helicopter from China was making approach flights toward the escort ship Asayuki. These flights were at a very close distance, and posed a danger to the safe operation of the escort ship.

A similar incident happened earlier on 8 April. Therefore, immediately after this incident, we, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, conveyed our concern to China through the Embassy of China here. The Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau conveyed our concern to the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo, and also the concern was conveyed from the Director of the China and Mongolia Division to the Minister Counselor of the Embassy.

VIP Visits

Mr. Sobashima: Finally, on visits, I already announced that the Japan-EU Summit Meeting will take place on 28 April.

We have a new announcement, which is the official state visit of the King of Cambodia. His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni will be coming to Japan from 16-20 May. During His Majesty's stay in Japan, the King will make a state call on Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan. Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan will host a state banquet in honor of the King. Also, Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama will host a luncheon in honor of the King.

The Government of Japan sincerely welcomes the visit of the King, which will further strengthen the friendly relations between Japan and the Kingdom of Cambodia.

There are at least two top men of international organizations in Japan now. Dr. Jacques Diouf, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is in Japan from 21-24 April. During his stay he is expected to pay a courtesy call on our Prime Minister, our Minister of Agriculture, and Mr. Kira, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, among other people. Also, Mr. Yukiya Amano, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is here, and is also expected to pay a visit to senior officials of Government of Japan.

For your information also, the Foreign Minister of Chile will be coming to Japan from the coming Sunday, 25 April until Wednesday 28 April.

These are the topics I would like to share today. Now I would like to invite your questions.

Questions concerning the Japan-EU Summit

Q: I have a few questions. First, the Japan-EU Summit. Do you expect the decision that there will be a joint study group for an Economic Partnership Agreement? As we know, Japan would very much like to have this joint study group while the European side is reluctant. What is the state of preparations for that?

Mr. Sobashima: Thank you. Yes, our proposal is to start first a joint study for the possible conclusion of an Economic Partnership Agreement later, so we are proposing this to the EU side and we very much hope that the EU side will be forthcoming to this proposal, but again, I emphasize, as a first step for the eventual conclusion of an Economic Partnership Agreement. At this stage we are proposing joint study, so we hope that the EU side will respond positively to our proposal. But it is up to the EU side to decide what they will do.

Q: Do you have signals? Do you expect them to accept or not?

Mr. Sobashima: We very much hope, but as I said, it is their side to decide how to respond to our proposal.

Questions concerning relocation of Futenma Air Base‎

Q: On Futenma, what are the channels that the Japanese Government, especially the Foreign Ministry, is discussing possible sites with the Americans right now? You know, the Americans said that they will not accept any site that is rejected by the local population, but the Prime Minister said that he will not come forth with a location before he has discussed it with the Americans. Now, I wonder, except for the connection between the Foreign Minister and the Ambassador, which always has an open channel, what other open channels are there to discuss that right now?

Mr. Sobashima: First, I would like to refrain from adding to what the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister have already said, and also I would like to refrain from commenting on the press reports, reports that appear in the newspapers or television, which are not necessarily as a result of the official announcements from the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, or other government officials. We are a little concerned that those reports are not necessarily reflecting the current situation, but we would like to refrain from commenting on those reports either.

What the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister explained on this issue is that the government will reach a conclusion by the end of May, and for this purpose the government will make efforts to get the understanding of the United States as well as the local people. As you correctly pointed out, the Foreign Minister, Minister Okada, has contacts with Ambassador Roos here, and the official channel is between my Foreign Ministry and the United States Government. As you pointed out, the U.S. Ambassador represents the United States Government, so at this stage the official channel is between my ministry, the Foreign Ministry, and the U.S. Embassy which represents the United States Government, so this is one channel. But theoretically, if it is a person or people who represent the Government of Japan and Government of the United States, of course, there is a possibility other than the two persons you mentioned. But at this stage the official channel is between my Minister and Ambassador Roos.

Q: Would you announce it if there were contacts on other levels?

Mr. Sobashima: If we have something that we think appropriate to announce we will do it, but this is the process that we have to proceed under the instruction, of course, of the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. So perhaps to your question I will just say that if there is something to announce then we will do it, but otherwise we don't.

Q: I have two more questions about Futenma. One is, if I understand correctly, Tokunoshima is not the only possible alternative site to Okinawa. The government still might announce other possible alternative sites. Is that correct?

Mr. Sobashima: The answer to your question is that we are not able to comment on that question, because the leaders simply have said that we are now considering. It is the media reports which referred to specific locations, but as far as the government is concerned we have simply said that we are now proceeding the deliberations. I am sorry, but it is not only myself but the ministers do not comment on that sort of question.

Q: Last question about Futenma. I know, or I have heard, that in the preparation to the InterAction Council meeting in Hiroshima, Futenma was a subject between other countries than Japan and America. Do you know anything of that?

Mr. Sobashima: I am sorry but the InterAction Council meetings are held by themselves. We are not involved in the preparation or the meetings themselves. Therefore, I am afraid that even if we know we are not in a position to officially comment on a question like this, because it is not the government process.

Q: I understand that, except if one of these former heads of state addressed the Japanese Government afterwards on that topic.

Mr. Sobashima: I am at a loss about who addressed that issue to whom, and anyway, if the discussion is among themselves, the former leaders, we are not in a position to comment. If it is between a Japanese government official and them, there may be some room for us to comment, however, if it is not forthcoming from the U.S. incumbent officials, then perhaps we should refrain from commenting on that sort of private conversation.

Questions concerning the visit of Plenipotentiary Envoy of the Russian President to the Far Eastern Federal District of the Russian Federation Mr. Viktor Ishayev

Q: Last question. Mr. Ishayev is in Japan, the Plenipotentiary Envoy of the Russian President to the Far Eastern Federal District. I am sure he has met the Foreign Minister or at least Foreign Ministry officials. Do you know what is the purpose of his visit?

Mr. Sobashima: Yes, the Plenipotentiary Envoy of the Russian President to the Far Eastern Federal District of the Russian Federation, Mr. Viktor Ishayev, paid a courtesy call on our Prime Minister on Tuesday 20 April. Mr. Ishayev told the Prime Minister that before coming to Japan he had a discussion with President Medvedev of the Russian Federation, and he reported the situation of the Far East region of the Russian Federation and its relationship with the surrounding countries, perhaps including Japan, and how to expand the cooperative relations with those surrounding countries, perhaps including Japan. According to him, President Medvedev approved his report; this is what he said to our Prime Minister.

Then he said to the Prime Minister that under the instruction of President Medvedev he would like to contribute to the development of the relationship between his region and Japan. He noted that in President Medvedev's meeting with Prime Minister Hatoyama in Washington earlier the issue of economic development of the Far East Region of the Russian Federation was referred to by the leaders of the two countries, and Mr. Ishayev welcomed the discussion that is expecting the further development of the region and more involvement of Japan.

According to Mr. Ishayev, President Medvedev as well as Prime Minister Putin have a great interest in the development of his region as well as the integration of his region to the wider Asia-Pacific region. So in this regard the President and Prime Minister of the Russian Federation are expecting the positive role that Japan can play. Also, the Russian Federation on its part is expecting to utilize the technology of Japan in this context.

He mentioned that President Medvedev requested him to consider how to make the Russian Far East be a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. On the other hand he noted that there may be some problems that Japanese businessmen are facing for investing in his region, and therefore he intends to take away the possible obstacles for this purpose. He said he would make every effort for this purpose.

These were the remarks made by him, and the Prime Minister replied as follows. He remembered his meeting with President Medvedev, and mentioned that the two countries should both develop economic relations and also improve the political situation, as, so to speak, "two wheels of a vehicle". He welcomed the initiative to be taken by Mr. Ishayev, at the same time suggested that political improvement is also important.

In this context Prime Minister Hatoyama mentioned that he discussed this issue with President Medvedev in Washington. For the part of Japan, through constructive dialogue between the leaders he wished to make progress on the issue of the Northern Territories. So these are the discussions he had with the Prime Minister on the occasion of his visit.

Q: So the Northern Territories is the main obstacle?

Mr. Sobashima: I did not say "obstacle". What the Russian said of obstacles was perhaps for the businessmen. We intend to expand both economic and political relations with Russia. This is the message that he delivered.

If there are no further questions, thank you very much.

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