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Press Conference by the Deputy Press Secretary, 3 March 2011

1. The 8th Japan-Russia Strategic Dialogue
2. Climate Change
3. The Situation in Libya
4. Statement by Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuo Yamahana before the Conference on Disarmament
5. The First Seminar on the Dialogue for the Future between Japan and the Islamic World
6. VIP Visits
7. Questions concerning Japan-Russia Relations
8. Questions concerning Japan-China Relations
9. Follow-up Questions on Japan-Russia Relations and Questions on Afghanistan, Pakistan and Libya
10. Question on Takeshima Island

The 8th Japan-Russia Strategic Dialogue

Deputy Press Secretary Hidenobu Sobashima: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Today I have several topics to share with you before inviting your questions

Mr. Sobashima: First, on the Japan-Russia Strategic Dialogue, I'm sorry we don't have written materials. Yesterday we had the 8th Japan-Russia Strategic Dialogue between Mr. Kenichiro Sasae, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Mr. Andrei Ivanovic Denisov, the First Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. It was also attended by Mr. Jiro Kodera, Director-General of the European Affairs Bureau and Ambassador Bely, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Japan. I would like to draw your attention to the outcome of Foreign Minister Maehara's visit to Russia last month. Foreign Minister Maehara agreed with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Lavrov, that the two countries should promote the bilateral relationship in various areas including politics, which includes the territorial issue, economy, cultural affairs, and also cooperation in international fora among others. As for the territorial issue, while admitting there was a large gap in the positions of Japan and the Russian Federation, the two Foreign ministers agreed that the two sides should continue efforts in a quiet atmosphere to seek agreement based on the agreements and documents established between the two countries. They also agreed that it is important to promote dialogue between the two countries at all levels, including the levels of leaders, foreign ministers, and the vice-ministerial level, including the Japan-Russia Strategic Dialogue. Thus the vice-ministerial level dialogue held yesterday was a follow-up to Foreign Minister Maehara's visit to the Russian Federation. The main areas they discussed were the following three areas. The first is the Japan-Russia bilateral relationship. The two sides discussed how the two countries should move forward, based on the results of Foreign Minister Maehara's visit to Russia last month, and also possible plans of political dialogues in the future. The second area is cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. In this second area the two sides discussed the security policies of Japan and the Russian Federation and the possible cooperation between Japan, the Russian Federation and other countries in the region, as well as the frameworks of cooperation in the region. The third main area was cooperation in international fora. International fora include, of course, the United Nations, and the issues for possible cooperation between the two countries include the Middle East and other regions covering Pakistan and Afghanistan, amongst others. This is just the main areas they discussed. I'm afraid I'm not able to go into details. If you have questions I will try to answer them. The two vice-ministers agreed, in principle, to hold the next Strategic Dialogue in Moscow, and the timing should be arranged through diplomatic channels. This is the first topic; the 8th Japan-Russia Strategic Dialogue.

Climate Change

Mr. Sobashima: The second topic is climate change. We have distributed the keynote speech by State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Yutaka Banno at the Climate Change Symposium hosted by the JIIA. I will explain the highlights of his speech. In the section "Outcome of COP 16," he explains once again, in the second paragraph, "Japan made its utmost efforts to promote these climate change negotiations. As for fast-start financing, Japan has pledged 15 billion US dollars, including public and private finance to support developing countries that actively implement climate change countermeasures, and has already implemented 7.2 billion US dollars." He also explains Japan's initiatives for the REDD+ Partnership for reforestation. In the second section entitled "the Kyoto Protocol" he explains Japan's position. In the second paragraph he says that "At COP16, attention was focused on Japan’s remark that it would not agree on establishing a second commitment period (of the Kyoto Protocol). To avoid any possible misunderstanding, I would like to emphasize once again that our position on a second commitment period stems from a view of protecting the global interests. It is by no means correct to say that Japan is not active in its efforts to combat climate change. We cannot solve the issue by setting out a second commitment period that only covers 27% of global emissions. Rather, it is necessary to work for the operationalization of the Cancun Agreements to realize the world wide emissions reduction in the post 2012 period and to establish a truly fair and effective international framework by preventing the 'implementation gap' of all major economies. Japan will constructively contribute to discussions for this purpose." I would like to repeat once again that Japan's position is that we will seek a legal document participated by all major economies. As the background information, in the next session he said that, as far as emissions are concerned, developed countries accounted for 65% of global emissions in 1990, but that percentage had already decreased to 49% by 2007 and the decline continues. He urged emerging economies to play a responsible role. He said that "we should formulate market mechanisms that will help achieving both environmental protection and economic development." He reiterated Japan's determination to steadily implement its pledged fast-start financing of 15 billion US dollars up to 2012, among others. In the final section entitled "Toward COP17, Conclusion," in the second paragraph he said that "Japan is determined to fully support South Africa’s COP17 Presidency, and on 3 and 4 March, will host the Informal Meeting on "Further Actions against Climate Change" in Tokyo, where Japan serves as co-chair with Brazil. Above all, combating climate change is the responsibility of all the people in our generation, and climate change is our problem. Let us fulfill our responsibility together. "As mentioned there we will be hosting an informal meeting on "Further Actions against Climate Change" in Mita House, today and tomorrow. Around 30 countries and institutions will be participating, at the experts' level. We intend that in the informal meeting, participants will discuss how to proceed with the negotiations. We hope that informal and candid discussions to be held will be helpful for promotion of the negotiations toward COP17, toward the end of this year, in South Africa. Ms. Christina Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC will be participating in this informal meeting together with other participants. She paid a courtesy call on State Secretary Banno and Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Fukuyama, among her other meetings. On both occasions the two sides agreed that Japan and the Secretariat should cooperate closely for the purpose of progress on the issue of climate change. So this is about climate change.

The Situation in Libya

Mr. Sobashima: We have distributed the "Statement by Foreign Minister Maehara on the Adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 1970, concerning the Situation in Libya." I will read this. "The Government of Japan expresses serious concern over the situation in Libya, in which a large number of people are killed or injured, and strongly condemns the use of flagrant violence by the Libyan authorities against people taking part in peaceful demonstrations.  "The Government of Japan urges the Libyan authorities including Leader Muammar al-Qadhafi to immediately halt the violence against people of Libya. On Saturday, 26 February (New York time), the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1970 concerning the situation in Libya. This resolution represents a clear global message to the Libyan authorities. The Government of Japan strongly calls for the Libyan authorities to observe the Resolution immediately."

As you know, there were development also in the Human Rights Council and other fora as well.

We are concerned that there are casualties, not only in Libya but other countries as well. We are concerned that, as a result of the collisions, people have been killed or injured. The Government of Japan requests that the authorities concerned of these countries to respond to peaceful demonstrations via peaceful means, and to take restrictive measures. I already mentioned there were also developments in the Human Rights Council. We have distributed a statement by Mr. Ikuo Yamahana, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs. He mentioned in paragraph three and four, concern over the situation in Libya and expressed views on the situation in Libya. He mentioned the views of the Government of Japan on various issues of human rights. For your interest, on the second page, paragraph seven, he referred to the Hague Convention. He said, "The Japanese Government is also seriously engaged in the issue of international child abduction. With the best interests of children in mind, the government aims to reach a decision as early as possible on the possibility of concluding the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. To this effect, relevant ministries and agencies are working closely and are also taking into account a broad range of views." He of course mentioned the abduction issue by North Korea among others.

Statement by Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuo Yamahana before the Conference on Disarmament

Mr. Sobashima: Another statement by Mr. Ikuo Yamahana, before the Conference on Disarmament. First he made general remarks, then on the specific issues, FMCT, nuclear disarmament, Negative Security Assurance, prevention of an arms race in outer space, disarmament and non proliferation education. On FMCT he said that "A Fissile Material Cut off Treaty, which we agreed in 2009 to commence negotiations on, is an important measure for nuclear disarmament and non proliferation in realizing our goal of 'a world without nuclear weapons.' With an FMCT, we aim, amongst other things, to prohibit the production of fissile material for nuclear weapon purposes and to ensure fissile material for non-nuclear-weapon purposes is not diverted to nuclear-weapon purposes. It is also expected that, by establishing a verification system, transparency will be enhanced and nuclear security strengthened." He said that this should be a matter of the highest priority for the Conference on Disarmament (CD). And in the last paragraph he explained, "Last month, the governments of Japan and Australia co-hosted the 'Expert Side-Event on FMCT definitions,' which was open to all CD members and observer states, for the purpose of advancing substantive discussions on the treaty. We strongly wish to contribute to the future negotiations in the CD by further deepening technical discussions and reporting to the CD in the capacity of the chairperson on the discussions that took place at the event. Additionally, we will also work for the immediate commencement of FMCT negotiations as a top priority in the framework of the Foreign Ministers' meeting on nuclear disarmament and non proliferation, which Japan launched together with Australia and other countries (including Germany) last September." These are the highlights of Mr. Yamahana's statement.

The First Seminar on the Dialogue for the Future between Japan and the Islamic World

Mr. Sobashima: Finally we distributed the paper entitled "The First Seminar on the Dialogue for the Future between Japan and the Islamic world." We are planning the Dialogue for the Future between Japan and the Islamic world for the coming three years. So this is the first seminar and we intend to plan for the next year and the year after next. Our fiscal year starts in April and ends in March. We are already in calendrical 2011; however, as far as the fiscal year is concerned, we are still in 2010. The first seminar is for fiscal 2010. We intend to organize the second seminar in fiscal 2011 and the third seminar in fiscal 2012. The fist seminar is to be held in Abu Dhabi with the cooperation of the Government of the UAE and Zayed University. Actually Zayed University will be hosting this seminar. With the participation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and also Ms. Chinami Nishimura, former Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs and currently a member of the House of Representatives, and at the same time, Director-General of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan, among others. The purposes are to deepen the understanding by both sides of each other, Japan and the Islamic world, and to express Japan's intention to promote dialogue with the Islamic world. We are inviting opinion leaders, youth, and media, among others, for the better understanding of each other. This year the theme is "Diversification of Industrial Structure and Job-Creation for the Younger Generation." This is the main theme and we will have discussions on this theme. From the Japanese side I only mentioned Ms. Nishimura, but around ten students, who were selected in an open process, will also be participating from Japan among other participants. We hope that useful discussions will be held, next week, next Monday and Tuesday in Abu Dhabi. These are the topics.

VIP Visits

Mr. Sobashima: Finally, on visits, we will be receiving his Excellency Mr. Boris Tadic, the President of Serbia, from 7 10 March and Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway, from 15 18 March. As you may be aware, because we have the Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Rescue Team in New Zealand, for rescuing the victims of the heavy earthquake, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Tokunaga has been the advisor for this rescue team. Last Tuesday, State Secretary Matsumoto went to New Zealand in preparation for taking over the role of advisor to Japan's rescue team. As you may already know, the G8 Foreign Minister's Meeting will be held in Paris, France on 14 15 March. As this is a foreign ministerial meeting, and Foreign Minister Maehara is expected to participate, with the approval of the Diet. Thank you very much for waiting. Now I invite your questions.

Questions concerning Japan-Russia Relations

Q: If I may come back to the Russian-Japanese relationship. You didn't mention the economic cooperation as a topic between the two Vice-Ministers. Was this not a topic? And regarding this general situation between Japan and Russia, there was a report that Russia was not very happy with the fact that Japan doesn't pursue the rightist group that violated the Russian flag [SIC]. Is there a law in Japan that you can punish such an act?

Mr. Sobashima: Yes. I think I already responded yes to the same question on an earlier occasion here, several weeks ago. Article 92 of the Criminal Law provides for the infringement of national flags. As for your question, because of the allegation that the infringement of the Russian flag was made on 7 February, and we had protests from the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Tokyo, the authorities concerned made very serious, sincere investigations. On 25 February we reported the results of the investigation that, up to then, there were no findings made about the infringement of the Russian flag. Yesterday the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation communicated to our Embassy in Moscow, that the Japanese side should reconduct the investigation and prove the crime, and conduct the punishment accordingly. So this was the request conveyed by the Russian Foreign Ministry to our Embassy in Moscow. We are of the view that all national flags should be respected, and should there be an act of infringement on the Russian flag that would be deplorable and regretted. Our position is that we have sincerely conducted our investigations in accordance with the domestic laws of Japan, and we intend to explain once again our views to the Russian side and we would like to seek the understanding of the Russian Government. In any event, we intend to act appropriately, in accordance with the domestic law of Japan. This is my answer to your question.

Q: Economic cooperation was not mentioned?

Mr. Sobashima: Sorry, as I mentioned, in Foreign Minister Maehara's visit to the Russian Federation, there was an agreement that the bilateral relationship should be advanced in various areas, including economic areas, meaning basically the trade and investment relationship because the Russian Federation is not a recipient of Japanese ODA. As I explained, yesterday's Japan-Russia Strategic Dialogue focused on the bilateral relationship as a whole, the two countries' cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, and the two countries' cooperation in international fora. You are right that I didn't mention economic relations. But we discussed bilateral relations. I'm afraid I am not able to give you further details.

Questions concerning Japan-China Relations

Q: My question concerns the Japanese-Chinese relationship, because last September, the Japanese side sent a very strong signal of sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands by arresting the captain. But the impression I get is that, the disagreement between Japan and China, a lot of them are symbolic. For example, also the Yasukuni issue is more a symbolic issue. In reality the economic relationship is not bad. I would actually qualify it as very strong. The bilateral relationship is the second largest in the world. So can you share any thoughts on how Japan and China are communicating at the moment and if there is any progress on these issues?

Mr. Sobashima: Thank you. I only explained the Japan-Russia Strategic Dialogue, but last Monday, Mr. Sasae, the Vice-Minister himself, conducted a Strategic Dialogue with his Chinese counterpart, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Zhang Zhijun. From 9:30, for about five and a half hours, including a working lunch, the two sides discussed the bilateral relationship between the two countries and the issues of common interest. We released, only in Japanese, a press release on the outcome of the Japan-China Strategic Dialogue. We mentioned there that the dialogue was positive, candid and detailed. Both sides agreed that the leaders' meeting held in November last year in Yokohama, on the occasion of the APEC Leaders' Meeting, improved bilateral relations and directed the relations for development. The two sides held the common view that last year's leaders' meeting was very helpful for improving the relationship. This year is a very important year and the two Vice-Ministers agreed that it is important for both sides to implement the agreements of the two leaders, for the purpose of healthy and stable development of our bilateral relations. The two Vice-Ministers agreed it is important to further promote mutual trust politically and to promote various forms of cooperation at the working level. The two countries should seek improving the feelings of the people of both countries toward each other and appropriately handle sensitive issues. They should cooperate with each other for the purpose of improving the atmosphere to enrich next year as the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. For your information, 13 November last year, when Prime Minister Kan and President Hu Jintao had a meeting, the two leaders agreed on three things. The first is that the long-term stable development of a mutually beneficial relationship based on the common strategic interests between Japan and China will be beneficial to the people of both countries and is also important for the peace and development of the region, as well as of the world. This is the first point. Secondly they agreed to promote exchanges and cooperation between the two governments and the private sectors of both countries. Thirdly, they agreed to strengthen cooperation on global issues, including economic issues, based on the discussions in the G20 and APEC. These are the three points agreed between the two leaders. A part of the promotion of exchanges and cooperation between the two governments is this Strategic Dialogue. Having this Strategic Dialogue is part of the implementation of the leaders' agreement.

Q: May I follow up? Did the two also discuss on Monday already the possibility that Japan will skip its ODA to China and how far is the discussion already going that there should be a reducing or also a skipping of the ODA to China?

Mr. Sobashima: Well I can only say that the two vice-ministers discussed the overall relationship between the two countries. I'm afraid I cannot give you the details. However, I can explain our position on ODA to China. First I should repeat what I already mentioned, that Japan intends to further deepen and further embody the mutually beneficial relationship based on the common strategic interests between Japan and China. For this purpose, Japan intends to consider ways to promote this mutually beneficial relationship, including what to do with the ODA. As for our future ODA to China, we intend to review what to do. For this review we will take into account the development of China, the circumstances surrounding ODA, the overall bilateral relationship between Japan and China, and the significance of specific cooperation measures among others. We intend to consider all these in a comprehensive manner. This was instructed by the Foreign Minister. Minister Maehara instructed the ministry officials concerned to conduct a review. We have not reached a conclusion yet.

Q: Do you have a timeline?

Mr. Sobashima: I don't have a timeline to share with you now but if the review is concluded we will make a decision.

Follow-up Questions on Japan-Russia Relations and Questions on Afghanistan, Pakistan and Libya

Q: Can you elaborate on these discussions on Japan and Russia? You mentioned Afghanistan and Pakistan influence came into discussions. My second point is that yesterday there was the killing of the Minister of Minorities in Pakistan. Is there any statement by the Japanese Government? Thirdly, Libya's al-Qadhafi is saying that Americans are going to destabilize his government.

Mr. Sobashima: I'm afraid that I'm not in a position to explain in detail what sorts of discussions were conducted between the Japanese and Russian Vice-Ministers. However, our position is that for the purpose of stabilization of Afghanistan, we have contributed assistance and we intend to continue contributions to Afghanistan. In this regard, among others, Pakistan is important, for the stabilization of Afghanistan, the role Pakistan is to play is important. Instead of explaining what sort of discussion was made between the Russian and Japanese Vice-Ministers, I may be able to give you some of the information regarding the visit of President Ali Zardari, which took place earlier. Our view on Pakistan is well reflected in the joint statement issued by Prime Minister Kan and President Zardari. As for the assassination, we condemn any act of terrorism and extend our condolences to the victim. Terrorism should not be permissible in any case. We deplore the incident and strongly condemn this act of terrorism. As for Libya, I think I already explained the Foreign Minister's statement that we are urging the Libyan authorities to refrain from violence and we hope that the situation will be settled in a peaceful manner. First we urge the Libyan authorities to refrain from violence. We are ready to consider sanctions in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolution to the extent possible and we consider appropriate. In any event we urge the Libyan authorities to refrain from violence.

Question on Takeshima Island

Q: The South Korean Government is giving out new school books for the next season. These school books will include Takeshima Island as a very important part to teach the children, ground, middle and high school students. Is the Japanese Government thinking of protesting this act of South Korea?

Mr. Sobashima: On Takeshima, Japan's position remains the same. Our side has been communicating our position to the Korean side on various occasions. Therefore, we will continue to do this. But further than that I would like to refrain from the details.

If you have no further questions, thank you very much for coming.