Top > Announcement > Press Conference by the Press Secretary of MOFA > 29 November 2012

Press Conference by the Deputy Press Secretary, 29 November 2012

  1. Sanctions against Syria
  2. The presidential election in the Republic of Sierra Leone
  3. The adoption of the resolution on the situation of human rights in the DPRK
  4. The second round of bilateral talks between Japan and North Korea

1. Sanctions against Syria

Deputy Press Secretary Ms. Naoko Saiki: Good afternoon. Let me start with several announcements.

First, on the addition of lists for the measures to freeze the assets of President Bashar al-Assad and his related individuals and entities in Syria. Japan has been implementing such measures as freezing the assets of President Bashar al-Assad and his related individuals and entities in Syria Arab Republic in order to contribute to the international efforts for peace. In view of the current international situation surrounding Syria, Japan has decided to add 36 individuals and 19 entities to the list of those subject to the measures, such as freezing of assets, in line with the measures being taken by other major countries in order to contribute to the international efforts for international peace aimed at the resolution of this issue. Also, in addition to an ongoing stricter review on the issuance of visas against those who had been designated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Notice, such as Syrian president Bashar al-Assad and his related individuals, the 36 individuals, and the 19 entities designated by the notice, will also be subject to the review of the same degree.

2. The presidential election in the Republic of Sierra Leone

Second, on the presidential election in the Republic of Sierra Leone. On November 23, the National Electoral Commission of the Republic of Sierra Leone announced the final result of the presidential election held on November 17, in which Sierra Leone incumbent president Ernest Bai Koroma was elected. Election observation missions from many countries, including Japan, as well as from various international organizations, were deployed across Sierra Leone to observe this election. The Government of Japan welcomes that the election was held peacefully in general. Japan hopes that Sierra Leone will make further progress under the reelected president.

3. The adoption of the resolution on the situation of human rights in the DPRK

Third, on the adoption of the resolution on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) at the third committee of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. On November 27 local time, the resolution on the situation of human rights in the DPRK, which was co-tabled by Japan and the European Union, was adopted by consensus without vote for the eighth consecutive year at the third committee of the UN General Assembly, which is currently meeting in New York. Actually, it was the first time that the resolution was adopted by consensus without vote. The resolution expresses very serious concern at various violations of human rights in the DPRK, and strongly urges it to respect all human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to resolve the abduction issue urgently, including the immediate return of abductees. To improve the human rights situation in North Korea, it is essential for the international community to work in cooperation to continue encouraging North Korea to take concrete actions towards improvements. The Government of Japan considers that the adoption of the resolution indicates that concern about the human rights situation in the DPRK, including the abduction issue, remains strong and sends a clear message from the international community urging the DPRK to improve the situation. The Government of Japan will continue to urge North Korea to take concrete actions to improve the human rights situation, including the immediate return of abductees, and cooperate with the international community, including the acceptance of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in North Korea by sincerely responding to the voice of the international community expressed in the resolution.

4. The second round of bilateral talks between Japan and North Korea

Fourth, on the second round of bilateral talks between Japan and North Korea. Japan and North Korea will hold the second round of bilateral talks on December 5 - 6 in Beijing, China, following the talks on November 15 - 16 in Ulan Bator, Mongolia. Japan will be represented by Shinsuke Sugiyama, Director General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and North Korea by Ambassador Song Ilho in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

With these initial announcements, I would be happy to take your questions. If there are no questions, I would like to conclude today’s conference. Thank you.

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