Press Conference by the Deputy Press Secretary, 17 January 2013
- Hostage situation in Algeria
- Visit by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to Southeast Asia and Australia
- Question concerning a Visit by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the United States
- Questions concerning the hostage situation in Algeria
- Questions concerning the Senkaku Islands
- Follow-up questions concerning the hostage situation in Algeria
- Questions concerning Japan-China relations
- Follow-up questions concerning the hostage situation in Algeria
1. Hostage situation in Algeria
Deputy Press Secretary Ms. Naoko Saiki: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Let me start by touching upon a couple of issues before taking your questions.
Ms. Saiki: First, on the hostage incident in Algeria. We strongly condemn the attack on natural gas facilities and people there at In Amenas, Algeria yesterday. We are extremely concerned about the situation. Japan will never accept taking people hostage. The Government of Japan, under the instruction of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is on his first overseas visit to Southeast Asia, is making every effort to collect information and closely monitor the situation. Some Japanese are among the hostages; however, in order to protect their safety, I am not going to get into any further details. We have placed priority on the lives of the victims. We will strengthen updated information gathering and will cooperate closely with the countries concerned. In fact, last night, Minister for Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida held telephone talks with Mr. Mourad Medelci, Foreign Minister of Algeria, and Mr. Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, respectively, and affirmed that they would closely cooperate and coordinate for the rescue of the hostages. And this morning, Minister for Foreign Affairs Kishida received a courtesy call by Assistant Secretary of State of the United States Kurt Campbell, when it was agreed that Japan and the United States would work closely together on the case.
2. Visit by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to Southeast Asia and Australia
Ms. Saiki: Second, on the visit by Minister for Foreign Affairs Kishida to Southeast Asia and Australia. From January 9 to 14, the Foreign Minister visited the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, and Australia on his first overseas visit as Minister for Foreign Affairs. During his visit to the ASEAN member state nations, he shared with his counterparts recognition of the changing strategic environment in the Asia-Pacific region, and confirmed the continuing cooperation for the region’s peace, stability, and prosperity. In addition, this year, 2013, marks the 40th year of ASEAN-Japan friendship and cooperation. The Foreign Minister was able to thoroughly explain the importance Japan places on ASEAN and confirm that we will strengthen Japan-ASEAN relations towards the Japan-ASEAN special summit meeting to be held in December in Japan.
During his visit to Australia, he shared with his counterparts the strategic recognition of the Asia-Pacific region, and also agreed to strengthen Japan-Australia political, security, and economic relations, deepen cooperation on addressing the challenges at the United Nations Security Council, on disarmament and non-proliferation, as well as cooperation and the Pacific Island Countries’ region.
Through these visits, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Fumio Kishida, further enhanced the multi-layered coordination with each country and constructed a foundation for strengthening the Japan-ASEAN partnership, as well as the Japan-Australia strategic partnership.
With these initial announcements, I would be happy to take your questions.
3. Question concerning a Visit by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the United States
Q: I would like to ask about the Foreign Minister’s visit to the United States. Can you give any details of his schedule and can you tell us what you expect him to achieve, including when he might be able to set a summit date between Japan and America?
Ms. Saiki: Thank you very much for the question. With respect to the planned visit by the Foreign Minister of Japan, Mr. Kishida to the United States, he is going to leave Tokyo on 18th, and to hold a bilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with the Secretary of State, Mrs. Hilary Clinton, on 18th (local time). The objective of his visit to the United States this time is to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. Security Alliance, in the face of the increasing instability of the Asia-Pacific region, in order to contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. It is our belief that to enhance Japan-U.S. relations is of critical importance. Foreign Minister Kishida is expected to reaffirm the importance of the alliance between the two countries and furthermore to have candid discussions on various bilateral issues as well as regional and international issues with Secretary Clinton. On the visit by the Prime Minister, Mr. Shinzo Abe, to the United States, Japan and the United States are coordinating planning on a schedule. We expect that the visit by the Foreign Minister this time will facilitate our coordination.
4. Questions concerning the hostage situation in Algeria
Q: On the Algeria hostage situation, we are hearing some alarming stories about the condition of the hostages. Firstly, what are you hearing about the health of the Japanese nationals and the other hostages? And secondly, you are saying you are cooperating with the Algerian Government. Now, the Algerian Government says it will not cooperate with what it regards as terrorists. How is that affecting the Japanese strategy on this?
Ms. Saiki: Thank you for the question. On the first point, yes, we do have some information; however, in order to protect the safety of the hostages, I will refrain from making any detailed explanation here.
Q: Are they well? Are they still alive?
Ms. Saiki: I will not make any comments on that. On your second point, as I explained to you at the outset, we have placed priority on the lives of the victims. In order to secure the safety of the victims, as well as, of course, the prompt rescue of them, the Japanese Government will make its utmost effort toward that end. I think it is necessary for all the countries concerned, starting with Algeria, the United States, Japan, and others, to make good coordination for that purpose.
Q: Sorry, just a quick follow up. What is the French position on this? Are you talking to the French about this?
Ms. Saiki: We are planning to closely contact and coordinate with the various countries concerned, including France, the United Kingdom, and others. For your information, I would like to add that Foreign Minister Kishida has decided to dispatch Parliamentary Vice-Minister Minoru Kiuchi, who is on a visit to Europe now, to Algeria. Parliamentary Vice-Minister Kiuchi is scheduled to arrive in Algeria by the end of today.
Q: Sorry, one final question. Does that mean that you are having problems negotiating with the Algerian Government?
Ms. Saiki: No, not at all. To collect updated information and to deepen coordination and cooperation with the Algerian Government and authorities of the respective countries there – that is the purpose of dispatching Mr. Kiuchi to Algeria.
Q: Just for clarification – you are talking about prioritizing lives, and the Prime Minister has talked about prioritizing lives. What exactly does that mean?
Ms. Saiki: We would like to secure the prompt rescue of the hostages.
Q: Is there a priority? Are we looking at a ransom sort of situation first, or a military option? Everything is on the table.
Ms. Saiki: In light of the sensitivity of the hostage case, I will not make detailed comments.
5. Questions concerning the Senkaku Islands
Q: Yesterday, Mr. Hatoyama – he is in China, and he said the Senkaku Islands are a problem between Japan and China. So the Japanese Government didn’t think so, but Mr. Hatoyama said the problem is there, so what is the opinion of the Japanese Government about this thing?
Ms. Saiki: Thank you for the question. We understand that Mr. Hatoyama has visited the PRC in his personal capacity. So I do not make comments on what he has said over there.
The position of the Japanese Government with respect to the Senkaku Islands is crystal clear: the Senkaku Islands are a part of Japan’s inherent territory in light of historical facts and in accordance with international law. Furthermore, Japan has maintained its valid control over the islands over 100 years, so we do not think that there is a dispute of territorial sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands.
Q: So how do you feel about Mr. Hatoyama in this problem? He is not in the style of the Japanese Government, but in his style as a former prime minister so will the Japanese Government punish him?
Ms. Saiki: Thank you for the question. Yes, you are right in saying that Mr. Hatoyama once served as Prime Minister. But he is visiting China in his personal capacity. I think that’s all.
Q: One more question. Mr. Onodera, on January 15, said that even if a Chinese plane appears in the area of the Senkaku Islands, the Japanese will view this problem according to international rules. So Asahi Shimbun said that this means the Japanese Government will shoot the Chinese plane. What is the opinion of the Japanese Government? Can you make it clear?
Ms. Saiki: Thank you. I am aware of press reports about the statement made by Defense Minister Onodera. The Ministry of Defense and the Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take a countermeasure when an airspace incursion by a foreign aircraft takes place, which is a standard operation procedure widely recognized in the international community. I repeat: the Ministry of Defense and the Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take necessary and appropriate measures in accordance with domestic laws and regulations based upon the international standards whenever airspace violation by a foreign aircraft takes place.
Q: So this means Mr. Onodera is planning to ask the Japanese planes to shoot the Chinese planes if this happens?
Ms. Saiki: In response to your previous question I made it clear that the Japanese Government takes an appropriate countermeasure in response to an incursion by a foreign aircraft into Japan’s airspace. Appropriate measures do include various levels: first issuing a warning, and then some other possible measures, in accordance with international law and practices, under Japanese domestic laws and regulations.
Q: So shooting may be in the mind of Japan? These are the laws?
Ms. Saiki: Under international law, violation of other countries’ territory, including airspace, is not allowed. So any country in the international community has a right, and in some sense, an obligation, to get rid of intrusion by a foreign entity into its territory. That is allowed under international law, but all the measures have to be implemented in accordance with rules.
Q: Following on from that question, Kurt Campbell was in Tokyo today and he repeated the message from the United States that cool heads should prevail in any maritime dispute. There was also a report from Nihon Keizai Shimbun yesterday saying that America had asked Japan to refrain from firing warning shots in the case of an incursion by a Chinese aircraft. Is this report true?
Ms. Saiki: Thank you very much for the question. Indeed, I am aware of the press reports you referred to. However, there is no truth to them.
6. Follow-up questions concerning the hostage situation in Algeria
Q: On Mali, the kidnappers in the hostage situation that we talked about earlier are alleged to be saying that the reason behind it is to get the French to pull out from Mali. What is Japan’s view on this? What is Japan’s view on the French military action in Mali?
Ms. Saiki: We understand that the Government of Mali did request the assistance from the French forces in order to respond to the situation on the ground. Therefore, the first and the foremost hope on the part of the Japanese Government is that stabilization of the situation in Mali will be realized as soon as possible.
Q: So does Japan support the French action in Mali?
Ms. Saiki: We are hoping for the stabilization of the situation.
Q: What is Japan’s basic stance when you talk and coordinate with the French, because your nationals have been involved in this thing in Algeria? Are you going to go to the French and say, “Guys, could you pull out of Mali because our nationals are involved?” What kind of basic strategy do you intend to take when you meet the French?
Ms. Saiki: Thank you for the question. We do have a strategy. We do have a principle. But I do not think it is proper for me to disclose those strategy and principle here because the important thing is to protect the lives of the victims. I don’t think I can discuss the strategy with you in this press conference.
Q: There is one way of thinking that if you came out against the French action in Mali, that might also protect the lives of your citizens. I am not saying I agree with that, but what would your view on that be?
Ms. Saiki: At the same time, we attach great importance to the rule of law, as Prime Minister Abe clearly said that Japan will never accept taking people hostage. So we do not give in to those violent demands. We have to strike a balance between these elements of consideration.
Q: And what balance is that?
Ms. Saiki: The right balance has to be struck.
Q: What is the right balance? Just a clarification.
Ms. Saiki: I don’t think I will be able to get into further details of the matter because of the sensitivity of the issue.
7. Questions concerning Japan-China relations
Q: I wanted to go back to the issue of Japan, China, and the United States. Again, Mr. Campbell said this morning that he supported Japan’s efforts to hold consultations with China. You have said several times over the past few months that there are such talks going on away from the public eye. Am I correct in assuming that these talks are still ongoing, and is there any chance that they might lead to, for example, a visit by Japan’s Foreign Minister?
Ms. Saiki: Thank you. Let me say it this way: we believe that to keep lines of communication with the PRC is very, very important to stabilize the situation, and we do not want the issue relating to the Senkaku Islands to adversely affect overall relations between Japan and the PRC, and in order to keep close contact with the PRC, we have to make use of various channels at all the levels.
Q: So do you think there is any chance of a higher level consultation?
Ms. Saiki: I do not rule out that possibility, but nothing concrete is decided or planned at this point in time.
8. Follow-up questions concerning the hostage situation in Algeria
Q: How has it been dealing with the Algerian Government? Have you collected on the ground reports? Is it easy to deal with them, difficult to deal with them? How cooperative are they?
Ms. Saiki: I will not make comments on that.
Q: How long is Japan willing to wait to see the end of this situation? What is your plan for rising to the situation?
Ms. Saiki: As soon as possible, the victims must be released.
Q: Have you heard anything? Have you been in contact with the families? How are they holding up?
Ms. Saiki: I will not disclose any detailed information on that.
Q: Will you change your policy towards Japanese nationals going to the Middle East going forward with this incident in mind? How will Japan’s foreign policy change towards the Middle East? There must be some sort of feedback from this incident.
Ms. Saiki: This incident by itself has not influenced our policy towards the Middle East at all. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been providing updated information about the region to the Japanese people so that any Japanese citizen who is thinking of visiting areas in Africa or in the Middle East has a better understanding of what is going on over there. We are continuing to provide necessary information to our people.
Q: Is there anything you want to say to the armed group, if you had the chance?
Ms. Saiki: I am not in a position to say it. But, of course, if I had that kind of chance, I would say, “Please release all the victims immediately.” Because you are asking if I had a chance to talk with the armed group, naturally, and without a doubt, I would say that the victims must be released immediately.
Q: Do you get the impression that there is a rising threat toward the Japanese people from routes like this? Is the Japanese Government regarding there to be a higher threat to Japanese citizens around the world from groups like this group in Algeria and Mali?
Ms. Saiki: Generally speaking, Japanese people are in every corner of the world. Very many Japanese and Japanese companies have been working and operating in various counties in the globe, so I think there are possibilities and probabilities that from time to time, unfortunately and very regrettably, Japanese citizens might be involved in these incidents. Therefore, as I told you, it is the duty of the Japanese Government to provide detailed, precise, and correct information to its people.
Q: I know it is very difficult for you to comment on the details of this case. I understand that, but what I am trying to get at is, do you get a sense that these Japanese citizens were targeted because they were Japanese, or because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time?
Ms. Saiki: I refrain from getting into that.
If there are no questions, I would like to conclude today’s conference. Thank you for coming.
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