Meeting of G8 Foreign Ministers Overview

June 14, 2002

1. Introduction

2. Overview of Discussion in each Agenda Item

(1) Fight Against Terrorism

In addition to confirming the importance of the cooperation that has been achieved through the G8 in the international fight against terrorism, Foreign Ministers agreed that long-term measures are needed, and that it will be necessary to further enhance assistance such as technical cooperation to developing countries.

Foreign Minister Kawaguchi pointed out that in addition to resolutely implementing measures in the fight against terrorism as a matter of urgency, it was necessary to tackle persistently long-term challenges such as support for poverty alleviation, development and education. Foreign Minister Kawaguchi explained that Japan is actively undertaking regional cooperation through such frameworks as the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) on counter-terrorism measures such as technical assistance and information exchange.

(2) Afghanistan

All Foreign Ministers welcomed the convening of the emergency Loya Jirga (ELJ) in Afghanistan and recognized the importance of the international community continuing to assist the efforts of the Afghan people in such endeavors as the implementation of the Bonn Agreement, law and order (in this regard anti-narcotics measures are of importance), and the implementation of humanitarian and reconstruction assistance. In particular, it was pointed out that support for the central government of Afghanistan was important for the stability of the country.

Foreign Minister Kawaguchi explained to fellow G8 Foreign Ministers about her visit to Afghanistan and made introduction to Japan's Initiative of a "Register for Peace," concerning the demobilization and reintegration of former combatants into society. She stated that it would be necessary for all countries concerned to continue their cooperation towards the consolidation of peace in Afghanistan, along the three pillars, which are the political process, domestic security and humanitarian and reconstruction assistance.

(3) India and Pakistan

Although there have been moves towards alleviation of tensions, in the face of the continuing crisis situation, Foreign Ministers agreed that it was important to continue to call strongly upon the Government of Pakistan to continue to implement effective measures against terrorists and extremist groups, and at the same time to call upon the Government of India to take measures towards reducing the tension in South Asia. In addition, from a long-term perspective, towards the realization of more stable relations between India and Pakistan, Foreign Ministers pointed out the necessity of promoting dialogue on the various issues that exist between the two countries, including the Kashmir issue.

Foreign Minister Kawaguchi stated that in the calls made upon Pakistan it should be taken into consideration that Pakistan had last year changed its policy towards Afghanistan, and that the country was advancing the process of reform and democratization. She also pointed out the importance of calling upon countries a forward-looking response to issues concerning the issue of weapons of mass destruction, including cooperation in international frameworks for non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament (NACD), such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).

(4) The Middle East

All Foreign Ministers praised the recent active diplomacy stance taken by the United States in its calls on the region, and pointed out the importance of simultaneously promoting the three processes of restoration of security, promotion of the peace process, and humanitarian and reconstruction assistance. In addition, the necessity for administrative structural reform of the Palestinian Interim Self-Government Authority (PA) and the convening of an international conference were also pointed out.

Foreign Minister Kawaguchi explained about her recent visit to Israel and the Palestinian Autonomous Areas and reemphasized the importance of simultaneously advancing the three processes. In addition, Foreign Minister Kawaguchi explained Japan's intention to provide assistance for the reform of the Palestinian Interium Self-Government Authority as well as a concept for a roadmap that would tie-in Japan's assistance with the peace process and stated that Japan would be actively involved in the Middle East,.

(5) Non-Proliferation, Arms Control and Disarmament (NACD)

All Foreign Ministers praised the agreement between the United States and the Russian Federation concerning strategic nuclear arms reduction, and shared the recognition that in the new international security environment, important challenges that need be tackled still exist in the area of non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament (NACD), including measures to tackle the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. To this end, it was pointed out that it would be necessary to make efforts to strengthen multilateral frameworks, including international treaties, and to enhance export control regimes for weapons. In addition, discussion took place concerning cooperation in the management and disposal of the weapons of mass destruction of the countries of the former Soviet Union, and it was decided that this discussion would continue within the G8.

Foreign Minister Kawaguchi praised the agreement between the United States and the Russian Federation as an important step forward. At the same time, she emphasized that the international community should not disregard the role of multilatral frameworks. In particular, as concrete and realistic measures to contribute to the maintenance and enhancement of the NPT regime, She stressed that it was important to continue efforts to bring the CTBT into early effect and sustain the moratorium on nuclear weapons testing, to revitalize the United Nations Conference on Disarmament and to immediately resume negotiations on the Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty (FMCT), and to strengthen the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) safeguard system and gain broader acceptance for the Additional Protocol. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Kawaguchi stated that cooperation in the management and disposal of weapons of mass destruction was important from the perspective of counter-terrorism, disarmament, and the environment, and that it was important to review the various issues towards implementation and realization of such measures.

(6) The Balkans

G8 Foreign Ministers welcomed the positive trends in the Balkans and pointed out that it would be necessary for the G8 to continue to pay attention to the stability of the region in the future, and that it was also important to devise measures to tackle international organized crime.

Foreign Minister Kawaguchi stated that as a member of the G8, Japan would continue to contribute of the securing of stability in the Balkans.

(7) The Korean Peninsula

Foreign Minister Kawaguchi stated that while it was the case that recently North Korea had displayed a positive stance toward dialogue with Japan, the United States and the Republic of Korea, a number of concerns remained, including security and humanitarian concerns such as the issue of the abductions of Japanese citizens, and pointed out the alarming rise recently of North Korean's rushing into the consular compounds of foreign countries in the People's Republic of China. Foreign Minister Kawaguchi stated that it was important to continue to call on the North Korean side to respond positively to these concerns. In addition, Foreign Minister Kawaguchi stated that Japan was prepared to undertake dialogue with North Korea, and that through persistent efforts in normalization talks between Japan and North Korea, efforts would be made towards the resolution of such issues as the abduction cases.

In response, the other G8 Foreign Ministers stated that it was important that through dialogue, North Korea should be encouraged to be in touch with international community. There was a remark that the abduction issue, should be payed well attention and other remark that dialogue between North Korea and Japan, the United States and the Republic of Korea was welcomed.