Press Conferences

Reporter:North Korea launched what is possibly a ballistic missile, please tell us the facts and the response of the Government.

Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs:Today, North Korea conducted a launch using ballistic missile technology. In response, we have just held a Four Ministers’ Meeting of the National Security Council (NSC), in which information gathering and response were discussed. In addition, arrangements are currently underway to hold a Japan-U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Meeting. North Korea’s repeated launches of ballistic missiles and others are absolutely unacceptable, and we will continue to work closely together between Japan and the U.S. as well as among Japan, the U.S., and the ROK.

Reporter:What kind of matters do you plan to confirm in the Japan-U.S.-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Meeting?

Minister Hayashi:Arrangements are currently being made for the telephone meeting. That being said, I intend to confirm that the three countries will continue to work closely together, building upon the outcomes of the recent Japan-U.S.-ROK Summit held in Camp David.

Reporter:North Korea announced that the satellite launch failed and that it will conduct a further launch in October. Do you have any further information on this point?

Minister Hayashi:Although I am aware of the reports, the details of this latest launch are currently being analyzed, so I would suggest you ask the Ministry of Defense for details.

Reporter:Has the Government of Japan already protested?

Minister Hayashi:Yes. Japan immediately lodged its serious protest to North Korea through the embassy route in Beijing and condemned the launch in the strongest possible terms.