Press Conferences

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida: Regarding the Fiscal 2014 Budget, MOFA’s budget increased by nearly 10% compared to the previous fiscal year although it has been in a downward trend since 1997, which was the highest. In addition, the establishment of three embassies without closing any Consulate-General as well as a net increase of 45 staff members was permitted.
 
This is proper for the promotion of “Proactive Contribution to Peace” and serves to steady realization of Liberal Democratic Party’s campaign platform of regaining diplomacy.

Imoto, TBS: The Ground Self-Defense Force dispatched to South Sudan offered bullets to the South Korean military. This was for the first time ever.  What circumstances led to this decision in yesterday’s meeting?
 
Minister Kishida:Since South Sudan built its nation in 2011, Japan has contributed to the country’s nation building under the framework of the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS). Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have been in operation there. ,However, recently, the internal situation of South Sudan has rapidly deteriorated. In such a situation, the ROK military has been quartered in Bor in Jonglei State, South Sudan, and accepted approximately 15,000 people who have become refugees as a result of violent demonstrations. That has been the situation. In response to such a tense situation, the ROK’s troops requested that we offer bullets which are necessary for protecting the lives and properties of the refugees and the ROK forces. Speaking accurately, however, this request came from both the UNMISS and the ROK. The request for such a contribution was made under the framework of the UNMISS and we responded to that.
 
Imoto, TBS: Opposition parties have been criticizing stating, for instance, that the response disrespects civilian control and violates the Three Principles on Arms Exports. What are your views on that?
 
Minister Kishida: In the circumstances that I have explained, we were in an extremely urgent situation. When considering the urgency and the humanitarian aspect of protecting the lives and properties of the refugees, and the ROK troops, Japan needs to respond. Based on that recognition, we have determined to offer bullets and others as an exceptional measure to the Three Principles on Arms Exports.
 
Imoto, TBS: Does that mean avoiding the offer was not a practical option,?
  
Minister Kishida: On judging the current situation, it was confirmed that in practice only Japan’s Self-Defense Force owned the ammunition that could be common to the ammunition owned by the ROK troops under the framework of the UNMISS.  There was also the aspect of urgency and humanitarian nature of the situation. After comprehensively judging such urgency, humanitarian nature and technical issue, we reached the decision.

Imoto, TBS: Regarding the issue of Okinawa, I understand the Government is going to convey to the Okinawa side measures to reduce impact on Okinawa  by the end of this year. What is your understanding of when and how the Government will do so?
 
Minister Kishida: For Abe Cabinet, the reduction of impact on Okinawa is one of the top priorities and the most important agenda. In the Okinawa Policy Council held on 17th, we have received directly from Hirokazu Nakaima, the Governor of Okinawa, a list of five requests including the reduction of impact. The Prime Minister directed ministers concerned to take seriously and consider them earnestly. Currently, in response to these requests and the Prime Minister’s direction, the ministers concerned have been making efforts. As far as I know, the Government of Japan has not clearly decided how the measures taken in response to these requests will be made public. I believe we will decide the specific timing and way of public announcement, observing the situation.
 
Imoto, TBS:  One of the requests is revision of Status of U.S. Forces Agreement. How would you like to respond to this request?
 
Minister Kishida: I am aware that the request you have mentioned is included in the list. I believe we must consider them seriously and should examine every possibility. However, I would like to refrain from making any comments at this point, as there is the other party.
 
Imoto, TBS: I understand both the U.S. and Okinawa are important for you. Facing a dilemma, what do you think the desirable decision is?
 
Minister Kishida: I am aware that reduction of impact on Okinawa is a top priority and the most important agenda considering the current situation of Okinawa. On the other hand, the reduction of impact is also a necessary task for maintaining firm Japan-U.S. alliance. We must reach a solid conclusion on this important issue, acquiring understanding from concerned parties. With that intention, we keep making efforts.

Kikuchi, Asahi Shimbun:A question on South Sudan. This time, I believe you made an inevitable decision from the aspects of urgency and humanitarian nature. Do you have any concerns that such exceptions to the Three Principles on Arms Exports will gradually increase for reasons, such as guard, the range of Peace Keeping Operations or further arms exports?
 
Minister Kishida: This time, due to the reality that I stated earlier, and taking into consideration various conditions and other matters, we made a comprehensive judgment. As for further discussions, I believe we must build up discussions calmly and firmly from this time.
 
Kikuchi, Asahi Shimbun: As for the accumulation ofdiscussions in a calm manner, will you consider drastic revision to the Three Principles on Arms Exports although this time the response was regarded as an exception to the Principles?
 
Minister Kishida: Regarding this case, we offered under the framework of ’contribution in kind’ based on Article 25 of the International Peace Cooperation Law. This is the basis of the decision. I recognize that the significant argument that you pointed out is a challenge which continues to require further thorough discussions.
 
Watanabe, NHK: In relation to that topic, I assume a sort of brakes will be discussed. What are your views on that? I believe that there is an issue of repeating cases with urgency and exceptions on the one hand while we need to put a brake at some point on the other hand. What are your thoughts on what discussion should take place on that point?
 
Minister Kishida: Regarding Japan’s response, we made a judgment to provide them strictly under the framework of the goods cooperation based on Article 25 of the International Peace Cooperation Law, taking into consideration the urgency, humanitarian nature and the commonality of the ammunition of Japan’s Self-Defense Force in the local area, among other matters.
 
I believe we need to hold more comprehensive and proper discussions in a calm manner on the topic of such things as restraints. I would like to wait for further discussion and hold proper discussions.
 
Watanabe, NHK: Has the ROK Government made some sorts of communication to MOFA on Japan’s response?
 
Minister Kishida: I am aware that their gratitude was expressed in the local place.
 
Watanabe, NHK: From the local ROK troops to the local Self-Defense Force?
 
Minister Kishida: I am aware that a formal gratitude was expressed from the ROK side in the local place.