Press Conferences

Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Russia’s recent detention of a consular officer at the Consulate-General of Japan in Vladivostok is a clear and serious violation of international law. It is extremely regrettable and absolutely unacceptable. Furthermore, the declaration of persona non grata is an unbelievable act.

As an appropriate measure in response to such measures adopted by Russia, the Government of Japan declared a consul at the Consulate-General of the Russian Federation in Sapporo as persona non grata and demanded the expulsion of the consul from Japan within six days, i.e., by October 10. Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Mori has just summoned Mr. Galuzin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Japan, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and conveyed the position of Japan. We urge Russia to implement this measure accordingly.

That is all from me.

Reporter: Is this a retaliatory measure in response to Russia’s recent expulsion order against a consular officer in Vladivostok? Could you please share your view on the meaning of this measure?

Minister Hayashi: As I just stated, we declared a consul at the Consulate-General of the Russian Federation in Sapporo as persona non grata as an appropriate measure in response to the measures adopted by Russia.

Reporter: Does that mean that you have confirmed an act by Russia that deserves persona non grata?

Minister Hayashi: As I just stated, we declared persona non grata as an appropriate measure in response to the measures adopted by Russia.