Press Conferences

Imoto, TBS: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had an interview with a Russian TV station regarding the international control of Syria’s chemical weapons and other topics. How does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs collect the facts, and how will you evaluate and respond to them?

Foreign Minister Kishida: On the situation in Syria, I am aware that Syria has expressed its intention to become a member of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction, and sent a letter on that matter to the UN. However, we must continue to closely monitor the situation; mainly, how sincere are the actions Syria will take, and what will be the developments of dialogue among the U.S., Russia and other relevant countries.

In any case, we need to value relevant countries’ posture and behavior. That is, they are making every effort so that chemical weapons are never used and are never allowed to be used. Japan will, as it has done, continue to contribute to an environment where violence is renounced, dialogue can be conducted and the deteriorated humanitarian situation can be improved.

Imoto, TBS: I believe you will attend the UN General Assembly the week after next amid successive trips abroad. Toward the Assembly, do you intend to coordinate meetings with the ROK and China respectively, including at the Foreign Ministers’ level?

Foreign Minister Kishida: We continue to communicate with China and the ROK at various levels, but have not made any decisions at the Foreign Ministers’ level.

Watanabe, NHK: So, are you making arrangements to realize Japan-China and Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers’ meetings, especially with the ROK?

Foreign Minister Kishida: There are no specific meetings planned although we will maintain our communication.

Akiyama, Nikkei Shimbun: You stayed longer at the ministerial meeting earlier.

Foreign Minister Kishida: Yes, at the Chief Cabinet Minister’s.

Akiyama, Nikkei Shimbun: On what matter

Foreign Minister Kishida: A conference deals with miscellaneous issues.

Toiyama, Ryukyu Shimpo: I believe that ministers related to Okinawa gathered just before now. Were there any talks on Okinawa? The Defense Minister and the Minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs came out of the room together.

Foreign Minister Kishida: No specific decisions were made although we had a talk and communicated well.

Toiyama, Ryukyu Shimpo: The Defense Minister visited Okinawa last week. Were there any updates on that?

Foreign Minister Kishida: Yes, there were. I received a report on that.