Press Conferences

Foreign Minister Kishida: Good morning to you. At the outset, I would like to say a few words on the situation in Syria. This weekend, there were important developments concerning the use of chemical weapons in Syria. First of all, on September 14, the U.S. and Russia agreed on a framework toward complete destruction of chemical weapons in Syria. Japan welcomes this agreement and calls for the Syrian Government to respond in good faith and will closely monitor its actions. In addition, at early dawn Japan time today, the UN investigation mission’s report stating that chemical weapons were used in Syria was published. Based on these developments, currently at the UN and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), discussions are under way on further concrete tasks. Japan continues to support efforts by relevant countries and organizations so that chemical weapons are never used again and will make necessary contributions. Japan continues to contribute to international efforts toward cessation of violence, initiation of political dialogue and improvement of appalling humanitarian conditions in Syria. Japan also proactively contributes to assistance to refugees and neighboring countries. That’s all at the outset.

Kikuchi, Asahi Newspaper: As you just mentioned, UN inspectors have confirmed the use of missiles. The U.S., UK and France are working for a legally-binding Security Council resolution which suggests military intervention. What is the position of the Japanese Government?

Foreign Minister Kishida: As for the Syrian issue, relevant countries have been making efforts so that chemical weapons are never used, such as the U.S.-Russia agreement. We support these efforts and will continue to make necessary contributions. We must continue to monitor whether Syria will show its earnest response. Russia and the U.S. seem to be discussing a case in which the Syrian Government would fail to comply with this agreement. So at this stage, I would like to refrain from making premature comments on future developments. At any rate, Japan will positively contribute to the international community’s efforts for cessation of violence, promotion of political dialogue and improvement of Syria’s appalling humanitarian conditions.

Watanabe, NHK: This is a related question. The UN report has been released. Will you elaborate on the response of the Government?

Foreign Minister Kishida: First of all, the UN report concluded that chemical weapons were used in the suburbs of Damascus on August 21. Once again, the Japanese Government strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons. In response to the U.S.-Russia agreement toward the complete destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons, Japan will closely monitor the ongoing discussions at the UN and the OPCW on further tasks as well as the Syrian Government’s earnest response. Moreover, the Japanese Government will once again thoroughly confirm the content of the report.

Mizuuchi, Sankei Newspaper: An additional question. In response to the UN report, the U.S., UK and France are becoming more affirmative that it was the Assad Government’s side that used the chemical weapons, citing the UN report as underpinning evidence. What is your response to the report regarding whether or not the Assad Government used chemical weapons?

Foreign Minister Kishida: First of all, I am aware that the report doesn’t judge who used the weapon. However, on the use of rockets, it contains useful analysis for the clarification of facts. I believe Japan must examine this point. As for the report, that is all.

Fujimura, Chugoku Newspaper: From next week, the UN General Assembly will be held, in which members may move to put together a joint statement on nuclear weapons. This April, Japan did not endorse the Joint Statement in Geneva, but at that time, you said that Japan would make efforts so as to support a similar statement, if issued. What diplomatic efforts have you and the Ministry made and what is your impression on the potential statement?

Foreign Minister Kishida: Regarding the joint statement that you pointed out, as I have said, Japan agrees to its basic ideas and hopes to make steady efforts to participate in the release of the joint statement. This idea remains unchanged and we will continue our efforts. To that end, I have visited relevant countries. At the Foreign Ministers’ meetings with countries such as New Zealand and Malaysia, which played central roles in drafting the Joint Statement, I have thoroughly explained our country’s position as such and have asked for their further cooperation. We have been communicating with relevant countries at the working level. On your point that there may be a movement to draft a joint statement at the UN General Assembly, from what I have heard, there’s information that moves toward a joint statement that will be in October. Whatever the case, we will continue to endeavor based on the ideas I have just mentioned.

Saito, Kyodo Press: Question on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. On your possible attendance at the NPDI Foreign Ministers’ Meeting during your visit to New York, what results are you expecting to achieve and what message will Japan deliver?

Foreign Minister Kishida: As the only country to have experienced the devastation of atomic bombing, Japan has, and will, continue to lead the global opinion toward our over-arching goal of realizing a World without Nuclear Weapons. This is Japan’s position. In implementing concrete and realistic measures toward this end, the NPT regime and the NPDI framework are very important. While recognizing this importance, Japan hopes to steadily lead the global opinion. In addition, in the series of international meetings held as a part of the UN General Assembly, we will hold and utilize NPDI meetings. Firstly, on the expansion of the NPDI and on challenges we have been striving for, we hope to confirm concrete results.

Saito, Kyodo Press: A question related to Chugoku Shimbun’s and my previous question. Once again, I think many Japanese people and its Government recognize that the U.S. nuclear deterrence is an extremely important pillar of Japan’s security. From the point of balancing Japan’s policies of nuclear deterrence and a World without Nuclear Weapons, how can the Government be consistent in its policy? Could you elaborate in plain words?

Foreign Minister Kishida: First of all, Japan is placed in a very severe strategic environment in the Asia Pacific region. It is very important to calmly recognize and address the situation. Another important challenge is to make a strong contribution to our over-arching goal of realizing a World without Nuclear Weapons as the only country to have experienced the devastation of atomic bombing. These two are not in conflict. For these two fundamental ideas, or recognition, Japan will continue to make efforts in taking realistic, specific responses. This is how Japan needs to endeavor to achieve concrete results. I believe that realistic and concrete responses to these two ideas can steadily promote our over-arching goal of realizing a World without Nuclear Weapons. I believe this is what we must do.

Fujimura, Chugoku Shimbun: An additional question about the joint statement. In diplomatic efforts conducted by you and your Ministry, do you think that the environment is ready for Japan to participate in such a joint statement? What is your impression?

Foreign Minister Kishida: As I said earlier, continued efforts have been made, which we will ensure for the future. As this is an issue that involves relevant countries and counterparts, results will be based on continued efforts. We hope to make our utmost efforts for the achievement of results.

Nakamura, Nippon Television: A question on the right to collective self-defense. There seems to be a view within the ruling coalition, mainly the New Komeito Party, that revising the Constitution and asking for the Japanese citizens’ consent is the right way to enable the exercise of this right. What is your view on this opinion?

Foreign Minister Kishida: With respect to the discussion on the right to collective self-defense and the Constitution, there are different views and ongoing tasks in varied occasions. However, regarding the Government’s response to the right to collective self-defense, discussions are, and will be, conducted at an expert panel called the Advisory Panel on Reconstruction of the Legal Basis for Security. The Japanese Government’s policy is to address the issue based on the conclusion and report by the Panel. Therefore, the current position of the Japanese Government is to closely monitor the developments of the discussion at the Panel.