Press Conferences

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida: International efforts are currently made towards the abolition of Syria’s chemical weapons. Japan will cooperate as much as possible.

From this perspective, we announce our intention of dispatching to the OPCW three members of the Ground Self-Defense Forces officials who have experience of working as an inspector today. I hope that the OPCW will employ these three members.

While closely monitoring the situation, Japan will continue to examine measures to support the abolition and inspection of Syria’s chemical weapons.

Minister Kishida: On November 19 (today), Japan established in Tacloban an Ad-hoc office of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines to strengthen its ability to protect Japanese nationals and conduct liaison and coordination for the victims.

Regarding the safety of Japanese nationals, out of 133 Japanese people who have submitted Overseas Residential Registration in the five states of Leyte and Samar Islands, the number of people confirmed their safety increased by 11 to 113 compared with yesterday. We will continue to exert every effort for confirmation.

On the 18th yesterday, we decided to dispatch the second Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Medical team, which is set to leave Japan on the 20th tomorrow. The team will take over the duties from the first JDR Medical team in operation, and will be engaged in medical relief activities.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: In relation to the dispatch of those experienced in inspection to the OPCW, you suggested a proposal. How will you take steps to make a decision in specifically?

Foreign Minister Kishida: Today, we will announce our intention of dispatching three members of the Ground Self-Defense Forces and convey it to the OPCW. I understand that The OPCW will consider whether to engage and incorporate the three personnel into its team. We do hope that they will be engaged.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: Has the OPCW requested Japan to do so?

Foreign Minister Kishida: I recognize that Japan’s cooperation has been expected. In response to that circumstance, we have decided to announce today our intention to dispatch three members.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: With regard to the Philippines, I understand that an Ad hoc office will be established. How would you expect the office to function specifically?

Foreign Minister Kishida: I assume that several staff will stay at the Ad hoc office, headed by Minister Omori of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. The office will be in charge of protection of Japanese nationals as well as support to medical relief activities by the Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Team which has already arrived in the local areas, among other work.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: Initially, deteriorating the security conditions around Tacloban caused great concerns, which took time to let the team go into the local areas. Has such a situation been improved now?

Foreign Minister Kishida: We will continue to pay our attention scrupulously to peace and order there. We have firmly requested the Philippine Government that they take all possible care about the safety to medical teams and we will continue to do so.

Watanabe, NHK: Regarding the OPCW’s topic, I understand that the organization wants personnel with experience and skills. In terms of that viewpoint, from what perspectives the three personnel were selected?

Foreign Minister Kishida: The three members have an experience of working as an inspector. I will announce today we would like to dispatch them after the consideration of their experience and other factors.

Yamazaki, Fuji TV: A member of the Inazawa City Council was detained the other day on the suspected unlawful possession of a seemingly stimulant drug. Afterwards, have there been any communications with the Chinese authorities and any information newly provided by them?

Foreign Minister Kishida: I understand that the Chinese judicial authorities have been currently advancing procedures for a trial. MOFA as well as the Japanese Embassy there among others have gathered information in terms of the protection of Japanese nationals, and a Consular staff has met the person.

From the aspect of protecting Japanese nationals, we think that we need to continue to work on information gathering, meeting with a Consular staff, contact to a family and so on.

Mizuuchi, Sankei Shimbun: In respect to the Futenma Air Station, the Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Shigeru Ishiba, requested the LDP’s Okinawa prefectural chapter to withdraw a proposal to relocate the Station to outside of the Okinawa Prefecture, and I understand the chapter is to submit its answer before long. How do you view such a development?

Foreign Minister Kishida: I have heard of such a discussion, and I met the chairman of the Okinawa prefectural chapter and other senior officials yesterday morning. They explained the chapter’s conventional stance. I explained again the government’s line to reduce the burden on Okinawa based on the Japan-U.S. agreement in the same way as before.

In my capacity as the Foreign Minister, there has been such an exchange yesterday. I will keep an eye on future development.