Press Conferences

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida: Upon receiving the news of the passing of Mr. Nelson Mandela, former President of the Republic of South Africa, a great leader who earned his place in the world history, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family, the Government and the people of the Republic of South Africa and its people.

Former President Mandela was a fighter and promoter of anti-apartheid movement who spent 27 years in prison. Following the abolition of apartheid and the promotion of reconciliation between different races, he became the first president of the Republic of South Africa in 1994. In respect for Mr. Mandela’s great achievements, the Government of Japan offers its heartfelt prayer that his soul rest in place. The Government of Japan hopes that the Government and the people of South Africa will overcome this great sadness and continue to work toward further prosperity of the country.

Minister Kishida: In the early hours of today, December 6 JST, though it was on December 5, New York time, the 68th plenary session of the UN General Assembly adopted the Resolution on Nuclear Disarmament, which the Government of Japan submitted along with a record number of 102 co-sponsor nations. The draft resolution was adopted by an overwhelming majority of 169 countries.

The resolution includes the follow-on action of the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in May 2010, refers to the catastrophic humanitarian consequences that would result from the use of nuclear weapons, and condemns in the strongest terms the nuclear test conducted by the DPRK on February this year. This resolution contributes to further boosting international momentum for the realization of a “world without nuclear weapons.” The Government of Japan will proactively continue such efforts to lead the endeavors by the international community to realize the “world without nuclear weapons.”

Minister Kishida: In order to further strongly promote support for the overseas expansion of Japanese enterprises as mentioned in the new economic measures decided on the 5th yesterday, we have established the Headquarters of the Promotion of Support for Japanese Businesses, for which I will serve as its Chief, and Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Norio Mitsuya and Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Seiji Kihara will serve as Deputy Chiefs. In addition to the establishment of the headquarters, we have also newly established the Business Support Division which will carry out cross-sectional operations concerning support for enterprises so as to function as a window for enterprises and to be in charge of overall public relations activities. We will further strongly promote support of overseas expansion of the Japanese enterprises through the enhancement of our system.

Inomoto, TBS: Former President Nelson Mandela has passed away. A state funeral is said to be accorded to which head-of-state-level delegates will be dispatched. What will the Government of Japan respond going forward?

Minister Kishida: Firstly, it has been announced that a state funeral will be accorded but the specific dates are still unclear at this point. Our reaction and funeral attendants from our side etc. have not been determined at this time. We hope to promptly deliberate within the Government.

Inomoto, TBS: Do you believe that one of the Cabinet members or the Prime Minister will be appropriate?

Minister Kishida: That is among the topics which are currently deliberated within the Government forthwith.

Inomoto, TBS: Regarding the Bill on the Protection of Specially Designated Secretes, it has become tenser as the end of the Diet session nears. There have been discussions regarding the establishment of a third-party organization. What is your view and on this and on the ruling parties’ management of Diet proceedings, what are your thoughts as former Diet affairs chief?

Minister Kishida: Firstly, on the Bill on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets, amid the severe security situation surrounding our country, it is an extremely important challenge to establish confidence toward Japan’s intelligence security structure, enhance information sharing with relevant countries including our allies, and gain high quality intelligence. For this reason, I recognize this bill as an extremely significant bill. It is my recognition that Japan’s foreign and security framework will be further strengthened upon the passing of this bill.

On your question on the management of Diet proceedings, as I am currently a member of the Government, and as the Government is in the position of requesting a deliberation of the legislation to the Diet, I believe I will have to leave the Steering Committee, Diet Affairs Committee, and the committee members including the directors to judge on the schedule and how to deal with the bill.

Kikuchi, Asahi Shimbun: With regard to the Bill on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets, besides its substance, some people wonder if the proceedings of deliberation were done in such an unruly manner and if public understanding can be attained. What are your thoughts?

Minister Kishida: On this bill, the Government has explained the bill in a respectful manner to this day, recognizing the importance of public understanding. On the specific handling and schedules of the Diet, as I have just mentioned, since the Government is in the position of requesting a deliberation, I would like to refrain from making comments.

Inomoto, TBS: There is information on Mr. Jang Sung-taek’s downfall. How does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs understand the current situation and what measures will be taken?

Minister Kishida: On your point of question, we are striving to collect information with great interest. We hope to continue our efforts for information collection and analysis. But I would like to refrain from referring to the details and specific contents.