Press Conferences

Ukai, TV Tokyo: Mr. Dmitry Medvedev, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, has indicated he intends to visit the Northern Territories. How does the Government of Japan view this?

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Firstly, I am aware of the reports. And if, for argument’s sake, Prime Minister Medvedev was to visit the Northern Territories, it would be incompatible with the Government of Japan’s position on the Northern Territories. Furthermore, it would bring negative impact on public sentiment in Japan, I believe. I do not think it would be acceptable.

Ukai, TV Tokyo: I understand that Japan and Russia are currently exploring a Japan-Russia Summit Meeting this year, and are looking to make it happen, but what sorts of reasons do you think Russia could have for taking this action at this time?

Minister Kishida: To begin with, I am not in a position to comment in any way on the intentions of the Russian side. And regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Japan, or furthermore the issue of a visit to Russia by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, our policy of making considerations while comprehensively taking a variety of elements into account has not changed. The fact that nothing whatsoever has been decided at the present time has not changed either.

Ukai, TV Tokyo: You stayed behind for quite some time after the Cabinet meeting. Were you meeting with the Prime Minister?

Minister Kishida: No, various information exchanges regarding Okinawa-related issues took place, centering on the Chief Cabinet Secretary.

Ukai, TV Tokyo: What sorts of things were discussed?

Minister Kishida: Various general information exchanges on a variety of issues concerning Okinawa took place.

Chijiiwa, TV Asahi: Another minister mentioned the issue of Northern Territories was discussed during conversations with Chief Cabinet Secretary.

Minister Kishida: If you are asking whether the Northern Territories issue came up when the ministers gathered together to talk after the Cabinet meeting today, it did not, in any way.

Chijiiwa, TV Asahi: I heard that it was discussed.

Minister Kishida: We discussed Okinawa.

Chijiiwa, TV Asahi: Only Okinawa?

Minister Kishida: Only Okinawa. Okinawa-related issues.

Odanaka, Mainichi Shimbun: Regarding Prime Minister Medvedev, you stated that you would make a decision by comprehensively taking various elements into account concerning President Putin’s visit to Japan and Foreign Minister’s visit to Russia. However, what impact do you think this issue, which also follows on the recent vessel seizure as well as the (Shikotan Island) visit by Russia’s Minister of Health, will have?

Minister Kishida: The issues concerning the vessel seizure and the Minister of Health’s visit to the Northern Territories are as you all know them. Under the present circumstances, as I mentioned earlier, our policy of making considerations while comprehensively taking a variety of elements into account has not changed.

Furthermore, I am aware of the reports regarding the visit by Prime Minister Medvedev that you mentioned, and I am paying attention to it on that basis.

Mainichi Shimbun:t mean the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is making efforts via the embassy and other channels?

Minister Kishida: Regarding lodging a protest from the Government of Japan, on July 23 the Minister-Counsellor at the Embassy of Japan in Russia expressed concern to the Deputy Director-General of Third Asia Department at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and requested that the visit to the Northern Territories by Prime Minister Medvedev would not take place.

Odanaka, Mainichi Shimbun: What was the Russian side’s response to that?

Minister Kishida: That is as much as I have heard.

Muramatsu, Asahi Shimbun: In connection with that, I understand it has been confirmed between Japan and Russia that the national border is undefined. However, Prime Minister Medvedev has mentioned that the Northern Territories will become a base for border defense. What are your views on that?

Minister Kishida: I am paying attention to various moves by the Russian side. In any event, essentially, I believe it is necessary to resolve the Northern Territories issue itself. I by all means intend to tenaciously engage in negotiations on formulating a solution that is acceptable to both sides.

Nakagawa, Yomiuri Shimbun: In connection with that, with regard to Prime Minister Medvedev’s comments, considering the circumstances that have taken place thus far, such as the visit to Shikotan Island by Russia’s Minister of Health and the comments by Prime Minister Medvedev, is it possible that depending on the circumstances, the plans such as Minister Kishida’s visit to Russia and President Putin’s visit to Japan could be canceled or revised, although you mentioned that the Government would comprehensively take matters into account?

Minister Kishida: Under the current situation, as I mentioned earlier, our policy of comprehensively taking matters into account and making considerations has not changed.

Ukai, TV Tokyo: Yesterday, Prime Minister Abe met with former president of Taiwan, Mr. Lee Teng-hui. I think it is extremely unusual for the Prime Minister of Japan to meet with a political leader of Taiwan in this period. Can you tell us the aim of this meeting?

Minister Kishida: With regards to this matter, I have heard that the Prime Minister did not meet with Mr. Lee Teng-hui. The Prime Minister himself stated so, so I do not think they met.

Ukai, TV Tokyo: As a response to our information gathering, former President Lee said he met Prime Minister Abe.

Minister Kishida: But I heard that Prime Minister said that he himself did not have any meeting yesterday.

Fujikawa, Fuji TV: A Japanese media organization has acquired the prestigious U.K. media group, the Financial Times. Do you think this will strengthen Japan’s ability to convey its message?

Minister Kishida: First, I am aware of the reporting on this matter. However, I must refrain from commenting on it as it is an individual matter relating to a media organization. But I am aware that the Financial Times is a media organization with international influence, so from this perspective, I pay attention to this issue. That is all I can say on it.