Press Conferences

Minister Kishida: I am deeply shocked and outraged by the news that this morning, Japan time, the acts of terrorism in Paris caused a large number of casualties. At the present point in time there are reports that the number of casualties is amounting to over 100 people, but I understand that the French authorities are currently confirming the situation. Terrorism should never be justified for any reason, and I strongly condemn it. I offer my condolences to those who lost their lives, and my sympathies to those who were injured and the families of the victims. Japan stands with France, and Japan will cooperate in the international fight against terrorism.

From the standpoint of protecting Japanese citizens, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up an on-site response headquarters in Paris headed by Mr. Yoichi Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to France, and a liaison office at MOFA headed by Mr. Satoshi Suzuki, Deputy Director-General of the European Affairs Bureau. We continue to issue alerts and provide information to Japanese citizens over there. Currently there are no reports that Japanese citizens have been injured, but we continue to do our utmost to protect Japanese citizens. That is all from me.

Journalist: What kind of assistance will Japan provide to France in terms of antiterrorism support?

Minister Kishida: In the fight against terrorism, Japan has continued to contribute at various levels and in various formats. Japan is undertaking a variety of support activities from the standpoint of protecting its citizens, beginning with guarding government organizations, embassies and Japanese schools, and including improving the capacities of customs in each country. The fact is that, from the outset, disparity and poverty are at the root of terrorism, and we intend to do our utmost from that perspective by providing aid to countries in the Middle East and countries where conflicts are occurring. Recognizing the importance of war on terrorism, Japan will firmly fulfil its responsibility at various levels, in various fields and in various regions, as I just mentioned.

Journalist: What sort of role will the on-site response headquarters perform?

Minister Kishida: As I said earlier, from the perspective of protecting Japanese citizens over there, I believe that providing information is first and foremost important. First we must reliably provide information to enable the Japanese citizens to consider how they should act. In doing so, we must dependably issue alerts and make firm efforts to ensure that appropriate actions are taken. I think that is the first step. In addition, we also must keep an eye on changes in circumstances, while considering what else the response headquarters should be doing.

Journalist: You yourself, Minister?

Minister Kishida: This is the role of the response headquarters, I believe. Information has to be reliably gathered, led by the response headquarters, and we intend to consider our next response as we gather that information. Personally, as I am now aware of the situations, I intend to issue a telegram to H.E. Mr. Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, conveying my condolences.

Journalist: Will you return to Tokyo?

Minister Kishida: I am scheduled to return to Tokyo tomorrow, yet it depends on the situation. I will take necessary responses by fully confirming changes to the situation.

Journalist: What would you like to say to the Japanese citizens on-site?

Minister Kishida: I would like to ask that they take appropriate responses by securing a firm grasp of the information that is being provided and the information they have obtained themselves. I really ask them to make efforts to gather information.