Press Conferences

Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs: In recent media reports regarding interaction between myself and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Korea, false reports mixed with speculation stand out. Because this is about extremely delicate diplomacy, I have not made comments about the content at all. Among these, the reports that purport to reveal truth that are actually based on speculation have a very large influence on diplomacy, and I would like to request you to refrain from doing this. There was one report in the Yomiuri Shimbun this morning that had completely incorrect content. That is all.

Reporter: The Yomiuri Shimbun’s report said that economic cooperation would be sought. What happened in Singapore?

Minister Kono: I cannot say anything about the content.

Reporter: At the press conference in Singapore, you stated that you explained Japan’s position. That was true?

Minister Kono: I said only that, and I have repeated that I cannot say anything further after that.

Reporter: So is the part about economic cooperation a false report?

Minister Kono: I cannot say anything about the content.

Reporter: What specifically are the false reports?

Minister Kono: I cannot say anything about the content.

Reporter: You mentioned that it was within recent reports, so was there anything else besides in the Yomiuri Shimbun?

Minister Kono: Yes.

Reporter: Can you tell us specifically where the reports are and when they were issued?

Minister Kono: If you examine the reports, you will understand.