Press Conferences

Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs: On November 1 New York time (early morning of November 2 Japan time) the Draft Resolution on Nuclear Disarmament Submitted by Japan was adopted with approval from 160 countries. Last year it received support from 144 countries, and this was increased by 16 countries this year. The United Kingdom, a nuclear-weapon-state, was among the 69 co-sponsoring countries, and I believe this will be one step toward our goal of bridge-building.

Although the United States and France unfortunately abstained from the vote, I understand that in their voting explanation they paid respect to Japan’s efforts and highly evaluated this as the most realistic resolution, but decided to abstain because of differing views in some paragraphs. Although it is extremely unfortunate, we will continue our efforts for bridge-building.

I have heard much about Iran this morning and I understand that there are some news reports, but as there have been no official announcements from the United States, I have nothing further to add.

Asahi Shimbun, Kiyomiya: I would like to ask about the Draft Resolution on Nuclear Disarmament that you just mentioned. In addition to the United States and France abstaining from the vote, many countries such as Austria that support the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) abstained from the vote. Amidst the gap between nuclear-weapon-states and non-nuclear-weapon-states, I believe it has become difficult to receive approval from both sides. Can you please explain your current recognition regarding nuclear disarmament and the significance of this resolution?

Minister Kono: We also received approval from many countries that are party to the TPNW. Although I have not yet looked closely at the breakdown, because the co-sponsoring countries also included the United Kingdom, I believe that this firmly played a role in bridge-building.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Yanada: Although the approving countries increased this time, on the other hand there were differences of opinion. Specifically, what differences in opinion will Japan have to work to cover, and what do you believe was the reason for the increase in approving countries this time?

Minister Kono: Last time was immediately following the TPNW, so we chose words that both sides could agree with as much as possible. This year we selected wording that took a step forward towards nuclear disarmament and prohibition, which I believe led to more approving countries.

Although the United States has, for example, a different view regarding the agreement document of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), it was very forward-looking amidst various negotiations. Similarly, France also had a little concern for the wording and had no choice but to abstain from voting, but also had a very forward-looking reaction. Japan will continue these endeavors.

Sankei Shimbun, Rikitake: I would like to ask a question in relation to the judgement in the ROK regarding the issue of “requisitioned civilian workers”. After the judgment was issued, both you and Prime Minister Abe have issued strong protests that the legal basis of the friendly relations built up since 1965 has been fundamentally covered, and have included worries about future Japan-ROK relations. Yesterday, although there was no particular mention of the judgment in the policy speech by President Moon Jae-in of the ROK, he also did not reference how he will approach future Japan-ROK relations. How do you view President Moon’s approach?

Minister Kono: At the recent P4G Summit in Denmark, President Moon approached me and thanked me for various efforts related to the 20th anniversary of the Japan-Republic of Korea Joint Declaration on “A New Japan-Republic of Korea Partnership towards the Twenty-first Century.” Both sides want to build the future-oriented Japan-ROK relations. However, there will be nothing future-oriented if the legal basis for Japan-ROK relations crumbles, so I believe the Government of the ROK is having firm internal discussions and considering its response. I expect that the Government of the ROK will certainly respond to this issue, and that both our countries will be able to continue to build positive, future-oriented relations.

NHK, Okuzumi: I would like to ask a question regarding sanctions on oil from Iran, although I believe you cannot state anything at the current point. Can you please tell us if there is any change to Japan’s stance of supporting the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)?

Minister Kono: There is no change to Japan’s stance of supporting the JCPOA.

Kyodo News, Saito: I would like to ask another question in relation to the issue of “requisitioned civilian workers” judgement in the ROK. The judgement by the ROK Supreme Court states that the individual claim rights of the plaintiffs have not ended. Can you please explain whether the Abe Cabinet perceives the individual claim rights of the plaintiffs have ended or not? If it follows the Government response up to now that they have not ended, could you please explain whether the claimant would be Japan or the ROK?

Minister Kono: The details are explained by International Legal Affairs Bureau. There is no change to Japan’s position that this issue has already been completely and finally finished.

Kyodo News, Echigo: I would like to ask a question regarding Junpei Yasuda. I believe the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked about the details until now and the situation in Syria. Can you please tell us the aim of this and how you will put what you heard to use going forward?

Minister Kono: We asked about this, and what we heard will be utilized to firmly protect Japanese people overseas in future.