Press Conferences

Mr. OHTAKA Masato, Press Secretary: Today, I would firstly like to take the opportunity of my opening remarks to announce a press secretary’s statement. It is about the situation in Rakhine State in Myanmar.

On January 21, the same day in local time, the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar released the Executive Summary of the Final Report concerning the alleged human rights violations in the northern part of Rakhine State, which was submitted by the ICoE established by the Myanmar Government. The report includes substantial information regarding mass killings, destruction of property, and looting among other acts, based on the statements by over 1,000 residents in 13 locations, as well as recommendations for the Myanmar Government and Military. In addition, on January 21, the same day, the Myanmar Government announced its position to conduct investigation and prosecution on any criminal acts, based on the above-mentioned recommendations of the ICoE.

Japan has repeatedly encouraged the Myanmar Government and Military to investigate the alleged human rights violations in a transparent and credible manner, and to take appropriate measures accordingly. Japan appreciates the submission of the Final Report by the ICoE and the announcement of the position by the Myanmar Government as significant progress in Myanmar’s own efforts to ensure accountability.

Japan strongly hopes that both the Myanmar Government and Military will promptly take necessary legal measures based on the recommendations of the ICoE, while also endeavoring to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents and to abide by relevant international laws.

Japan will continue to support Myanmar’s own efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Rakhine State and to facilitate the return of displaced persons, and to provide full-fledged support for Myanmar’s democratic nation-building.

TV Asahi, OISHI: I believe that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will issue a ruling in regard to the case against the Myanmar Government on January 23. In relation to this, Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar Maruyama told the local media, “I hope that the ICJ will not issue a ruling for provisional measures.” Is this the viewpoint of the Government of Japan? What are the Government’s views on this matter?

Press Secretary OHTAKA: In regard to the case brought by Gambia to the ICJ concerning the alleged violation of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide by Myanmar, the Government of Japan’s current position is that this is, in a sense, a matter concerning third-party countries, and Japan is not in a position to directly comment. The Government of Japan is of course not in the position to determine whether or not there has been genocide in Myanmar.

The recent press secretary’s statement reflects the Government of Japan’s current position regarding the general situation in Rakhine State. As stated, the Government of Japan believes that it is essential for the Myanmar Government and Military to promptly take necessary legal measures based on the report by the ICoE, and has been continuously urging this.

In regard to the statement by Ambassador Maruyama, I am not able to confirm whether what he said in that setting was necessarily reported accurately. In any event, I believe that many statements are being made and reported in various contexts and with various other parties. The position of the Government of Japan is as I stated before.

NHK, WATANABE: I would like to ask about Japan-Russia relations. Foreign Minister Lavrov will continue to serve in the same position in the new Cabinet in Russia. What is MOFA’s reaction to this? Also, I believe that there will be another Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Munich in February, so what approach will be taken for peace treaty negotiations going forward? How do you assess the changes in the Cabinet?

Press Secretary OHTAKA: It goes without saying that Japan and Russia are important partners in the Asia-Pacific region. It also goes without saying that building stable relations and deepening cooperation between Japan and Russia, which are major powers in the region, is extremely important for regional stability and development. Based on the inauguration of the new Cabinet and ministers in Russia, there is no change to our position on the importance of Japan-Russia relations as I just stated as well as for further advancing cooperation toward the development of our partnership. Of course, I am not in the position to comment on specific domestic situations in Russia. In any event, there will be no change to the Government of Japan continuing to persistently negotiate under the basic policy of resolving the attribution issue and concluding a peace treaty.

TV Asahi, OISHI: Although I am repeating myself, I would like to follow up. In regard to the matter of the statement by Ambassador Maruyama, it seems that MOFA has not confirmed whether or not he made the aforementioned statement. Can you please tell us whether or not MOFA has confirmed whether Ambassador Maruyama stated, “I hope that the ICJ will not issue a ruling for provisional measures”?

Press Secretary OHTAKA: Of course verification was done. However, we do not intend to comment on each and every way it was reported. Please understand that the position of the Government of Japan is as I stated before.