Press Conferences

Hokkaido Shimbun, Araya: It seems that Russia has designated a group that could be Hoppou Domei (the Alliance for Achieving the Return of the Northern Territories), in Sapporo, as an “undesirable organization.” Has the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) confirmed that the designated group is Hoppou Domei? In addition, please tell us MOFA’s view on Russia’s increasingly hostile actions, including the designation of the League of Residents of Chishima and Habomai Islands as an undesirable organization.

Ms. KOBAYASHI Maki, Press Secretary: We are aware that on February 6, the Ministry of Justice of Russia announced that it would designate one group connected to Japan’s demand for the return of the Northern Territories as an “undesirable” foreign NGO. We are still in the process of confirming with the Russian side specifically which group in Japan the announcement written in Russian refers to.

Japan and Russia have been engaged in peace treaty negotiations with the aim of resolving the Northern Territories issue. In this context, the groups involved in the demand for the return of Japan’s Northern Territories have been campaigning for many years to raise public opinion and to support the peace treaty negotiations between the two governments. We consider that this announcement by Russia is extremely one-sided and unacceptable.

On February 7, we conveyed these views of ours to Russia through diplomatic channels, while also lodging a protest that this announcement is unacceptable and requesting its withdrawal.

The Government will continue to take appropriate responses, based on the idea that this matter must not have a detrimental impact on the activities of those involved in movements including demanding the return of the Northern Territories.

Hokkaido Shimbun, Araya: I have another question. A Russian environmental group and others requested that a Russian rescue team be allowed to enter the Nemuro Strait because orcas were surrounded by pack ice and trapped in waters off of Rausu, Hokkaido. There are reports that the orcas are no longer there. Please tell us the facts that the Government is aware of and its response to this matter.

Press Secretary Kobayashi: We are aware of the matter you mentioned, and I understand it has been reported by various media.

We are in contact with Russia regarding this matter. In any case, we will continue to closely monitor the situation in cooperation with the relevant ministries and agencies, as well as with local governments.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Tanikawa: I understand that the Japan Coast Guard found a buoy drifting in Japan’s EEZ in the East China Sea on January 29 and confirmed that it remained there until February 2. What are your thoughts on the reason why the buoy was not retrieved early? Please also tell us when and in what manner did MOFA inform the Chinese side about the facts of this matter.

Press Secretary Kobayashi: We understand that the Japan Coast Guard had continued to gather information in the waters where the buoy was found. With the Chinese side, we have also been requesting explanations since February 1 concerning details about the adrift buoy through diplomatic channels. I would like to refrain from providing further details on diplomatic communications.

In any case, we will continue to appropriately deal with the issues in close coordination with relevant ministries and agencies.