Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs: During today’s cabinet meeting, I stated that the Government of Japan will be extending Emergency Grant Aid of USD 10 million to Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya in the Horn of Africa.

These countries have been facing a serious humanitarian situation due to compounding effects such as the drought over the past three years and globally soaring food and energy prices due to the recent international situation. Under these circumstances, the Government of Japan decided to provide assistance because the floods that occurred at the end of last year caused particularly extensive damage and the situation cannot be overlooked from a humanitarian point of view.

This Emergency Grant Aid provides humanitarian assistance in areas such as shelter provision, water, and sanitation through international organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Water is the essence of life, and access to water and sanitation should be ensured from the perspective of human security.

Climate change increases the risk of water-related disasters. It is said that approximately 80% of natural disasters in the world are water-related. Japan leads the “Kumamoto Initiative for Water,” an initiative that makes concrete contribution to preventing water-related disasters by focusing on measures aimed at both mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

When I attended the third United Nations (UN) Water Conference as a Special Envoy of the Prime Minister last March, I underscored the importance of integrated water resources management, including watershed management, for preventing floods in advance and reducing damages when they occur.

Japan intends to continue to strengthen its cooperation in this area.

That is all from me.

NHK, Igarashi: My question concerns the Northern Territories. Tomorrow, February 7, is Northern Territories Day. Amid the stalled negotiations between Japan and Russia due to its military invasion of Ukraine, former islanders and others are demanding the early return of the Northern Territories and the resumption of the Visits to the Graves. Please explain to us Japan’s position on the Northern Territories.

Minister Kamikawa: As you mentioned, tomorrow, February 7, is Northern Territories Day.

The Northern Territories are islands over which Japan has sovereignty, and are an inherent part of the territory of Japan. Our position is that Russia’s occupation of the Northern Territories has no legal grounds, and that the islands are illegally occupied. Japan cannot accept such illegal occupation of the Northern Territories.

In March 2022, a month after launching the aggression against Ukraine, Russia unilaterally announced it has no intention of continuing the peace treaty negotiations with Japan on account of its sanctions against Russia, among other reasons.

This situation continues to the present, and regrettably, I have nothing specific to report right now regarding the peace treaty negotiations. That said, the Government will firmly maintain its policy of concluding a peace treaty through the resolution of the Northern Territories issue.

Hokkaido Shimbun, Araya: I have a follow-up question. The former islanders are already over 88 years old on average, and some express frustration at the lack of progress in the Government’s negotiations for the return of the territories and the Visits to the Graves. Japan currently hasno choice but to continue the sanctions against Russia. How long do you think this situation will continue? Furthermore, if the stalemate persists, do you have any plans to consider any new measures?

Minister Kamikawa: In March 2022, a month after launching its aggression against Ukraine, Russia unilaterally announced it has no intention of continuing the peace treaty negotiations with Japan on account of its sanctions against Russia, among other reasons.

This situation continues to the present, and regrettably, I have nothing specific to report right now regarding the peace treaty negotiations. That said, the Government will firmly maintain its policy of concluding a peace treaty through the resolution of the Northern Territories issue.

In addition, the Government considers the resumption of the Visits to the Graves as one of the highest priorities in Japan-Russia relations. As you say, the elderly former islanders are also desperately wishing for the resumption.

The Government has continued to call on Russia to respondat a variety of levels, and we have confirmed that the framework of the Visits to the Graves has been maintained. Regrettably, however, we have not received a positive response from Russia regarding the resumption of such programs.

Driven by our strong desire to answer the earnest wishes of the former islanders, the Government will continue to strongly urge Russia to resume such programs, with particular emphasis now on the Visits to the Graves.

Sankei Shimbun, Harakawa: I also have a question on the Northern Territories issue. In addition to the resumption of the Visits to the Graves, there is another issue that has come to a standstill. In the absence of the intergovernmental consultations based on the Japan-Russia agreement, Japanese fishing vessels have not been able to safely operate in the waters around the Four Northern Islands like before. They have not been able to fish for Okhotsk atka mackerel, Alaska pollock, and octopus. I believe safe fishing operations are also a major issue. How are you attempting to deal with this issue? Please also tell us your outlook. Thank you very much.

Minister Kamikawa: The Government considers fishing as one of the issues that need to be addressed by Japan and Russia as neighbors. In particular, the Framework Agreement Concerning Operations in the Waters Around the Four Northern Islands you mentioned is of great significance for realizing the safe operations of Japanese fishing vessels in the waters around the Four Northern Islands.

The Government has continued to call on Russia to resume such programs at a variety of levels, including from the fishery perspective. Regrettably, however, we have not received a positive response from Russia regarding the resumption of such programs.

As I stated earlier, driven by our strong desire to answer the earnest wishes of the former islanders, the Government will continue to strongly urge Russia to resume such programs, with particular emphasis now on the Visits to the Graves. In addition, we will continue to urge Russia to enable fishing operations to be conducted under the framework agreement as soon as possible.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: I would like to ask about the cyberattacks on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Yomiuri Shimbun and others reported that MOFA’s official telegrams had been leaked due to cyberattacks by China. Please tell us the facts that MOFA is aware of and its response to this incident.

Minister Kamikawa: We are aware of the news reports you are referring to. Due to their nature, however, I would like to refrain from answering about specific matters concerning our information security.

That being said, the Government recognizes that it is critical to increase Japan’s cybersecurity capacities and capabilities.

Furthermore, we recognize that information security is at the foundation of information sharing and strengthening coordination with the U.S. and other countries concerned. MOFA will continue to take effective measure in close coordination with relevant ministries and agencies.

Mainichi Shimbun, Murao: My question is related to China. Since January, China Coast Guard vessels have begun to issue eviction warnings by radio communication to aircraft flying near the Senkaku Islands, and it was announced that Japan lodged protests through diplomatic channels in response. Could you please tell us the facts once again? Is China escalating its actions? Please share with us your analysis of such aspects.

Minister Kamikawa: We are aware of the news reports you are referring to.

I would like to refrain from answering about every response taken on-site for individual events. Generally speaking, Japan has lodged strong protests in the event that China made its own assertions regarding the Senkaku Islands.

Based on our policy to firmly and perpetually defend the lives and property of our citizens as well as Japan’s territorial land, sea, and airspace, the Government will continue to strive to gather information in coordination with the relevant ministries and agencies with a sense of vigilance, and do its utmost in monitoring the areas around the Senkaku Islands. At the same time, we will continue to deal with China in resolute and calm manners.

Kyodo News, Katsurada: I have a question about the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). UN Secretary-General Guterres revealed in a statement the establishment of an independent group to assess UNRWA, whose staff were allegedly involved in the surprise attacks by the Hamas Islamic group on Israel. The group will assess the organization’s neutrality, the appropriateness of its activities, and other aspects. Please share with us your thoughts on this development. Additionally, the statement mentions that the group is expected to compile an interim report in late March and a final report by late April. What are your expectations on when Japan will decide whether to resumeits funding to UNRWA or not?

Minister Kamikawa: The UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) has begun its investigation into the allegations surrounding UNRWA personnel that you noted. While closely communicating with the countries concerned, Japan has been strongly urging the UN to conduct the investigation into the allegations in prompt and complete manners and to take appropriate measures, including by strengthening governance.

In this context, Japan positively views UN Secretary-General Guterres’ appointment of an independent review group to assess whether UNRWA is ensuring neutrality and to respond to the allegations alongside the UN’s investigation.

As for your question on when Japan will make its decision, it is difficult to make speculations at this point in time. UNRWA’s fulfillment of its intended role rests on having reliable governance. Japan will continue to consider its response in close communication with the UN, UNRWA, and the countries concerned.

Independent Web Journal, Hamamoto: I would like to ask about the situation surrounding Israel and Palestine. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) in the U.S. announced at the end of last year that a record 68 journalists had been killed in Gaza at that time. CPJ stressed that they are particularly concerned about a pattern of targeting of journalists and their families in attacks by the Israeli military. In response to this situation, does the Government of Japan intend to urge Israel to exercise self-restraint and condemn Israel for its actions?

Minister Kamikawa: We are aware of the announcement made at the end of last year by CPJ, a U.S. NPO.

We recognize the important role played by the media in accurately informing the world about the situation on the ground. Civilians, including members of the media, must be protected. In this regard, the Government of Japan has been urging all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and to ensure the safety of civilians.

The Government of Japan will persistently and actively continue its diplomatic efforts toward calming down the situation as soon as possible.