Press Conferences

Mr. KITAMURA Toshihiro, Press Secretary: At the outset, I would like to introduce the periodical journal “Diplomacy.” Today, volume 86 of “Diplomacy” is released.

The feature article, entitled “Can Europe Shoulder the International Order?,” focuses on Europe. It examines its political trends, foreign policy, and the future international order, in light of the European Parliament elections, the elections in the UK and France, the NATO Summit, and other such developments. The volume also contains an interview on Japan-EU relations with Mr. Paquet, EU Ambassador to Japan.

The second feature called “FOCUS” is about India. In light of the Indian general election that concluded on June 4, the article analyzes the situation in India and the region.

The journal will soon be available for purchase on Kindle and other online platforms. We hope those who are interested will take a look at it.

That is all from me.

Jiji Press, Murakami: I would like to ask about the situation in the Middle East. Today, Palestine’s Hamas Islamic group announced that its supreme leader, Haniyeh, was killed by an Israeli attack in Tehran. Some speculate that fighting in Gaza and adverse effects on the Middle East situation are unavoidable. What is the view of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)?

Press Secretary Kitamura: We are aware of the reports on the matter you mentioned. MOFA is currently verifying the facts.

At this time, we would like to refrain from making any conclusive statement. It is important is to avoid retaliatory attacks and calm down the situation.

Japan strongly urges all parties to avoid further escalation and will make all diplomatic efforts to this end.

Mainichi Shimbun, Odanaka: On a slightly related topic, my question is about the Israeli airstrike in a suburb of Beirut, regarding the protection of Japanese citizens. The Israeli military has made an announcement about the attack. Please provide any information you have, including the number and safety of Japanese citizens currently residing in Lebanon and Israel. Additionally, MOFA has issued spot information, and is urging Japanese citizens to consider evacuating while commercial flights are operating. I believe that the dispatch of Self-Defense Forces (SDF) aircraft could come up for discussion for protecting Japanese citizens. When dispatching SDF aircraft, the Foreign Minister requests the Defense Minister to prepare for the transportation and protection of Japanese citizens. Could you tell us about what is currently being considered?

Press Secretary Kitamura: I believe the Chief Cabinet Secretary answered about this matter at his press conference this morning. The Government of Japan is following the situation on the ground with grave concern and alarm, and will work closely with other countries in exerting diplomatic efforts to prevent further deterioration and escalation of the situation.

To answer your question about Japanese residents, the number of Japanese citizens residing in Lebanon and Israel is approximately 60 and 1,000, respectively. We have yet to receive any information that any have lost their lives or been injured.

As you mentioned, yesterday, July 30, the Government issued spot information in Lebanon and Israel as well as alerts, including urging Japanese citizens to cancel their trips to the two countries and to leave the countries as early as possible while regular commercial flights are in service.

We will continue to maintain communication with Japanese citizens on the spot and take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens in response to any situation.

Hokkaido Shimbun, Imai: I would like to ask about the Visits to the Graves in the Northern Territories. House of Councillors member SUZUKI Muneo, who is visiting Russia, stated on July 30, after holding a meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Galuzin of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia and others, that the Russian side had told him that the bilateral agreement on the Visits to the Graves was annulled. I believe the Government of Russia has explained that the agreement on the Visits to the Graves is “valid” and that the framework of the Visits remains in effect. Does MOFA still believe that the agreement is valid? Has the Russian side informed you that the agreement will be annulled?

Press Secretary Kitamura: First, the Government is not in a position to comment on details of House of Councillors member Suzuki’s visit to Russia.

That being said, the Government considers the resumption of the Visits to the Graves as one of the highest priorities in Japan-Russia relations. The Government has continued to call on Russia to respond at a variety of levels, including the high level.

Through such communications, we have confirmed that the framework of the Visits to the Graves has not been annulled and has been maintained. However, we have not received a positive response from Russian side, regarding the resumption of such programs.

Driven by our strong desire to respond to the earnest wishes of the elderly former island residents, the Government will continue to strongly urge Russia to resume such programs, with particular emphasis now on the Visits to the Graves in the Northern Islands.