Press Conferences

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: I have one announcement about Japan’s assistance to Nepal. Following the devastating damage caused by the large-scale flash flood and landslide in Nepal last month, there is a growing need to support the identification of victims in the country.

In order to support the Government of Nepal in this area, the Government of Japan decided today to provide an additional emergency grant of USD 2 million for the provision of DNA testing equipment. The Government of Japan is also arranging to provide the necessary related equipment and supplies as emergency aid.

In addition, the Government of Japan decided also today to dispatch a team of experts to support DNA testing activities.

As for medium- to long-term recovery and reconstruction, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is currently assessing the needs. The Government of Japan stands ready to continue to provide assistance as much as possible to Nepal, a long-standing close friend of Japan.

That concludes my opening remarks.

Chugoku Shimbun, SHIMOTAKA: I would like to ask about the cooperation between Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) to identify the human remains found at the Chosei coal mine in Yamaguchi Prefecture. It has been nearly three months since the Governments of Japan and the ROK began DNA testing to identify the remains. Could you tell us about the progress of the testing? Additionally, if the testing has been completed, please tell us whether the remains have been identified and what the timeline is for returning them to their families.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: The DNA testing you mentioned is being conducted by Japanese police in coordination with the ROK. With regard to your question about the progress and future schedule, as the testing is currently underway, I would like to refrain from answering at this stage.

Freelance, SHIBA: I would like to ask about the ICC. The rule of law is one of the pillars of Japan’s diplomacy. Given that, despite its efforts to persuade the U.S., Japan was unable to prevent the sanctions against the ICC President, a Japanese national, I believe that describing the situation as “unfortunate” or “incompatible with Japan’s position” is not a sufficient response. Recently, the Nonpartisan Parliamentary Association for Reconsidering Human Rights Diplomacy urged the Government of Japan to lodge a clear protest and demand the immediate withdrawal of the sanctions. Simply responding with “we will consider it” or “we will refrain from answering as it concerns diplomatic exchanges” is not an adequate explanation to the public. Please answer the following questions clearly with a yes or no. First, have you directly asked Secretary of State Rubio or other U.S. high-level officials to withdraw the sanctions against President AKANE? Second, if you have not done so, will you be doing so?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I have addressed this matter repeatedly at this press conference. Recently, I also spoke directly with President AKANE by telephone and listen to her thoughts on the matter.

Japan has consistently supported the ICC, which is a permanent international criminal court, in its efforts to prosecute and punish the most serious crimes of concern to the international community and to uphold the rule of law. This position remains unchanged, and I have stated this repeatedly.

We recognize that the U.S. takes a very severe stance toward the ICC, as you are aware, and has suggested the possibility of further measures. Despite this challenging situation, Japan is continuing to engage with the U.S. This is a fact. As for the details of these engagements, I will refrain from disclosing them as they are diplomatic exchanges. In any case, Japan has conveyed to the U.S. what needs to be said and is continuing such efforts. Japan will remain committed to strengthening the rule of law in the international community, while maintaining communication with relevant countries.

Freelance, SHIBA: I asked a yes or no question: Have you yourself directly contacted U.S. high-level officials regarding this matter, and did you ask them to withdraw the sanctions? I am not asking for the details of the diplomatic exchanges. I am asking for confirmation of the facts.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: What I responded with earlier is the full answer, including the points you just mentioned.