Press Conferences

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: At the outset, I have one matter to report.

It is regarding the death of an employee of the Irkutsk Antiplague Research Institute in Russia. Following reports that an employee of the Antiplague Research Institute in Irkutsk Oblast in Russia died from pneumonia of unknown cause, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), in order to ensure the protection of Japanese nationals, instructed the Consulate-General of Japan in Khabarovsk to confirm the safety of Japanese nationals residing in Irkutsk Oblast and issue an alert, and by the day before yesterday, October 7, the safety of all Japanese residents was successfully confirmed.

In addition, on the same day, Wednesday, October 7, following the announcement by WHO (World Health Organization), we established a liaison office headed by the Director-General of the Consular Affairs Bureau of MOFA, as well as a local response headquarters headed by the Consul-General at the Consulate-General of Japan in Khabarovsk. The launch of these offices has three purposes: first, to gather information; second, to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals; and third, to prepare for various possible situations.

Furthermore, yesterday, Thursday, October 8, the Consulate-General of Japan in Khabarovsk issued a safety advisory email.

We will continue to monitor the situation with vigilance. As the cause remains unclear, we will work to gather information and coordinate with relevant authorities and organizations in making every effort to ensure the protection of Japanese nationals.

That concludes my opening remarks.

Kyodo News, ICHIKAWA: I have a question related to your opening remarks about the plague reports. In addition to that, WHO Director-General Tedros has revealed that WHO is requesting Russian side to share information for an accurate assessment of potential public health risk. In light of these developments, how does MOFA view the current situation? Also, while this may overlap with your opening remarks, could you tell us once again the measures considered from the perspective of protecting Japanese nationals?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: As I mentioned at the outset, the cause remains unknown. We intend to respond with vigilance, including the identification of the cause. We have already established a liaison office at MOFA and a local response headquarters at the Consulate-General.. I have explained the three purposes of these offices. The protection of Japanese nationals is of the utmost importance, and we will continue to make every effort to that end.

Jiji Press, KINOSHITA: I would like to ask about Russia’s requests for the extradition of International Criminal Court (ICC) President AKANE Tomoko and other officials. On October 8, the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office announced that it had requested the Netherlands, where the ICC is headquartered, and other countries to hand over eight individuals, including President AKANE. Claiming that the ICC’s issuance of an arrest warrant for President Putin over the invasion of Ukraine was unjustified, Russia has stepped up its retaliatory measures, such as placing President AKANE and other officials on its wanted list and handing down convictions in absentia. Could you please share your thoughts on the latest move by Russia and the Government’s response to it?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: We are aware of the announcement you asked about.

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.

Taking such measures against ICC officials is unjust and unacceptable, and we have protested to the Russian side to this effect. Japan has made representations on various occasions, including when the convictions were entered.

Japan considers Russia’s extradition request to multiple countries, including the Netherlands, to be incompatible with its position and are regrettable.

Japan, while maintaining communication with the ICC and other States Parties, will continue to respond appropriately, including making further representations to the Russian side regarding its unjust measures.

TV Asahi, MAEDA: I would like to ask a follow-up question regarding the Irkutsk incident mentioned in your opening remarks. The U.S. and the WHO have requested Russia to disclose information. Could you please tell us whether the Government of Japan intends to request that Russia disclose information?.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: We have made a representation. However, as this involves diplomatic exchanges, I would like to refrain from disclosing the details.