Specific Examples of Measures Taken by Japan

1. Diplomatic Efforts

Japan's position is that in order to ease the present tension over Iraq, Iraq should accord the U.N. Special Commission (UNSCOM) immediate and unconditional access to its suspect sites of weapons of mass destruction. To resolve the situation peacefully, Japan has been making and will continue to make its diplomatic efforts at the United Nations, Tokyo and the capitals of other countries concerned. Main examples of Japan's diplomatic efforts include:

(1) Diplomatic Efforts toward Iraq

Japan has repeatedly tried to convince the Iraqi government that it is important to comply with Security Council resolutions and accept unconditional inspections of the U.N. Special Commission (UNSCOM). The following meetings were held with Iraqi Charge d'Affaires ad interim Muhsin Miro Ali in Tokyo to inform Japan's position.

* January 20, 1998: Meeting by Deputy Director-General Ishibashi of the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

* January 27: By Director-General Amae of the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

* February 2: By Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Shunji Yanai

* February 12: By Foreign Minister Keizo Obuchi

* February 19: Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Shunji Yanai Yanai urged the Iraqi government to decide to accept unconditional and full-scope inspections on the occasion of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's visit to Iraq.

(2) Diplomatic Efforts toward Middle Eastern Countries

On February 3, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Minoru Tamba explained Japan's position on the Iraqi situation to the ambassadors of Middle Eastern countries neighboring Iraq (NOTE) and asked for their governments cooperation in continuing diplomatic efforts for calming the situation.

Note: Algeria, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan, Tunisia, Turkey, Morocco, Lebanon. (The ambassador of Yemen was not in Tokyo then.)

On February 20, Director-General Amae of the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Japan's position on the Iraqi situation to the ambassadors of Middle Eastern countries neighboring Iraq (Note) and asked again for their governments' cooperation in accumulate diplomatic efforts with Annen's visit to Iraq in mind.

Note: United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Yemen, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan, Tunisia, Turkey, Morocco, Lebanon

(3) Diplomatic Efforts with the Permanent Members of the United Nations Security Council

(A) The United States

(B) The United Kingdom

Feb. 6: Foreign Minister Obuchi had a telephone exchange with Foreign Secretary Robin Cook.

(C) France

Feb. 6: Foreign Minister Obuchi had a telephone exchange with Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine.

(D) China

Feb. 6: Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Minoru Tamba met with Vice Foreign Minister Tang Jia Xuan in Tokyo. Feb. 12. Foreign Minister Obuchi met with the Chinese ambassador Xu Dunxin in Tokyo.

(E) Russia

Feb. 12: Foreign Minister Obuchi had a telephone exchange with Foreign Minister Evgenii Maksimovich Primakov.
Feb.22: Foreign Minister Obuchi met with Foreign Minister Evgenii Maksimovich Primakov in Moscow. (Obuchi stayed in Moscow until Feb 23)

During these telephone conversation with the foreign ministers of four permanent member of the Security Council, Foreign Minister Obuchi stated that Japan seeks a diplomatic solution to the question and is ready to discuss the issue and cooperate continuously with these countries toward this end. Minister Obuchi agreed with his counterparts that they would strive together to solve the issue at all stages including UN Security Council. In other talks also, Japan stressed the importance of exhausting all possible means to achieve a diplomatic solution to the Iraqi situation.

U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Bill Richardson visited Japan on February 13 and met with Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto and Foreign Minister Keizo Obuchi. On that occasion, Obuchi and Richardson arranged a joint press conference in order to inform Iraq that Japan and the United States believe the situation with Iraq is now very grave.

(4) Diplomatic Efforts toward UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

On February 18 (NY), UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan explained to the Security council his planned visit to Iraq. Japanese Government expressed, with all other council members, its will to support Annan's initiative.

On February 19, Foreign Minister Keizo Obuchi had a telephone talk with UN Secretary-General Koffi Annan. Obuchi addressed to him Japan's appreciation of and expectation to Annan's visit to Iraq. Annan expressed his profound gratitude for support from Japan, one of the main actors in the international community.

On February 24 (N.Y.), UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, upon his return from Baghdad, reported at the Security Council on his recent visit to Iraq. Japanese government welcomed the fact that his visit has led to the agreement on a framework on inspection, and expressed that what is important is to put the agreement into implementation.

2. Protection of Japanese Nationals

(1) Travel Advice and warning toward Iraq: Evacuation adcice for all residents

On Feb. 6, the Foreign Ministry reissued to Japanese nationals staying in Iraq a recommendation to evacuate from the country and to Japanese aiming at traveling a recommendation to defer all travel to Iraq. This advice and warning has been in place the outbreak of the Gulf crisis. At present, four Japanese nationals have been confirmed staying in Iraq (not include press staff).

(2) Travel advice and warning targetting countries around Iraq: Travel caution

On Feb. 10, the Foreign Ministry announced Travel caution for Japanese nationals staying in or traveling to countries located close to Iraq. This recommendation is issued toward teh following countries; United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Israel, Iran, Turkey,, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt.

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