(Provisional Translation)

Opening Statement
by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi
At the Press Conference

Wednesday, September 19, 2001

I am filled with the overwhelming indignation at the terrorist attacks in the United States, which represent not only attacks on the United States, but attacks on freedom, peace and democracy of the whole of humankind. Recognizing this, I was resolved for Japan to take its own initiative towards the eradication of terrorism, in cooperation with the United States and other countries concerned. Now we have decided to take a number of specific measures.

In response to these terrorist attacks in the United States, the Government of Japan, with the cooperation of the people of Japan, will support the United States and offer the utmost assistance and cooperation to the United States, its ally. I will read out the specific measures we intend to take.

  1. The Government of Japan (GOJ) will promptly take measures necessary for dispatching the Self-Defence Force (SDF) for providing support, including medical services, transportation and supply, to the US forces and others taking measures related to the terrorist attacks, which have been recognized as a threat to international peace and security in the United Nations Security Council resolution 1368.

  2. GOJ will promptly take measures necessary for further strengthening protection of facilities and areas of the US forces and important facilities in Japan.

  3. GOJ will swiftly dispatch SDF vessels to gather information.

  4. GOJ will strengthen international co-operation, including information sharing, in areas such as immigration control.

  5. GOJ will extend humanitarian, economic and other necessary assistance to surrounding and affected countries. As a part of this assistance, GOJ will extend emergency economic assistance to Pakistan and India, which are co-operation with the United States in this emergency situation.

  6. GOJ will provide assistance to the displaced persons as necessary. This will include the possibility of humanitarian assistance by SDF.

  7. GOJ, in co-operation with other countries, will take appropriate measures in response to the changing situation to avoid confusion in the international and domestic economic systems.
As is written in the preamble of the Constitution of Japan, Japan desires to occupy an honored place in international society. At the same time, I give due regard to the fact that Article 9 of the Constitution renounces the use of force as a means of settling international disputes. Whole deliberating what kind of assistance will not constitute an integral part of the use of force, I will consider Japan's utmost assistance and cooperation in concert with the United States and other countries concerned.