Tuesday, July 24, 2001
|
United States Secretary of State Colin L. Powell paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. After conveying his recognition of the importance of the Japan-US relationship, Prime Minister Koizumi noted that, in regard to the Kyoto Protocol, Japan is aiming for its enforcement in 2002, but leaves room to cooperate with the US. With regard to the case of the alleged rape of a Japanese woman in Okinawa by a US serviceman, Prime Minister Koizumi mentioned that the case has raised a difficult problem in Japan, and that while both countries agreed to improve implementation of the Agreement regarding the Status of United States Armed Forces in Japan, revision of the Agreement would be taken into consideration if these efforts were not effective. In regard to the Kyoto Protocol, Secretary of State Powell responded that the US recognizes the importance of environmental issues. He stated that, even though the US could not accede to the Kyoto Protocol as it exists now because it does not serve the interests of the US, the US is grateful for Japan's pursuit of consultation with the US in this matter to the end. Furthermore, in regard to the incident in Okinawa, Secretary of State Powell stated that the US military has the responsibility to be good guests and this responsibility needs to be met. The US government is constantly sending this message to its military personnel. As for the Agreement regarding the Status of United States Armed Forces in Japan, Secretary of State Powell expressed his desire to work to improve its implementation. |