Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• North Korea (Possible missile launch)
• Former Prime Minister Hatoyama's visit to Iran

REPORTER: The North Korean authorities have unveiled their missile launch facility to the public and have sought to stress that the launch is for peaceful purposes. What is the Government's reaction to these actions by North Korea and also please tell us about the preparations in place for a possible intercept of the missile.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The reports and images that you mention have indeed been broadcast, in which it was explained that a flying object, named "Unha 3" has been installed on the launch pad. The Government is currently analyzing the press reports and also the images of the flying object concerning its specific composition. As I have stated all along, the Government's stance on this matter is a consistent one, namely that the launch of a missile purported to be "satellite" is a clear violation of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. The Government is making various thorough preparations to respond to contingencies.

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the visit of former Prime Minister Hatoyama to Iran. After meeting with President Ahmadinejad, the President's website quoted Mr. Hatoyama as having said that "the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is applying double standards to a number of countries, including Iran, which is not fair." It seems that the Iranians have perceived this comment has meaning that Mr. Hatoyama has shown understanding for Iran's nuclear development. What is the response of the Government in this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I hear that on April 7 and 8, former Prime Minister Hatoyama visited Iran in a private capacity, where he met with President Ahmadinejad and Minister of Foreign Affairs Salehi. These meetings and all other aspects of the visit were made in Mr. Hatoyama's personal capacity and it is not for the Government to comment on a private visit. Japan is emphasizing the role of the IAEA in working to resolve the nuclear issue in Iran, and has called on Iran to extend full cooperation to the IAEA to resolve the unresolved issues concerning the country's nuclear plans.

REPORTER: You have stated that Mr. Hatoyama has made the visit to Iran in a personal capacity, and yet he is making his visit under the title of "former prime minister," the impact of which is likely to be not insignificant. Given the criticisms of this action leading to two-track diplomacy, could you provide us with your thought on why Mr. Hatoyama was not prevailed upon to cancel his visit?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I have consistently stated the Government's position that although this might be a visit in a personal capacity, it would be preferable not to make the visit at the current timing.

REPORTER: Returning to the issue of the missile, given that it has now been publicized, this would suggest that preparations for the launch are in their final stages. At the Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in China, although it was agreed to call on North Korea to exercise self-restraint, China has also called for a calm response in the event that the missile is fired. Given this statement, it would appear that there is a difference in the stances of Japan and the Republic of Korea in comparison to that of China. What is the Government's view on this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: You mentioned the Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Foreign Ministers' Meeting and it was in this meeting, attended by Minister for Foreign Affairs Gemba, that the three foreign ministers entered into intensive exchanges of opinions concerning the launch of the missile purported to be a "satellite" by North Korea, and how, if the launch were to go ahead, it would be a clear violation of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. The ministers agreed to continue to make maximum diplomatic efforts to call on North Korea to exercise self-restraint. In the meeting, and I believe this is what you were referring to in your question, Foreign Minister Gemba stated that in the event that North Korea went ahead with the launch of the missile purported to be a "satellite," it would be a clear violation of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and would require an appropriate response from the international community, including the UN Security Council. The other ministers may have stated their positions at this point, but Japan's stance remains consistent and unwavering in this regard.

REPORTER: Do you think it is necessary and important for Japan and the Republic of Korea to engage in trilateral cooperation with China on a response in the event that the missile is launched, particularly in view of the fact that China has a strong degree of influence on North Korea?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Foreign Minister Gemba has stated that Japan and China have agreed to continue to liaise and cooperate closely on the bilateral level with regard to this issue.

(Abridged)