(* This is a provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only. The original text is in Japanese.)

Press Conference by Minister for Foreign Affairs Masahiko Koumura

Date: Friday, June 27, 2008
Place: Kyoto

Main topic:

First session of the G8 Kyoto Foreign Ministers' Meeting

1. First session of the G8 Kyoto Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Minister:
Please allow me to give you an explanation of the first session of the G8 Kyoto Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The agenda of the first session included North Korea and Iran. All participants agreed on the following. Yesterday, North Korea submitted its declaration, and it is important to thoroughly verify it and make sure that the declaration leads to the ultimate objective of abandonment of nuclear programs. I especially asked Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill to make a statement in this regard, and his statement impressed me, that this is not merely a game of trusting North Korea, but rather this is a game of ensuring thorough verification. We reached agreement that, indeed, it is important to proceed with verification and to make sure that this leads to the ultimate goal which is abandonment of nuclear programs. Furthermore, regarding the abductions issue, I was able to gain the understanding and support from all of the participants. Regarding Iran, all parties agreed that a dual process incorporating both dialogue and pressure is needed and that the G8 would make concerted efforts to call on the international community and Iran for their cooperation.

Question:
Regarding the abduction issue, how did you as the Foreign Minister of Japan seek cooperation and understanding for Japan's position?

Minister:
I stress that this is a matter that is extremely important not only for Japanese, but also a matter of humanity and human rights that the international community must cooperate on. In response to this, I was able to gain the understanding and support from everyone present. I was told that they would cooperate with Japan in this regard.

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