Newsletter No. 247
April 23, 2006

 

On the 21st there was another very interesting exchange between Deputy Press Secretary Tomohiko Taniguchi and a reporter at a MOFA press conference. It is closely linked to our recent discussions in Shingetsu Newsletter No. 242.

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Q: It seems that Japan has frozen assistance to the Palestinian Territory. On what basis did Japan halt the aid to Palestine?

Mr. Taniguchi: I have to correct your assumption. I know that there was a report that Japan would "halt" aid to the Palestinian Territory, but I should say that so far as humanitarian assistance is concerned, nothing has been changed; however, we are waiting on things in terms of infrastructure. So that is the position of the Government of Japan. You can actually see very little has changed.

Q: So you are saying that these reports are groundless?

Mr. Taniguchi: One of them was actually groundless and I know that it was carried by one of the regional newspapers. My colleagues have been busy correcting those misinformed reports.

Q: So the stance concerning human assistance is still continuing?

Mr. Taniguchi: Humanitarian support yes. But when it comes to supporting infrastructure projects we are waiting to see what sorts of policies will come out from Hamas.

Q: You know Hamas was elected on democratic circumstances and Japan was one of the countries that sent observers. So did your observers give the impression that if the Palestinians voted for Hamas they would be waiting on the amount of assistance from the Japanese Government?

Mr. Taniguchi: I have said a number of times at this conference that the election was held in a democratic fashion. But democracy is not just about elections it is about many other things; rule of law, respect for peace, and freedom of speech and so on and so forth. Certainly violent means should be condemned by all means. So that is part of democracy and we are watching keenly how democratic the Hamas Government is going to be.

Q: In relation to the question of Hamas, just to clarify, the Government of Japan's policy is that until Hamas shows a softer stance towards Israel that---

Mr. Taniguchi: More precisely we would very much like both parties to stick to the Road Map and stick to non-violent means to achieve their goals. That is the basic principle that the Government of Japan is holding.

Q: I suppose the way that the US policy towards Hamas will also be taken into consideration?

Mr. Taniguchi: The Government of Japan has its own policy towards Hamas. So far as official development assistance (ODA) is concerned, what I have just said is part of Japan's policy.

Q: Are you planning for any assistance or have you provided any assistance to Palestine after Hamas was elected?

Mr. Taniguchi: Yes, Japan decided to extend aid amounting to approximately US$6 million since Hamas was elected.