PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI PLANS JANUARY TRIP TO WEST ASIA

News has just emerged that Prime Minister Koizumi may make a trip to West Asia in January. The main issue that has prompted his trip is said to be the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, in which the Prime Minister continues to hope that Japan can play a major role. This will probably be his last chance before he is scheduled to step down next year.

If this trip goes forward, it will be the first time that a Japanese prime minister has visited the region in over ten years; since the visit of Tomiichi Murayama in September 1995.

As has been reported in previous newsletters, PA President Mahmud Abbas visited Japan in May this year, and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was invited to visit, but eventually declined because of the political crisis in Israel created by the withdrawal from Gaza and other matters.

At a press conference yesterday, the MOFA spokesman didn’t have much to say:

Reporter: There have been reports that apparently Prime Minister Koizumi is visiting the Middle East. Are there any preparations?

Mr. Taniguchi: Nothing has been decided yet. I am aware that there is a speculation or rumor about it, but in terms of the itinerary or whether or not he is actually going there, nothing concrete has been decided yet.

Reporter: Even the time period? Will it be next year?

Mr. Taniguchi: I do not know. Frankly speaking nothing has been decided.