March 27, 2009

With the Japanese government issuing an “order to destroy any ballistic missiles” that might be launched by North Korea, Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo said, “The most important thing is to refrain from any activities that would increase tensions in Northeast Asia and to make every diplomatic effort to urge North Korea to exercise restraint in the ‘rocket’ launch.”

Responding to questions at a news conference on March 26 concerning North Korea moving toward launching a “rocket” and the Japanese government issuing an “order to destroy any ballistic missiles” under the Self-Defense Forces Law, Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo made the following comments:

At present, the most important thing is to refrain from any activities that would increase tensions in Northeast Asia and to make every diplomatic effort to urge North Korea to exercise restraint in the “rocket” launch.

If the Japanese government responds militarily to North Korea’s action without making any diplomatic efforts, it would seriously undermine the possibility to peacefully resolve the issue. The JCP does not agree with such response.

Regarding diplomatic efforts, in their Pyongyang Declaration of September 2000, Japan and North Korea committed to resolve any problems through negotiation.

The Japanese government therefore should do its utmost to solve the issue diplomatically using all possible measures.