21 September 1998
TEXT: JOINT U.S.-JAPAN STATEMENT ON 9/20 SECURITY MEETING
(U.S., Japan call on N. Korea to stop missile activity) (840) Washington -- Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Secretary of Defense William Cohen, and their Japanese counterparts discussed the security environment in Northeast Asia and issues concerning the bilateral security relationship between the United States and Japan at the September 20 meeting of the Security Consultative Committee (SCC). According to the Joint U.S.-Japan Statement on the meeting, the SCC "reconfirmed both governments' perception that the August 31 missile launch by North Korea presents a serious threat to the security interests of our two countries and to the region." "The Ministers called on North Korea not to develop, test, launch or deploy missiles, or export missiles and related material and technology" and "affirmed their support for the Agreed Framework and KEDO (the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization) as the best means for preventing the danger of nuclear proliferation on the Korean Peninsula," the statement reads. The ministers also discussed issues related to the stationing of U.S. forces in Japan, emphasized the importance of Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD), and reviewed the progress made in strengthening the bilateral security relationship since the issuance of the U.S.-Japan Joint Declaration on Security in April 1996, according to the statement. Following is the text of the joint statement: (begin text) U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman September 20, 1998 Joint U.S.-Japan Statement Security Consultative Committee 1. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Secretary of Defense William Cohen, Minister for Foreign Affairs Masahiko Koumura, and Minister of State for Defense Fukushiro Nukaga convened the Security Consultative Committee (SCC) in New York on September 20, 1998, for consultations and policy coordination on issues of bilateral interest. They discussed regional issues, focusing on the security environment in Northeast Asia, and issues concerning the bilateral security relationship. 2. Both sides reaffirmed their abiding commitment to the U.S.-Japan alliance and reviewed the progress made in strengthening the security relationship since the issuance of the U.S.-Japan Joint Declaration on Security in April 1996. The four Ministers expressed their satisfaction and confidence in the strength and durability of the bilateral relationship, which is vital not only to the security of the U.S. and Japan, but to the stability of the Asia-Pacific region as well. The Ministers discussed the security environment in the Asia-Pacific region and defense policies and military postures to meet security requirements in this region. The SCC reaffirmed the importance of the principles outlined in the above-mentioned Joint Declaration. 3. The SCC reconfirmed both governments' perception that the August 31 missile launch by North Korea presents a serious threat to the security interests of our two countries and to the region. The Ministers called on North Korea not to develop, test, launch or deploy missiles, or export missiles and related material and technology. They affirmed their support for the Agreed Framework and KEDO as the best means for preventing the danger of nuclear proliferation on the Korean Peninsula. Secretary Albright and Secretary Cohen confirmed that the U.S. Government will fully respect the position of the Government of Japan and consult closely in implementing the Agreed Framework, including the Light Water Reactor project. 4. The Ministers affirmed that strong and healthy U.S.-Japan ties are essential to furthering our respective cooperation with China on regional and global issues. They also reviewed other regional issues, including the situation in Russia and Southeast Asia. They noted the importance of close U.S.-Japan cooperation on regional issues. 5. The Ministers reiterated their intention to take all necessary steps to ensure the effectiveness of the Guidelines for U.S.-Japan Defense Cooperation, which are vital to the ability of both sides to respond to security challenges in the region. They discussed progress to date under the Guidelines, including bilateral planning. The Japanese side confirmed its intention to seek early passage of the Guidelines legislation package. 6. Both sides emphasized the importance of Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD). The Ministers reviewed the progress of bilateral studies, and they will proceed with further work in the direction of conducting cooperative research. 7. The four Ministers discussed issues related to the stationing of U.S. forces in Japan. They recognized the importance of continuing efforts by all concerned parties to ensure good neighbor relations between U.S. forces and host communities for the smooth and effective operation of U.S.-Japan security arrangements, as well as the essential need for U.S. forces to train and maintain readiness. The Ministers expressed their continuing commitment to implement steadily the SACO Final Report and highlighted the progress made on many key provisions. 8. Secretaries Albright and Cohen expressed their appreciation for Japan's host nation support as a key contribution to the bilateral relationship and regional security. (end text)
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