４月２８日追記：この問題の最新投稿、見てくださいね！
【御用通訳に注意】オバマ発言誤訳は日米共同記者会見の同時通訳によるものだった。官邸ＨＰの動画でも誤訳。
４月２７日追記・速報。『琉球新報』２７日版３面でこの誤訳問題が取り上げられました。
ウェブに出たらリンクを張ります。
当ブログ管理人、乗松聡子のコメントも載せてくれました。profound mistake, 私は「深刻な過ち」と訳しましたが、琉球新報の記事では「重大な誤り」と訳しています。どちらも適切な訳だと思います。今回の首脳会談で、「尖閣に安保適用」は、従来の米国政権の安保条約解釈をオバマ大統領が繰り返しただけでしたが日本メディアは横並びで大騒ぎしました。この首脳会談の一番の要は、オバマ氏が自ら直接安倍氏に「尖閣をエスカレートさせるのは重大な誤り」と警告したことです。尖閣問題の平和的外交的解決を何度も促していました。日本のメディアは大合唱で「オバマが中国をけん制」と言いますが、オバマ氏は、この会談で日本をけん制していたのです。日本の報道でこれがしっかり伝わったところがあるでしょうか。この強い警告を誤訳でごまかしスルーしようとした責任はどこにあるのでしょうか。この「正しくない」という訳を最初にしたのは同時通訳であったという情報がありますが、大統領の同時通訳を務めるようなプロがとっさにこのような誤訳をする可能性は低いとみています。背後にはどんな動きがあったのでしょうか。この会見の公式記録は下記の通りホワイトハウスのサイトにはありますが、日本政府による公式記録はどこにあるのでしょうか。追及する必要があります。@PeacePhilosophy こと乗松聡子
 |
| 「尖閣問題をエスカレートさせ続けるのは深刻な過ちだ」と深く釘をさされた安倍首相、笑顔でオバマ大統領と。 |
４月２４日赤坂の迎賓館での日米共同記者会見の中継で、オバマが、尖閣問題で日本がエスカレーションを続けることは profound mistake 「深刻な過ち」だと言っていたのを聞いて、かなり踏み込んで安倍首相をたしなめているなと思ったが、日本の新聞の報道を見てもそのような記述がない。おかしいなと思って記録を見てみたら、
産経はこれを「正しくない」と訳していた！産経だから仕方ないかと思ってもっと見回してみたら、
日経、
東京、
毎日、なども「正しくない」と訳している！「オバマが尖閣に安保が適用すると言った」と横並びで大騒ぎする中、この発言には触れていない媒体もある。私が見回したところ、日本のメディアでprofound mistake の訳としてふさわしい訳をしているところは共同（「
大きな過ち」）ぐらいだ。
ホワイトハウスの記録にはしっかり profound mistake と書いてある。各国の主要メディアもそう引用して報道している。Obama Abe profound mistake といったキーワードで検索してみたら、たくさん報道が出てくる。
Profound （プロファウンド）という言葉は非常に強い言葉である。ここでは「深刻な」と訳したが、日本の人も多くが知っているであろうserious よりもさらに強い言葉だ。もうこれ以上深刻なものはないというぐらい根本的に深刻だ、という意味だと思ってよい。オバマ氏は、尖閣問題をこれ以上エスカレートさせるのは深刻な過ちであると安倍首相に私は直接言いました、と共同会見で表明したのである。これは今回の会見の中でも最も強い日本へのけん制である。これを「正しくない」などとの生ぬるい言葉にすり替えた日本のメディアは大罪を犯している。
下記にホワイトハウスの記録をコピペしてある。官邸のＨＰには
動画はあるがテキストはまだないようだ（誰か見つけたら教えてください）。
問題の部分を抜粋すると、
ＣＮＮの記者に、「中国が尖閣に軍事侵攻したら米国は武力行使しますか。その場合『レッドライン』（超えてはいけない一線）をどう引くのですか―シリアやロシアのときがそうであったように、米国の信頼性、あなたの信頼性を危険にさらして」と、挑戦的な質問をされている。それへの答えとして、
First of all, the treaty between the United
States and Japan preceded my birth, so obviously, this isn’t a “red line” that
I’m drawing; it is the standard interpretation over multiple administrations of
the terms of the alliance, which is that territories under the administration of
Japan are covered under the treaty. There’s no shift in position. There’s no
“red line” that’s been drawn. We’re simply applying the treaty.まず、米国と日本の間の（安保）条約は私が生まれる前にできたものです。なので明らかに、この条約は私が定める「レッドライン」ではありません。日本の施政下にある領域に条約が適用されるという同盟の条件は、複数の米国政権の標準的な解釈です。我々は単にこの条約を応用しているだけです。
At the same time, as I’ve said directly to the Prime Minister that
it would be a profound mistake to continue to see escalation around this issue
rather than dialogue and confidence-building measures between Japan and China.
And we’re going to do everything we can to encourage that diplomatically. と同時に、私は首相に直接言いました。この問題で、日中間で対話や信頼関係を築くような方法ではなく、エスカレーションを許し続けることは深刻な過ちであると。そして我々は、外交的にそれを促進するためにできることは何でもします。
（翻訳はブログ管理人@PeacePhilosophy）
（日本時間４月２５日午後１１時３５分に上記翻訳一部訂正。continue to see escalation を「エスカレーションを見続ける」と訳していましたが、不自然な表現と判断し、「エスカレーションを許し続ける」と訂正しました。「エスカレーションを傍観し続ける」「エスカレーションをそのままにする」とも訳せると思います。）（また最後の「それを促進する」の「それ」は、「対話や信頼関係を築くような方法」のことを指しています。）
以下、ホワイトハウスのウェブサイトにある日米共同記者会見の記録。
For Immediate Release
April 24, 2014
Joint Press Conference with President Obama and Prime
Minister Abe of Japan
Akasaka Palace
Tokyo, Japan
12:40 P.M. JST
PRIME MINISTER ABE: (As interpreted.) On behalf of the Japanese
people, I would like to express my heartfelt welcome to President Barack Obama,
who is in Japan as our state guest. Barack and I met at the White House for the
first time last year in February. We talked about all the different themes that
one could think of. We had talks without reserve and we confirmed that we had
the same awareness with regard to issues and that we share common
objectives.
The Japan-U.S. alliance has been revived very strongly. And the
nature of our talks this time was such that we were able to demonstrate this
both inside and outside of the country. Barack said this before -- to create a
large economic zone in the Asia Pacific would bring about major benefits to
Japan, the United States, and to the Asian nations.
The TPP was indeed a very farsighted plan. As a result of serious
exchanges between Barack and myself, Japan was able to make the transition to
the next stage, which was to participate in the TPP talks. It’s been one year
since then and Japan along with the United States is in a role to lead in a
major way the TPP talks. To make the talks between the two leaders a milestone
and so as to resolve pending issues between our two countries, Minister Amari
and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Froman decided that they would
energetically and earnestly continue the talks.
President Obama and I instructed the ministers to continue these
talks so as to bring to a conclusion the remaining issues and so as to bring
about a major conclusion of the TPP talks as a whole. Today and tomorrow, the
talks will continue. So the joint statement released will see the result of
this and we will formulate a joint statement after this.
Between Japan and the United States, we share values such as
freedom, democracy, human rights and rule of law. We have shared these basic
values and strategic interests. We are global partners. So we have this
partnership and this strong alliance between our two countries. It’s the
cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region.
Japan espouses the principle of proactive contribution to peace.
And the United States is moving forward with its policy of pivoting to the Asia
Pacific. These are contributing to peace and stability in the region. And we
mutually appreciated and welcomed each other’s policies. Having done so between
Barack and myself, we were able to confirm that the Japan-U.S. alliance would
play a leading role in ensuring peace and prosperity of the Asia Pacific. This
is what I wanted to communicate to you.
With regard to security, including the review of the Japan-U.S.
Defense Cooperation guidelines, wide-ranging security and defensive cooperation
would be promoted. We agreed on this point. With regard to the realignment of
U.S. forces in Japan, including the transfer of U.S. Marines in Okinawa to Guam
and relocation of the Futenma Air Station, we would make steady progress on this
front. And we reaffirmed the resolve on both sides to make this transpire.
Okinawa Governor Nakaima has requested termination of the operation
of the Futenma Air Station in five years or less. With regard to this and other
requests by the Governor, I explained this to President Barack and requested
further cooperation from the United States to alleviate the impact on
Okinawa.
With regard to various issues which the international society is
facing, we had a heart-to-heart talk between Barack and myself. On the
situation in Ukraine, changing the status quo against the backdrop of coercion
and intimidation would not be condoned. We confirmed this point once again, and
the importance to providing support to Ukraine and to cooperate between Japan
and the G7 is something that we agreed on.
With regard to China, based on the rule of law, a free and open Asia
Pacific region will be developed and we would try to engage China in this
region. And we agreed to cooperate toward this end. With regard to moves to
try to change the status quo through coercion and intimidation, we agreed that
we would clearly oppose such news. Going forward with regard to policies
vis-à-vis China, we agreed to maintain close cooperation between Japan and the
United States. This was confirmed.
On the DPRK, we confirmed that close cooperation between the U.S.,
Japan and ROK would continue to be important. And this time Barack made the
time to meet with the Yokotas and Mr. Iizuka. At our talks, I requested
understanding, and continued understanding and cooperation toward the resolution
of the abduction issue and the President expressed his support.
This month I met three times with Ambassador Kennedy. I had this
honor. We discussed space, linear and cultural exchanges, and so this is a
manifestation of the best of the cooperative relationship which exists between
our two countries. In the talks between the leaders, I put forth once again the
proposal to introduce Maglev technology in the United States. We had an
exchange of views with regard to energy cooperation, and inclusive of a society
where women can shine, and global issues. We agreed that we would cooperate on
these issues.
Ambassador Kennedy is a symbol of the friendship which exists
between our two countries and the bonds which exist. I’d like to cooperate even
more closely with the Ambassador to further deepen cooperative relations between
our two countries.
Going forward, what supports the alliance are the youth in both of
our countries. To further enhance exchanges between youth I have told Barack of
our plans to send 6,000 Japanese students to the United States this fiscal
year. The Japan-U.S. alliance is more robust than ever before.
Barack, you talked about the sushi you had last night and you said
it was the best you had in your life. We had heart-to-heart talks for an hour
and a half. We talked about issues between our two countries and challenges of
the world. We confirmed the bonds and the roles of our two countries and we
talked about further potential of the relationship between our two countries.
It was a very enriching and satisfactory time. And the sushi I had yesterday,
for me, too, was the best I had in my life so far, and it is without a doubt
that this is the case.
So, between Barack and I, we want to make U.S.-Japan relations more
favorable than ever before. And that is all for me. Thank you.
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Konnichiwa. I want to thank Prime Minister Abe
for your kind words and your warm welcome, as well as the outstanding sushi and
sake yesterday. It is wonderful to be back in Japan. This is my third visit as
President. I’m deeply honored to be making the first state visit by a U.S.
President in nearly two decades. I’m grateful to Their Majesties, the Emperor
and Empress, for their gracious welcome this morning. And I've once again been
touched by the kindness and hospitality of the Japanese people -- your
omotenashi.
I’ve said many times the United States is and always will be a
Pacific nation. America’s security and prosperity is inseparable from the
future of this region, and that’s why I’ve made it a priority to renew American
leadership in the Asia Pacific. And the cornerstone of our strategy -- and the
foundation of the region’s security and economic progress -- is our historic
treaty alliances, including with Japan.
Prime Minister Abe, I want to thank you for your exceptional
commitment to our alliance, which in recent years has grown even stronger.
Under your leadership, Japan is also looking to make even greater contributions
to peace and security around the world, which the United States very much
welcomes.
And last night we had an excellent discussion on a whole range of
issues. We agreed to continue deepening our security cooperation. We continue
to make progress towards realigning our forces in the region, including Okinawa,
which will lessen the impact of our bases on local communities. As we modernize
our defense posture in the region, our forces in Japan will include our most
advanced military capabilities.
We stand together in calling for disputes in the region, including
maritime issues, to be resolved peacefully through dialogue. We share a
commitment to fundamental principles such as freedom of navigation and respect
for international law. And let me reiterate that our treaty commitment to
Japan’s security is absolute, and Article 5 covers all territories under Japan’s
administration, including the Senkaku Islands.
Our two nations are united along with the Republic of Korea in our
determination to bring about the peaceful denuclearization of the Korean
Peninsula and in our firm response to North Korea’s provocations. And we stand
with Japan as it seeks to resolve the tragedy of North Korea’s abductions of
Japanese citizens.
Beyond Northeast Asia, Japan and the United States are working
together to enhance our economic and diplomatic and security coordination with
our ASEAN partners in Southeast Asia. We’re deepening our cooperation as global
partners, from the relief we delivered together after the typhoon in the
Philippines last year to our unified response to Russia’s military intervention
in Ukraine.
We made important progress in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, TPP,
which will support good jobs and growth in the United States as well as economic
reform and revitalization here in Japan. We’re closer to agreement on issues
like automobiles and agriculture. I’ve been very clear and honest that American
manufacturers and farmers need to have meaningful access to markets that are
included under TPP, including here in Japan. That’s what will make it a good
deal for America -- for our workers and our consumers, and our families. That’s
my bottom line, and I can’t accept anything less.
At the same time, Prime Minister Abe is committed to renewing
Japan’s economy, and TPP is a vital part of that. As I’ve told Shinzo, Japan
has the opportunity -- in part through TPP -- to play a key leadership role in
the Asia Pacific region for this century. So now is the time for bold steps
that are needed to reach a comprehensive agreement, and I continue to believe we
can get this done.
I would add that our countries are more prosperous when we tap the
talents of all of our citizens. So I want to commend the Prime Minister for his
commitment to bringing more women into the work force. And because our economic
security also depends on energy security, we’re going to keep working together
on clean and efficient alternatives to fossil fuels both at home and abroad that
can power the global economy while combating climate change.
Finally, I’m pleased that we continue to deepen the extraordinary
ties between our people, especially our young people, like the Japanese students
that I’ll be meeting later today. And I’m proud to announce that we’re
launching a new program that will help even more Japanese students come to the
United States to improve their English-language skills and gain valuable
experience working in American businesses and organizations. And that’s part of
our effort to double student exchanges by 2020 -- bonds among our young people
that can bring us closer together for decades to come.
So, Prime Minister Abe, thank you for your friendship, your
partnership, and the progress that we’ve made together. I want to thank you and
the people of Japan for being such extraordinary allies. Standing together, I
have no doubt about what our nations can achieve. So as you say here,
ganbarou. Thank you.
Q I’d like to raise a question with regard to security. First,
my question is addressed to Prime Minister Abe. President Obama, with regard to
the defense of the Senkaku Islands, he had clearly stated his security stance
based on the security treaty. And what kind of discussion did you have on the
exercise of collective security rights?
To President Obama, the following question: Based on the security
treaty, the obligation to defend the Senkaku Islands, this is the first time
that you referred to this issue. Why did you mention this? Could you talk
about the import of your statement?
PRIME MINISTER ABE: (As interpreted.) Through the talks with
President Obama, as President Obama mentioned at the outset in his speech,
between our two countries we have the security treaty and under the security
treaty, all of the abilities and capabilities to perform the commitment is
provided. And this includes all territories under the administration of Japan,
inclusive of the Senkaku Islands. And any unilateral action to undermine
Japan’s administration of the Senkaku Islands will be opposed by the United
States. We agreed on this point.
On the exercise of the right of collective defense, presently in
Japan the legal basis for security is being discussed and with regard to the
stability of Japan and regional safety and stability, and to function the
alliance effectively, and to contribute to the stability of the region we are
making these studies. This is what I have explained to President Obama.
Concerning such studies and examinations being made in Japan, this was welcomed
and this would be supported. That was the position expressed by President
Obama.
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Our position is not new. Secretary Hagel, our
Defense Secretary, when he visited here, Secretary of State John Kerry when he
visited here, both indicated what has been our consistent position throughout.
We don’t take a position on final sovereignty determinations with respect to
Senkakus, but historically they have been administered by Japan and we do not
believe that they should be subject to change unilaterally. And what is a
consistent part of the alliance is that the treaty covers all territories
administered by Japan. So this is not a new position, this is a consistent
one.
In our discussions, I emphasized with Prime Minister Abe the
importance of resolving this issue peacefully -- not escalating the situation,
keeping the rhetoric low, not taking provocative actions, and trying to
determine how both Japan and China can work cooperatively together. And I want
to make that larger point. We have strong relations with China. They are a
critical country not just to the region, but to the world.
Obviously, with a huge population, a growing economy, we want to
continue to encourage the peaceful rise of China. I think there’s enormous
opportunities for trade, development, working on common issues like climate
change with China. But what we’ve also emphasized -- and I will continue to
emphasize throughout this trip -- is that all of us have responsibilities to
help maintain basic rules of the road and an international order so that large
countries, small countries, all have to abide by what is considered just and
fair, and that we are resolving disputes in peaceful fashion.
And this is a message that I’ve delivered directly to the Chinese
and it’s one that I think is entirely consistent with China being successful. I
think the alternative is a situation in which large countries, like the United
States or China or Russia or other countries, feel as if whenever they think
it’s expedient they can take actions that disadvantage smaller countries, and
that’s not the kind of world that is going to be stable and prosperous and
secure over the long term.
So we are invested in an international order, and that applies to a
whole range of issues, including maritime issues. My hope is, is that China
will continue to engage with us and other countries in the region where we do
not take a position on the particular sovereignty of this piece of land or this
rock but we do take a position in making sure that all countries are following
basic international procedures in resolving these disputes. And if that
happens, then I think not only will China be successful, but I think there’s a
great potential for Chinese and Japanese cooperation, Chinese and Vietnamese
cooperation, cooperation with the Philippines and China -- all of which will
benefit the peoples of the region.
MR. CARNEY: The next question comes from Jim Acosta of CNN.
Q Thank you, Mr. President. Arigato, Mr. Prime Minister. Mr.
President, in regards to the Senkaku Islands, I just want to make sure that this
is absolutely clear. Are you saying that the U.S. would consider using military
force were China to have some sort of military incursion in those islands to
protect those islands? And how does that not draw another red line that you
would have to enforce -- of putting U.S. credibility, your
credibility on the line once again, as it was in the case with Syria and
Russia? And on another key security issue, you mentioned North Korea in your
meeting with the Prime Minister. Are you issuing a warning to North Korea that
there should not be another nuclear test?
And to Prime Minister Abe, do you have
confidence in President Obama’s assurances about your security when the U.S. and
the West were unable to stop Russia’s advances in Ukraine? Thank you.
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Well, Jim, let me unpack that question because
there’s a whole bunch of assumptions in there, some of which I don’t agree
with.
First of all, the treaty between the United
States and Japan preceded my birth, so obviously, this isn’t a “red line” that
I’m drawing; it is the standard interpretation over multiple administrations of
the terms of the alliance, which is that territories under the administration of
Japan are covered under the treaty. There’s no shift in position. There’s no
“red line” that’s been drawn. We’re simply applying the treaty.
At the same time, as I’ve said directly to the Prime Minister that
it would be a profound mistake to continue to see escalation around this issue
rather than dialogue and confidence-building measures between Japan and China.
And we’re going to do everything we can to encourage that diplomatically.
With respect to the other issues that you raise, our position, Jim,
the United States’ position is that countries should abide by international law;
that those laws, those rules, those norms are violated when you gas children, or
when you invade the territory of another country. Now, the implication of the
question I think is, is that each and every time a country violates one of those
norms the United States should go to war, or stand prepared to engage
militarily, and if it doesn’t then somehow we’re not serious about those norms.
Well, that’s not the case.
Right now, we have 87 percent of serious chemical weapons have
already been removed from Syria. There’s about 13 percent left. That’s as a
consequence of U.S. leadership. And the fact that we didn’t have to fire a
missile to get that accomplished is not a failure to uphold those international
norms, it’s a success. It’s not a complete success until we have the last 13
percent out.
With respect to Russia and Ukraine, we’ve been very clear about the
fact that there’s not going to be a military solution to the problem in Ukraine,
but we have already applied sanctions that have had an impact on the Russian
economy and we have continued to hold out the prospect, the possibility to
resolve this issue diplomatically. There was some possibility that Russia could
take the wiser course after the meetings in Geneva. So far, at least, we have
seen them not abide by the spirit or the letter of the agreement in Geneva. And
instead, we continue to see militias and armed men taking over buildings,
harassing folks who are disagreeing with them, and destabilizing the region, and
we haven’t seen Russia step up and discourage that.
On the other side, you’ve seen the government in Kyiv take very
concrete steps, in introducing an amnesty law and offering a whole range of
reforms with respect to the constitution, that are consistent with what was
discussed in Geneva. And my expectation is, is that if, once again, Russia
fails to abide by both the spirit and the letter of what was discussed in
Geneva, that there will be further consequences and we will ramp up further
sanctions.
That doesn’t mean that the problem is going to be solved right
away. These are difficult issues. But what we try to do is to make sure that
we are very clear about what we stand for, what we believe in, and we are
willing to take actions on behalf of those values, those norms, and those
ideals.
Q And on North Korea?
PRESIDENT OBAMA: And the question was?
Q Is there a warning to North Korea to not conduct another
nuclear test?
PRESIDENT OBAMA: North Korea has engaged in provocative actions for
the last several decades. It’s been an irresponsible actor on the international
stage for the last several decades. So our message on North Korea has been
consistent throughout. They are the most isolated country in the world. They
are subject to more international sanctions and international condemnation than
any country in the world. As a consequence, their people suffer as much as any
peoples in the world.
And what we’ve said is if you are, in fact, serious about North
Korea being a normal nation, then you’ve got to start changing your behavior.
And that starts with the basic principle of denuclearizing the Korean
Peninsula.
Now, am I optimistic that there’s going to be a major strategic
shift in North Korea’s attitudes any time soon? Probably not. But what I am
confident about is, is that working with Japan, working with the Republic of
Korea, and working with China and other interested parties in the region, that
we can continue to apply more and more pressure on North Korea so that at some
juncture they end up taking a different course.
In the meantime, they’re dangerous, and we
have to make sure that we are guarding against any provocations getting out of
hand. This is one of the reasons why the alliance is so important and
collective self-defense is so important. But we are not surprised when they
engage in irresponsible behavior. That’s been their pattern for the last couple
of decades. And what we have to do is to continue to try to contain and
mitigate the potential damage that this behavior has and continue to put
pressure on them so that we can see a shift.
And China’s participation in pushing the DPRK in a different
direction is critically important as well. They have not only an opportunity
but I think a security interest and a broader interest in a peaceful resolution
to what has been a generation-long conflict and is the most destabilizing,
dangerous situation in all of the Asia Pacific region.
PRIME MINISTER ABE: (As interpreted.) First of all, I would like
to state the following: The Japan-U.S. alliance is unwavering and it’s
indispensable to maintain the Asia Pacific region peaceful and stable. The
Japan-U.S. alliance and the relationship and the strengthening thereof is very
beneficial. And to strengthen our bilateral relationship, you have tremendous
enthusiasm. I believe in that. And your enthusiasm and the United States’ is
what we place our confidence in. And in the talks between us today that
confidence became even stronger. This is something that I wished to mention to
you.
And the alliance between our two countries in order to strengthen
this -- or if we strengthen this, this is not applying pressure to other
countries or intimidating other countries. This is for the peace and stability
of the region and to strengthen this and to make this region a law-abiding
region. Changes of the status quo based on intimidation and coercion will not be
condoned. We want to make this a peaceful region which values laws, and in
doing this strengthening of our bilateral alliance is extremely important. On
this point, I fully trust President Obama.
The reporter has mentioned the situation in Ukraine. In The Hague
the G7 meeting took place, and President Obama exerted strong leadership and the
G7 was united in its approach toward Russia. Annexation of Crimea in violation
of the international laws would not be condoned -- that was the message which
was generated to Russia. We would continue to communicate
information -- message under the leadership of President Obama to Russia.
And with regard to the DPRK, unless they change the present policies
there is no future for the public in the DPRK. We need to make the DPRK
understand this and pressure must be applied with cooperation between the
international society to achieve this. And China holds the key to this. Japan,
the United States, and ROK must exercise its influence over China.
With regard to the Asia Pacific region as well as international
society, there are various challenges and the alliance must continue to be
robust so that we can cooperate to resolve issues in Asia and in the world.
Q On the TPP, I’d like to ask the question to the two leaders.
First to Prime Minister Abe, regarding TPP -- negotiations and consultations are
to continue, you have said. What are the remaining issues? And to what extent
have you made progress at the Diet? With regard to the five sensitive items
they resolve that in this stage the elimination of tariffs would not be
accepted. Do you believe under such circumstances an agreement can be
reached?
The next question to President Obama. Japan, with regard to rice
and wheat and beef and pork, is very careful about reducing tariffs. What is
your view on this for agreement between Japan and the United States?
Agriculture, produce tariffs -- what is the ideal resolution to this issue in
your view, please?
PRIME MINISTER ABE: (As interpreted.) On the TPP, this is to
create a major economic zone in the growth area of Asia -- basic human rights,
rule of law, and democracy with countries that share these values. We will be
creating new rules and it is for this purpose. It is the 21st-century type of
economic zone which we wish to create. For the region as a whole, it’s
strategically very important, and we see eye-to-eye on this point between
President Obama and myself.
The remaining issues must be overcome very quickly and resolved so
that TPP as a whole can be concluded. We should cooperate and exert further
leadership. And that is the task that President Obama and I have, I believe.
And from a broad perspective, along with President Obama, we want to make
decisions and judgments. On the part of our country, there is this resolution
adopted by the Diet. We will take the proper heed of this so that we will
choose the path in the best interest of the country. But we also hope to
conclude the talks in a favorable way. We want to try to achieve conclusion of
the talks as a whole.
PRESIDENT OBAMA: I will leave the details of the negotiations to
the negotiators. I think it’s fair to say that there are certain sectors of the
Japanese economy -- agricultural sectors, the auto sector -- in which market
access has been restricted historically, certainly compared to the market access
that Japan has had to U.S. consumers. And those are all issues that people are
all familiar with, and at some point have to be resolved. I believe that point
is now.
Prime Minister Abe, I think courageously, has recognized that
although Japan continues to be one of the most powerful economies in the world,
that over the last two decades its pace of growth and innovation had stalled and
that if, in fact, Japan wanted to push forward in this new century then reforms
were going to have to take place. And he has initiated a number of those
reforms.
TPP is consistent with those reforms. And as Prime Minister Abe
said, there’s strategic importance to this because what’s happening now is we’re
shaping the economic environment for the fastest-growing region in the world,
not just for this year or next year, but potentially for this decade and the
next decade. And what rules apply -- whether we are operating in a fair and
transparent way, whether intellectual property is respected, whether markets are
freely accessible, whether, in fact, countries are able to increase trade and as
a consequence, increase jobs and prosperity for their people -- a lot of that is
going to depend on choices and decisions that we make right now. TPP is an
opportunity for us to make that happen.
Now, there are always political sensitivities in any kind of trade
discussions. Prime Minister Abe has got to deal with his politics; I’ve got to
deal with mine. And I think that Congress has passed, for example, recently a
free trade agreement with the Republic of Korea and other countries around the
world, and it’s been based on notions of reciprocity and notions that if we tear
down some of these existing barriers that both countries can do better, both
countries can grow.
This is even more challenging because we have more countries
involved. But my basis for doing this is because, ultimately, I think it’s good
for America to have a Asia Pacific region where our companies can innovate, can
compete, can sell our goods and services freely, where our intellectual property
is protected. And I think that’s going to create more jobs in the United
States. It’s going to create greater prosperity in the United States. But it’s
a win-win situation, because I think the same is going to be true for Japan, the
same is going to be true for Malaysia, the same is going to be true for Vietnam,
the same is going to be true for the other countries that are in this
discussion.
But that means that short term, all of us have to move out of our
comfort zones and not just expect that we’re going to get access to somebody
else’s market without providing access to our own. And it means that we have to
sometimes push our constituencies beyond their current comfort levels because
ultimately it’s going to deliver a greater good for all people.
MR. CARNEY: Julie Pace of the Associated Press has the final
question.
Q I wanted to go back to the situation in Ukraine. You said that
Russia is so far not abiding by the Geneva agreement, but you appeared to
indicate that you have not made a decision yet on levying further sanctions.
So, first, can you just clarify whether you have or have not made that
decision? And if you have not, what gives you confidence that holding off on
further sanctions might change Russia’s calculus? And couldn’t they just be
using the Geneva agreement as a stalling tactic as they weigh military options
or try to influence the May Ukraine elections?
And, Prime Minister Abe, there are historical disputes in Asia that
are a powerful source of tension and instability in this region. What
responsibility do you and other leaders in Asia have to avoid inflammatory
language or actions, including further visits to the Yasukuni Shrine that could
further exacerbate these tensions? Thank you.
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Well, Julie, we have been consistently preparing
for the possibility that, in fact, Geneva didn’t deliver on its promise. I
think you’ll remember I was asked the day that the discussions had concluded
what my hopes were and I said, well, I’m not overly optimistic about the ability
to deliver. And so what that means is that we have been preparing for the
prospect that we’re going to have to engage in further sanctions. Those are
teed up.
It requires some technical work and it also requires coordination
with other countries. So the fact that I haven’t announced them yet doesn’t
mean that they haven’t been prepared and teed up. At the point where they are
ready to go, I guarantee you AP is going to be the first to know.
Q I’ll hold you to that. (Laughter.)
PRESIDENT OBAMA: But I think it’s important to emphasize that
throughout this process, our goal has been to change Mr. Putin’s calculus; that
our preference is to resolve this issue diplomatically; that sanctions hurt
Russia more than anybody else but they’re disruptive to the global economy and
they’re unnecessary if, in fact, Russia would recognize that the government in
Kyiv is prepared to have serious negotiations that preserve the rights of all
Ukrainians, including Russian speakers, and is prepared to decentralize in ways
that, originally, Mr. Putin said were of utmost importance to him.
So far, at least, they have not chosen the wise path. And over the
medium and long term, this is going to hurt Russia as much as it hurts Ukraine.
Already you’ve seen a whole lot of money, a whole lot of foreign investors
leaving Russia because they don’t see this as a reliable place to invest. And
Russia needs to reform its economy and needs to diversify its economy because
the rest of the world is moving further and further off the fossil fuels that
are the primary way that Russia is able to bankroll itself. And the decisions
right now that are being made in Ukraine will not help that process; it will
hinder it.
Now, I understand that additional sanctions may not change Mr.
Putin’s calculus -- that’s possible. How well they change his calculus in part
depends on not just us applying sanctions but also the cooperation of other
countries. And that’s why there’s got to be a lot of diplomatic spadework done
at each phase of this process.
And in discussions that I’ve had with Prime Minister Abe, in
discussions that I had with my European counterparts, my consistent point has
been there’s some things the United States can do alone, but ultimately it’s
going to have to be a joint effort, a collective effort. And so while we’ve
done our homework and we have things teed up, it’s also important for us to make
sure that we’re in consultation with all these countries each and every time
that we apply additional sanctions.
Q Can I clarify?
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Sure.
Q Are you saying that you have made a decision to apply further
sanctions but you just have to wait for a technical process to play out? Or are
you saying you have not made the decision yet to levy those sanctions?
PRESIDENT OBAMA: What I’m saying is, is that we have prepared for
the possibility of applying additional sanctions, that there are a whole bunch
of technical issues behind that; that there’s always the possibility that
Russia, tomorrow or the next day, reverses course and takes a different approach
-- which, by the way, would simply involve them stating clearly that they
actually believe in what they said in Geneva, that they actually call on those
who are holding buildings in the south and eastern Ukraine to get out of those
buildings, that they are encouraged by the willingness of the Kyiv government to
follow through on amnesty, that they allow OSCE monitors in and that they
support an election process where Ukrainians are able to make their own
decisions. So it wouldn’t require a radical shift. It would require the kinds
of steps that on paper, at least they already agreed to as recently as last
week.
Do I think they’re going to do that? So far, the evidence doesn’t
make me hopeful. And I think it’s fair to say that, as we’ve said earlier this
week, this is a matter of days and not weeks. Assuming that they do not follow
through, we will follow through on what we said, which is that there will be
additional consequences on the Russians.
PRIME MINISTER ABE: (As interpreted.) First of all, my basic
recognition of history is such that politicians have to have a sense of humility
when it comes to history. Japan, 70 years ago in the war -- when the war ended,
to many persons especially persons in Asia, we had inflicted tremendous damage
and pain. And we have reflected on this, and we started our work after the
war. For 70 years, as a peace-loving nation we have steadily shed the past, and
that is Japan and that is the Japanese public.
Ever since we were poor we tried to contribute to Asia. We made our
maximum efforts, even when we were poor. And many nations in Asia have
evaluated highly Japan’s work. In the Abe government, there is no change in
stance compared to previous governments. Last year’s end, I visited Yasukuni,
and to those that have fought for the country and that have been wounded, that
have passed away, I have prayed and prayed for the souls of such persons. That
was the purpose of my visit to the shrine.
And many leaders of the world share this common attitude, I
believe. And at the same time, in Yasukuni Shrine there is a remembrance
memorial called Chinreisha, and I visited this memorial. This has not been
reported much, but in this memorial, those who have passed away as a result of
the war, not only Japanese, but those from all over the world honored there. So
I have visited this memorial so that never again people would suffer in wars. I
renewed my resolve to create such a society and such a world and I have renewed
my pledge not to engage in war. And I have released a statement to that
effect.
With regard to my basic thinking, I will continue to explain and
make efforts so that people will understand. I should like to accumulate such
efforts. After the war, in order to create a democratic and free nation, we
have made tremendous efforts and we have respected human rights and we have
valued the rule of law not only in Japan, but in the world. We want to increase
regions of this kind.
And so, we would like to accumulate efforts toward this end -- a
peaceful and a prosperous world. In order to build such a world, we would like
to contribute. And by so doing, I hope that many countries of the world would
understand.
END
1:29 P.M. JST
