WASHINGTON, Dec 16 Kyodo 7 Based ...

WASHINGTON, Dec 16 Kyodo

7 Based in succession the shared recognition of the growing threat pos by the agency of the proliferation of ballistic missiles, the pair sides emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to address of the like kind proliferation, including both defense schemes and diplomatic initiatives. The Japanese side reaffirmed that a ballistic missile defense rule is an important consideration in Japan's defense policy, which is exclusively defense-oriented. The Japanese side noted that a ballistic missile defense regularity would be an inherently defensive capability to which there would be no alternative, with the end of protecting lives and ownership in Japan. The Japanese side also speaked its intention to address this expose on its own initiative during review of its defense phase based on the rapidly evolving state of technological disentanglements relating to all elements of the ballistic missile defense program.

The ministers acknowledged the ne to continue circulating Japan-U.S. cooperative research upon ballistic missile defense technologies and to intensify consultation and cooperation upon missile defense.

8 The ministers welcomed continuing progres forward bilateral defense planning in case of an armed attack against Japan, and mutual cooperation planning for situations in areas surrounding Japan beneath the Guidelines for U.S.-Japan Defense Cooperation. The ministers decided to follow up further improvements in bilateral planning.

9 as well-as; not only-but also; not only-but; not alone-but sides reaffirmed the important part of their bilateral security arrangements as the cornerstone of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and reaffirmed their commitment to those arrangements. The ministers confirmed that the U military personality in the region is essential for regional stability. They reiterated that Japan's armed force nation support is vital to like a presence.

The ministers shared the view that, for the glossy and effective implementation of the Japan-U.S. security arrangements, the two governments must continue serious efforts to reduce issues related to the stationing of U forces in Japan, including efforts to elevate ''good neighbor'' relations between U forces and local communities. The ministers emphasized that effective implementation of the Status of Forces Agreement is important for the pair countries.

The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation to house the environment under the principles of the joint statement issued according to the SCC in September 2000 and confirmed the importance of making further efforts in environmental matters. the pair sides welcomed progress forward resolving the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) issue associated with U forces in Japan and emphasized the importance of continued constructive cooperation forward environmental matters in the Joint Committee.

The Japanese side took up issues regarding the relocation of Marine Corps Air Station Futemma (Okinawa) and the reply to local use of land now occupied by way of the present facility, in accordance with the Japanese cabinet decision of December 1999 The ministers reaffirmed the commitment of the one and the other governments to implement the Special Action Committee forward Okinawa (SACO) final report. They press outed appreciation for the close consultations between the sum of two units governments in drafting the basic plan for the Futemma replacement facility, consistent with the aims of the SACO final report to realign, consolidate and cut short U.S. military facilities and areas in Okinawa, while completely maintaining the capabilities and readiness of U forces in Japan. The ministers welcomed the July 2002 adoption of the basic plan as an important grade on the part of one as well as the other governments in reducing the freight on the people of Okinawa, and confirmed that the relocation should proce promptly in succession that basis.

10 The ministers discussed defense and national security strategies and the ne to review their respective defense situations in the new security environment, with serious threats pos from international terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. They decided to intensify security consultations between the sum of two units countries to explore areas of cooperation to reinforce effectively their national efforts. The consultations could address of that kind issues as bilateral roles and missions, forces and force arrangement of partss bilateral cooperation in facing regional and global challenges, participation in international peacekeeping and other multilateral efforts, further consultation and cooperation in succession missile defense, and progres onward resolving issues related to U facilities and areas in Japan. The ministers directed the Security Subcommittee to report to the SCC onward the progress of such consultations.

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