preparations for the United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction scheduled for January 18-22, 2005, in Kobe. The first preparatory meeting for the conference took place in Geneva, Switzerland, in May 2004 to deal with the preparation process, conference management methods and outcomes. The second preparatory meeting is planned for October 2004.

## (7) Terrorism

International terrorism is a considerable global issue having a direct impact on the whole of the international community including developing and industrial countries. Some developing countries lack sufficient counterterrorism capabilities, such as international terrorism investigations, immigration control and anti-terrorist financing. In order to deny terrorists means to commit terrorist acts and safe heaven and overcome the vulnerability to terrorist attacks, Japan has given priority to strengthening counter-terrorism capabilities in these countries. Since frequent terrorist attacks could stall foreign direct investment and other economic activities, it is a key precondition for the development of developing countries to strengthen counter-terrorism measures and prevent international terrorism. The enhancement of counter-terrorism capabilities through ODA will serve developing countries' interests.

Japan has attached an importance to Southeast Asia in extending its counter-terrorism assistance since the prevention of terrorist attacks to secure safety and stability in the region is important for Japan's prosperity. Specifically, Japan received some 220 trainees from Southeast Asian countries in fiscal year 2003 to strengthen these countries' capabilities in the areas of immigration control, aviation security, customs cooperation, export control, law-enforcement cooperation, port and maritime security. In addition to these areas, in September 2003, Japan held a seminar on responses to chemical and biological terrorism and crisis management in Asia and Oceania, in order to provide and share knowledge and experiences regarding prevention of chemical terrorism, crisis management and other responses to attacks, and control on substances used for chemical terrorism, as well as to promote inter-regional cooperation. The seminar came in response to Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's announcement at the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum) Summit in October 2002, which was to accept 150 trainees over five years from fiscal year 2003 to improve crisis management capabilities regarding chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terrorism. In June 2003, Japan provided the Philippines with a governance-promoting grant aid $ ^{21} $ for the "Project for Establishment of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System" to verify fingerprints left at crime scenes by automatically checking large amounts of existing fingerprint data of criminals and suspects. This aid was expected to contribute to counter-terrorism measures. In the future as well, Japan plans to positively implement counter-terrorism assistance including the provision of counter-terrorism equipment and materials.

## (8) Drugs and International Organized Crime

Drug problems and international organized crime are a serious global issue against which the international community must cooperate in enhancing measures. In Asia including the Golden Triangle, $ ^{22} $ the problem of synthetic drugs has grown more serious and international drug crime organizations have become more sophisticated in their drug trafficking. Drug problems and international organized crime have an immeasurable impact on Japan. Not only from this viewpoint but also from the perspective of "human security" to protect individuals from threats to their survival, livelihood and dignity and pay attention to individuals for securing human freedom and potential, Japan has placed a great importance on combating drug problems and international organized crime. Industrial and developing countries must give priority to measures against these problems and cooperate with relevant international organization in implementing such measures.

In dealing with drug problems, Japan has positively participated in international conferences including the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs and made annual