An act of violence only worsens the situation in which the Government of the Republic of Serbia and Albanians are in conflict, making a solution to the problem more difficult. In regard to the situation in Kosovo, Japan shares the stance of the international community that neither human rights repression against Albanians in Kosovo, nor the separation or the independence of Kosovo will be accepted. Japan hopes that the Government of Serbia and the Albanians in Kosovo will make efforts to begin a dialogue as early as possible to attain a solution. The Government of Japan welcomes the measures taken by the Government of the Republic of Cuba to release prisoners, including political prisoners, in response to international opinion, especially that of the Vatican. In Cuba, however, there are continuing violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, such as restrictions to the freedom of political activities, freedom of assembly and association, and freedom of expression.
Japan remains deeply concerned about that situation.
Japan has been urging the Government of Cuba to improve the human rights situation and hopes that the present release of prisoners will lead to further democratization, improvement of the human rights situation, and various economic reforms. This is a part of a series of events commemorating the centennial of Japanese immigration to Mexico and the tenth anniversary of the friendly relationship between Japan and the United Mexican States. This symposium will be attended by representatives from the business community, the academic community and other eminent persons from Japan, Mexico, the United States and Brazil. The commemorative speech for the centennial of Japanese immigration will be given by Mr. Eikichi Hayashiya, who is a former Japanese Ambassador to Mexico and to Spain. It is in light of this increasing degree of interest in the international economic environment surrounding Mexico that we are holding this symposium.