First, I would like to brief you on two new statements released from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The first one is concerning Japanese assistance to Kosovo refugees and displaced persons. In the province of Kosovo, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Yugoslav military and Serbian security forces have been attacking ethnic Albanians extensively and systematically. It is reported that more than 100,000 refugees have newly-fled to neighboring countries in only the past few days.
Japan views the rapid deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Kosovo with grave concern.
This is the first topic. President Arafat will visit Japan from 7 to 8 April 1999, at the invitation of the Government of Japan. He will be accompanied by Secretary Abu Mazen of the Executive Committee of the PLO and Minister of Local Government Saeb Iriqat and others. As Minister for Foreign Affairs Masahiko Koumura expressed during his visit to the Middle Eastern countries in January, Japan intends to contribute to the Middle Eastern peace process, not only through economic cooperation, but also through our enhanced political contribution. Nobutaka Machimura also visited several Middle Eastern countries and exchanged opinions with the people concerned.