Peru Election 2006

Pess Conference by The Press Secretary of MOFA
November 15, 2005

Questions on the state of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Republic of Peru following arrest of former President of the Republic of Peru Alberto Fujimori
Q: If I could I would like to follow-up on questions from last week about former President of the Republic of Peru Alberto Fujimori, the Japanese citizen. What can you tell us about the state of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Peru? There have been reports that the Government of Peru has said that they have withdrawn their ambassador to Tokyo, and Vice President David Waisman Rjavinsthi of Peru was quoted as saying that he would prefer at this stage to sever relations with Japan. What is the status as far as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is concerned, and what can you tell us about Mr. Fujimori’s condition and state at this point?
Mr. Taniguchi: On the last point, about Mr. Fujimori’s condition, I do not know. In terms of the diplomatic relationships between Japan and Peru a note verbale, a verbal note, came from the Government of Peru today, 15 November, saying the functions of the ambassador from Peru have been terminated. So in terms of whether or not that is a withdrawal of the ambassador from Peru, what I can say is that a verbal note, which is the official document regarding that, only states that the Government of Peru is terminating the functions of the ambassador, so that is what I can say in terms of the relationship between Peru and Japan. As far as the remark that you mentioned is concerned, we are aware that those remarks have been made, but I really do not think that I should make any comment about that.
Q: If you could just clarify, I am a little confused about how to interpret “termination of the function of the ambassador.” In diplomat-ese what does that mean? It is not a severing of relations but it is a fairly serious standing, correct?
Mr. Taniguchi: Well, that is one way to put it that is often used in these circumstances. Indeed, that is based pretty much on clause 43 in the Vienna Convention. There is nothing unusual in the wording itself, the wording has been used frequently on these occasions.
Q: So these words are official words?
Mr. Taniguchi: Yes they are, and perhaps I should add that Minister of Foreign Affairs Manuel Rodriguez Cuadros of Peru, in responding to the interview in the local media on 11 November said that the Peruvian ambassador stationed in Japan was going to be withdrawn. In Spanish the verb used there was “retiro,” which I have just learned is pretty similar to withdraw. But I should stress that the official document that the Government of Japan is in receipt of only states that the Government of Peru is going to terminate the functions of the ambassador. Importantly, during the interview Foreign Minister Cuadros made it clear that the so-called “retiro” is in no way going to affect the bilateral relationship between Japan and Peru. So that is something that I should add.
Q: At one point you said verbal note, what does that mean? Did somebody call the Ministry and say something?
Mr. Taniguchi: No, it is a special name of an official document; it is a diplomatic term for a written document. So it is one of the official documents used in such occasions among diplomatic circles. By the way, “a note verbale” shows that it is pretty much a diplomatic jargon, because it is a French term.
Q: What is the reaction of the Government of Japan towards this action by Peru? What comments do you have or actions are you taking?
Mr. Taniguchi: We do not have any comment regarding the decision made by the Government of Peru.
Q: You do not have and you will not be having any comments in the future about this verbal note?
Mr. Taniguchi: We are waiting for another ambassador to come and we will be welcoming him or her of course.