Visiting Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama remarked on a wide range of issues at the United Nations in New York and the G20 summit at Pittsburgh in the United States, local media reported Saturday.

Refueling mission in Indian Ocean

At a press conference after a Group of 20 financial summit Friday, Hatoyama reiterated that Japan would end at the January deadline the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean in support of US-led antiterrorism operations in Afghanistan.

He said that he had no intention of simply extending the refueling mission, but his government is looking to help the Afghan people in a way that can satisfy both them and the United States.

"I would like to carry out support steps (for Afghanistan) that are most desired," he was quoted as saying. Such humanitarian support as farming assistance and vocational training could be possible, he added.

Japan as a bridge

In a speech at the United Nations Thursday, Hatoyama said that the power shift in Japan would help the country become a "bridge" for the world in resolving economic, environmental and peace-building issues.

"Based upon the spirit of yu-ai or 'fraternity,' Japan will make utmost efforts to become a 'bridge' for the world, between the Orient and the Occident, between developed and developing countries and between diverse civilizations," he said in English at the UN General Assembly.

Economic recession

Hatoyama said at the United Nations that his main priority is to first revive Japan's economy. As part of his government's efforts to steer Japan out recession, he announced measures he has already revealed in Japan.

"By reviewing economic policies through this change of power, Japan is sending a clear signal of the forthcoming revival of its economy," he said.

Japan also needed to respond appropriately to globalization and the "deepening of worldwide interdependence described by the term "globalization" includes aspects of both light and shadow," he said.

Emissions cut

Hatoyama said that his midterm goal of reducing Japan's greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent form 1990 level by 2020 also serves as a message to the world.

He said Japan announced the ambitious pledge because it wishes to "preserve the planet for future generations."

Issues concerning DPRK

Hatoyama said he would continue to make efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula though the six-party framework.

"Japan seeks to normalize relations with North Korea (the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or DPRK) in accordance with the Pyongyang Declaration, through the comprehensive resolution of the outstanding issues...including the abduction, nuclear and missile issues, and by sincerely settling the 'unfortunate past,'" he said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 26, 2009)