UNITED STATES AND JAPAN TO SIGN BILATERAL
MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE TREATY

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Attorney General Ashcroft will sign a bilateral mutual legal assistance treaty in criminal matters (MLAT) with representatives of the Japanese government on TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2003 at 11:30 a.m. EDT. Three officials will sign on behalf of the Government of Japan: (1) Mayumi Moriyama, Minister of Justice (2) Sadakazu Tanigaki, Minister of State and Chairman of the National Public Safety Commission and (3) Ryozo Kato, Japanese Ambassador to the U.S. The Attorney General and Ministers Moriyama and Tanigaki will deliver brief remarks prior to the signing ceremony. There will be no question and answer session.

The signing ceremony will mark the first bilateral MLAT signed by the Government of Japan and will enhance law enforcement cooperation between the nations in the war on terrorism.

WHO: Attorney General John Ashcroft

The Justice Minister of Japan, Mayumi Moriyama

The State Minister of Japan, Chairman of National Public Safety Commission, Sadakazu Tanigaki

Ambassador of Japan, Ryozo Kato

WHAT: Signing Ceremony and Photo-Op

WHEN:Tuesday, August 5, 2003

11:30 p.m. EDT

Media set: 10:15 - 11:15 p.m. EDT

WHERE: Main Justice Building

Attorney General’s Conference Room (5107)

951 Constitution Ave. N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20530

NOTE:Media who want to cover this event live need to call Josie Duckett, Main Justice Public Affairs, at 202-616-2777 to make arrangements prior to Tuesday morning.

All media with valid press credentials and photo ID should arrive through 951 Constitution Ave. N.W. and will be escorted to the event location by Public Affairs staff. Media need to be escorted in the building at all times.

Japanese press interested in covering this event and the delegation’s visit to the U.S. should contact Kohei Saito, Japanese Embassy Press Officer, at 202-238-6764.

SET-UP:15 ft. throw

2 mult-box (main podium and translation)

TV quality lighting (media may bring additional)

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