Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

(Abridged)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the Government of Japan’s response to mopping-up operations against ISIL. President Hollande of France has held a succession of summit meetings up to today with President Obama of the United States and President Putin of Russia, calling for an expansion in the bombing of ISIL targets and joint operations. Could you provide an explanation regarding whether the Government of Japan supports the military operation by France, which aims to eradicate ISIL? Given that Prime Minister Abe is scheduled to visit Paris next week, could you also tell us how he will be expressing Japan’s stance on military operations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government of Japan has consistently been clear in its stance of working in close cooperation with the international community to resolutely condemn all forms of terrorism and to support the fight against terrorism in the international community. There is absolutely no change to this stance and the Government will continue to convey this message to the international community, including on the occasion of the Prime Minister’s attendance at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21).

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a related question. In the course of mopping-up operations against ISIL, confrontation between Russia and Turkey has emerged concerning the shooting down of a Russian fighter jet. This situation is causing concern in the international community. Given that Prime Minister Abe has built personal relationships of trust with both President Putin of Russia and President Erdogan of Turkey, does the Prime Minister intend to play any kind of role in calming this situation during his visit to France, given Japan’s policy of making a “Proactive Contribution to Peace”?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, with regard to the incident, the countries concerned are currently in the process of clarifying military involvement in the incident. I believe that in this process it is important for the two countries and other countries concerned to respond calmly, based on objective facts. Although not officially decided, it is anticipated that the Prime Minister will hold bilateral consultations with various countries during his visit to Paris, in which he will call for united measures by the international community in the fight against terrorism.

(Abridged)