Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the second meeting of the Council for the Protection of Information at the Prime Minister's Office.

In the meeting, following an explanation about “cabinet orders and operating standards” an exchange of views took place.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,

“I would like to sincerely thank all members for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend this meeting today.

In the first meeting of the Council for the Protection of Information I noted that the Act on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets is an essential law for protecting the security of the Japanese people and of the nation. In addition, I noted that in order to dispel the concerns of the people we must introduce clear operating standards and a robust third-party screening system, while bearing in mind your discussions, in order to make sure that there is both objectivity and transparency in the handling of secrets by the Government. To date we have received many beneficial opinions from the members of this council. The thickness of the files that are on the table before us prove just how much discussion has taken place among members. Each and every one of these valuable opinions has borne fruit today, in that we have been able to compile a draft proposal concerning cabinet orders and operating standards. After this meeting ends, I have decided to publish the opinions and lively discussions of the members of this Council on the website of the Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet. I am certain that these opinions and discussions will help to gain broader understanding, even among people who may feel a vague sense of unease about this issue.

The draft proposal that has been distributed to you today includes concepts and structures for ensuring the proper implementation of the Act. Through this proposal it is expected that we will further enhance the objectivity and transparency of the handling of secrets by the Government.

In today’s meeting I would like to hear your opinions on the draft proposal on cabinet orders and operating standards, as well as on the future schedule.

In addition, with your understanding, I would like to then submit the draft for public comments and gain opinions from a broad range of the people of Japan. Following this, I would then like to hear your opinions once more, based on which a cabinet decision will be taken.

The Government will now accelerate preparatory work for implementing the Act and will be full prepared in the lead up to its enactment.

I would like to express once again my appreciation to all members of the Council for your tremendous efforts in the compilation of this draft proposal and would like to ask for your continued guidance and support. Thank you.”