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The Second Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (After the Security Council Meeting)
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
(Provisional translation)
- The Government has convened the Security Council a short while ago, and discussed "the information regarding the nuclear test conducted by North Korea". As I mentioned at the previous conference, the Japan Meteorological Agency detected the seismic wave centered in the vicinity of North Korea that differs from the ordinal wave shape approximately at 11:59 today. Now we are confirming the fact in contact with the United States and the Republic of Korea
- In response to this action, at the Security Council, Prime Minister issued the four points of instruction:
(1) Put all efforts for information gathering and analysis regarding forthcoming moves by North Korea,
(2) Strengthen our monitoring capability in coordination with the countries concerned in order to assess the effect of radioactive materials associated with the nuclear test,
(3) Enhance collaboration with international community, and if it is the case, take all effective measures against North Korea including our unilateral sanctions in order to resolve various concerns ,
(4) Take all possible measures to prepare for any contingencies in order to ensure safety and peace of mind of the public.
- Although the Government has already strengthened our capability of the monitoring system in regard to the effect of radioactive materials associated with the nuclear test, it is generally said that the possibility of radioactive materials released in the atmosphere is low in the case of a nuclear test conducted underground. Also, there was no abnormal value detected within our country after the announcements of the past two underground nuclear tests conducted by North Korea.
- Therefore, we would like to ask our people to continue on with their normal lives and activities as usual.
- At any rate, the Government is fully engaged in conducting the information gathering and analysis as well as enhancing our capability of the monitoring system while taking every possible mean to secure the peace and stability of our country as well as the safety and peace of mind of our people. In regard to the additional information to be obtained from now on, we will share those with the public in an appropriate manner. The Government continues to be fully committed to crisis management with the sense of urgency.
(END)
