Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask about the timing of the establishment of the Reconstruction Agency. Plans to convene the Diet seem to be fixing around January 23 or 24, but what timeframe do you have in mind for the establishment of the Reconstruction Agency and for appointing a new minister?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: With regard to the latter, there will be three people appointed, a minister and two senior vice-ministers, and that will likely take place once the Reconstruction Agency is established. Concerning the establishment of the Agency, Minister for Reconstruction in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake Tatsuo Hirano recently commented in the Diet that this would take place in early February, so that is what we are aiming for at present. However, please note that a fixed schedule has yet to be determined.

(Abridged)