Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

(Abridged)

Q&As

REPORTER: You have just mentioned that both Prime Minister Noda and Minister Hirano made statements in ministerial discussions concerning assistance for evacuees caused by the nuclear power station accident to return home. Could you introduce to us briefly the content of the Prime Minister's statement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The statement by the Prime Minister was made after the statement by Minister Hirano. The Prime Minister noted that assistance to help evacuees return home is a Government's important task and he had received a direct request from Governor Sato of Fukushima Prefecture on February 24, concerning the assistance. He also stated that in combination with the early entry into force of the Bill on Special Measures for Fukushima Reconstruction and Revitalization, which is already submitted to the Diet, it would be necessary for the Government to make concerted efforts to address the various challenges relating to assistance for evacuees to return home and requested further cooperation from Cabinet ministers.

(Abridged)