Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The IFRC's World Disasters Report which refers to displacement due to the nuclear accident in Fukushima

(Abridged)

REPORTER: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) reported in its World Disasters Report that displacement due to the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station is a humanitarian crisis caused by technological disaster. How does the Government view this report?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I am aware of this media report, but I'm not aware of the actual content of the report. I am yet to read the report and therefore I do not know its intent or purpose. However, the Government is fully aware that the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station has caused much suffering and hardship. The Noda Cabinet regards the recovery and reconstruction from the earthquake and coping with the aftermath of the nuclear accident as issues of the highest priority. The Government will continue to address these issues with the knowledge that there is still a long way to go before reconstruction is complete.

REPORTER: I apologize for returning to the Okinawa issue. You stated that a protest has been made to the U.S. Ambassador, but is the Government planning to lodge protests at a higher level or directly to the U.S. Government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I have been informed that the Parliamentary Vice-Minister on behalf of the Foreign Minister has requested a meeting with the Ambassador that may take place today. As I said earlier, protests and communication has been made at a number of levels.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning the Japan-United States Status of Forces Agreement. I understand Minister Gemba's thoughts, but I would like to ask for your own opinion on the necessity of revision of the agreement.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I believe that the there have been numerous discussions on the agreement, and personally I believe that if there are problems with its implementation then they need reviewed. In this sense I believe my opinion is close to that of Minister Gemba's.

(Abridged)