Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA:I would like to make a comment concerning the way my words have been reported on my "personal opinion" in response to a question in this morning's press conference. I would like to clarify this point so there should be no misunderstanding, as I feel that the manner in which my comments have been reported are different from my intentions.

This morning I stated in my personal capacity with regard to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement that the current situation is that there are various differing stances within the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) on this issue, and that given the less than ideal situation in which opinions within the ruling parties are split, I would like to see these differences overcome and a unified stance be adopted. In addition, when the time comes for the TPP to be signed, this will require the approval of the Cabinet and also the subsequent approval of the Diet. Furthermore, actual possible changes to taxation structures and various systems would have a greater impact than participation in the negotiations alone. These are the things about which I wish to make comment.

Q&As

REPORTER:I asked a question on this subject in the morning press conference, with regard to the attack in the northern region of South Sudan. Could you tell us if the Government has received any detailed or accurate information concerning this incident?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA:The situation remains virtually unchanged from this morning. As the time in South Sudan is just about dawn, there are no new developments to report from this morning. The location of the attack was in Unity State in northern South Sudan. Information is still being collected on the incident, and according to the current information it is believed that the attack was carried out by a fighter aircraft, which crossed over the border from Sudan, and at least 12 people have been killed. I believe that further information will become available as we move forward as it is now dawn in South Sudan.

REPORTER:With regard to the issue of Takeshima, a number of Republic of Korea (ROK) politicians have indicated their intention to hold a music festival on the island and it looks as if they have departed for the island already. What information does the Government have at the current time and what kind of response are you considering?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA:With regard to the visit of ROK politicians to Takeshima, the information we have is based on that provided shortly after 1:00pm today by the Japanese Embassy in the ROK, which contacted the offices of the ROK politicians who were purported to be planning a visit to Takeshima. According to this information, "As of approximately noon today, we have received information that a delegation of ROK politicians has landed on Takeshima. The politicians who are visiting Takeshima are as follows, based on announcements by the politicians concerned." There is a list of five persons. Prior to the visit it was reported that 11 persons would be visiting, but it appears that the actual number is five politicians, excluding former parliamentarians. The Government of Japan plans to lodge a formal protest to the ROK today.

(Abridged)