Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I have one item report, concerning the Seventeenth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP17). The Prime Minister has issued a comment on the conclusion of COP 17, which reads as follows. "I welcome the series of decisions adopted at COP17. This meeting has brought the significant outcome, in line with Japan's stance, such as clarifying the pathway to the establishment of a new legal framework in which all economies participate. During the negotiations, Japan made it clear that it remains committed to tackle climate change, despite immense challenges caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Japan also actively contributed to the discussions through efforts such as proposing for the new ad hoc working group to establish a new framework, and presenting it specific initiatives such as 'Vision and Actions toward Low-Carbon Growth and a Climate Resilient World.' Japan remains committed to make utmost efforts to arrest the global warming."

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I believe that you have just held a meeting with Governor Murai of Miyagi Prefecture. What was the content of your discussions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: We spoke in particular about the restoration of the Japan Railway (JR) lines, which is a shared challenge for the three prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima and also about a number of specific requests from Miyagi Prefecture concerning moves to engage in full-fledged reconstruction activities. I received these requests and Governor Murai said that afterwards he would  visit the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and other Government offices.

REPORTER: In an impromptu interview following your meeting, the governor said that he had requested continuous support and assistance for beyond next fiscal year, given the long-term nature of recovery and reconstruction activities that are expected to last beyond fiscal 2012. What was your response to this request by the governor?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: First of all I expressed my gratitude for the great efforts and cooperation extended to the Government of Japan by Governor Murai and all other officials at the prefectural and municipal levels, as well as the various private-sector volunteers. The governor noted his high evaluation of the fact that bills relating to the third supplementary budget and the creation of Special Zones for Reconstruction and the creation of the Reconstruction Agency had been passed by the Diet. He then added that with regard to the third supplementary budget and the budget for fiscal 2012 which is being compiled as we head toward the end of the year, it could be expected that there would continue to be reconstruction projects for which budgetary allocation was insufficient and that he expected that such allocations would be forthcoming. He also noted the need for increased personnel for the purpose of formulating urban revival plans in each municipality. He is visiting the various Government ministries and agencies while in Tokyo and I noted that the Prime Minister's Office could play a coordinating role in this regard.

(Abridged)