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Thursday, December 8, 2011 (PM)
Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)
[Provisional Translation]
Q&As
(Abridged)
REPORTER: A private organization in the Republic of Korea (ROK) is said to be poised to go ahead with the erection of a statue of a so-called "comfort woman" in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul on December 14 it seems. I presume this is not a very favorable move from the perspective of Japan-ROK relations and friendship. What are the Government's thoughts on this and its response moving forward? Also, can you tell us your views on what effect this will have on Japan-ROK relations ahead of the President's forthcoming visit to Japan?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: As you mentioned in your question just now, our view is that (the erection of the statue) would not be favorable. While I will refrain from responding about the details of our exchanges with the ROK, we have been telling the ROK that the Japan-ROK diplomatic activities should not be negatively affected by the construction of the sort of statue reported in the media, in front of the Japanese Embassy in the ROK, and have requested for the stop of the construction. I believe the President will visit Japan in the context of such thorough exchanges.
(Abridged)
