Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved 24 general and other measures and the promulgation of laws, cabinet orders, and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry made a statement concerning the expansion of the scope for the accompanying measures pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1929, and Minister Shozaburo Jimi made a statement concerning the Report of the Outline of the Measures Taken for Resolution of the Failed Financial Institutions, respectively. In addition, I have an announcement to make. In light of the current circumstances surrounding  the nuclear issue of Iran, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors' recent adoption of a resolution on Iran's nuclear program, and in order for Japan to contribute to the international efforts toward world peace, the Cabinet meeting today approved the expansion of the list of entities subject to the accompanying measures pursuant to last year's Security Council Resolution 1929 as stated in the material to be distributed to you. Japan urges Iran to make a wise decision to dissolve the concerns of the international community. Japan and Iran have a traditional relationship in an array of areas, including politics and economics, and Japan will continue to exert persistent efforts in calling on Iran to comply with its obligations.

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: In relation to your last comment, the Prime Minister said that it was important for Diet members to tighten their belts, amidst a situation where, as you have said, the Act on Remuneration of Officials in the Regular Service has been delayed and discussion on reducing the number of Diet members has yet to develop on a substantial level. Now, discussion on the consumption tax increase remains as an issue to be resolved within the year. How do you intend to explain this situation to the public?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: With regard to the comprehensive reform of the social security and taxation systems, yesterday we made a request to the ministries as well as the party to advance various public relations activities - or perhaps we should call it activities to inform people or seek their understanding - in order for national debates to be carried out  during the long road to come. We are to have them broadcast information concerning a diverse range of the issues. At the same time, the Administrative Reform Study Group has been launched within the party with Mr. Katsuya Okada as chair. Moving forward this Group will pay prompt consideration to the issues and also as to how Diet members are to tighten their belts, including the issue of the number of Diet members and the issue of expenditures. I believe that these activities will be carried out concurrently.

(Abridged)