Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask about the situation in Syria. Syrian government forces continue to use armed force to suppress the opposition. Some countries have even closed their embassies. Please comment on the Japanese Government's current response to this situation including measures for protecting Japanese nationals in Syria.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: At present, we have yet to make any specific decision with regard to the embassy. As I mentioned recently, the United Nations Security Council's resolution was vetoed. The Government of Japan requests that the action plan of the Arab League be promptly implemented in its entirety, as was outlined in the Security Council's draft resolution. Moreover, in order to promote diplomatic efforts with the international community to the greatest extent possible, specifically, since last year - this was even decided in a Cabinet meeting last year - measures have been taken, including freezing the assets of Syrian Government-related parties. That is where we stand at present.