Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I would first like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved 14 general measures and also draft bills, ministerial ordinances and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries made a statement concerning changes to the Basic Plan for Fisheries and also concerning the Long-Term Plan for Fisheries Infrastructure. The Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications made a statement concerning the allocation of fiscal 2011 special tax grants for March and special tax grants for reconstruction. The Minister of Finance made a statement concerning the provisional budget formulation for fiscal 2012. The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism made a statement about the appointment of heads of special companies.

In ministerial discussions following the Cabinet meeting the Minister of Defense made a statement concerning the ministerial ordinance concerning special interim measures relating to the remuneration of personnel at the Ministry of Defense in accordance with the Act on the Revision of and Special Interim Measures for the Remuneration of National Public Servants. I made a statement concerning the response to the announcement by North Korea concerning a "satellite" launch.

I have one more item to report. In my press conference of February 28, I reported that the Cherry Blossom Viewing Party hosted by the Prime Minister would be held on Saturday, April 14. Since then, in light of the announcement by North Korea concerning a "satellite" launch, in order to take every possible measure to respond in the event that North Korea implements the launch, it has been decided that the Cherry Blossom Viewing Party will be cancelled this year.

Q&As

REPORTER: Could you give us some more detail about the statement you made in ministerial discussions concerning a response to a satellite launch by North Korea?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The statement I made was as follows: "With regard to the satellite launch that has been announced by North Korea, I would like to request all ministries and agencies involved to continue to cooperate closely with all countries concerned, including the United States and the Republic of Korea, and make every effort to cooperate in the gathering of information. Together with other countries concerned Japan is strongly urging North Korea to exercise self-restraint and refrain from implementing the launch, however, in preparation for a scenario in which North Korea goes ahead with the launch, I would like all ministries and agencies to make a thorough response, ensuring that no contingency is omitted." I also made a statement concerning the cancellation of the Cherry Blossom Viewing Party, which I have just announced.

(Abridged)