Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I would first like to discuss the extraordinary Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved four general measures and also the promulgation of laws. With regard to statements by ministers, the Minister of Finance made a statement concerning the FY2012 provisional budget. I will briefly outline the contents of the budget. Today, the Cabinet approved and decided to submit to the Diet the provisional budget for the period from April 1 to April 6, 2012. The provisional budget is an emergency measure that will be in effect until the FY2012 budget is passed, and allocates the minimum amount necessary for administrative operations during the provisional budget period. Efforts will continue to be made to pass the FY2012 budget at the earliest possible date.

(Abridged)

Q&As

REPORTER: A senior official of the Department of Defense of the United States (U.S.) has stated that debris from a planned North Korea's rocket launch could cause humanitarian damage on Japan. Can you describe the Government's views on this and its response?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I am aware of the reports about U.S. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs) Peter Lavoy's testimony at the House of Representatives of U.S. Congress. The Japanese Government's stance is that above all we intend to take all possible measures, while both Japan and the U.S. strive to collect and analyze further information and make concerted efforts from the perspective of ensuring peace and security in Japan.

(Abridged)