Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• North Korea (the launch of a missile)

REPORTER: With regard to the missile launch by North Korea, at the current time has the Government confirmed any signs that would suggest a launch is imminent?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: First of all, at the current time there is no information to suggest a launch has taken place. To date the countries concerned have been engaged in liaison and cooperation, urging North Korea to exercise self-restraint concerning the launch of a missile which North Korea is calling a "satellite," and these actives are ongoing. Among the various information currently available, there is nothing to suggest that a launch has been conducted.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: After the launch of the missile North Korea is hinting that it may conduct a nuclear test. What is the response of the Government at the current point to this possibility?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: This is still a hypothetical matter, but in whatever form they may take, further acts of provocation by North Korea can in no way be accepted. My comment at the current point is that the Government will continue to carefully monitor the situation, in close cooperation with other countries concerned.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: At the time of the previous missile launch in April 2009, the Government used the term "flying object." What is the reason for this term not being used on this occasion?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: North Korea is calling it a "satellite," but in substantive and technical terms it is no different from a missile, and therefore, although the terminology is rather long, the Government has chosen to use the phrase "launch of a missile which North Korea calls a 'satellite'" on this occasion.

REPORTER: Today, even after 12 o'clock midday, the Government will be continuing to maintain a state of alert. Currently the local governments of Ishigaki and other local governments concerned are also on a state of alert. Does the Government have a message for the public concerning the situation after midday?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: North Korea has indicated that a launch will be implemented between 7:00am and midday, but of course we cannot take this notification for granted, and therefore after the notified time has passed each of the local governments concerned will make a judgment. Of greatest importance is that any response is calm and measured.