Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The Foreign Minister's future visit to Russia and recent situations in Syria

REPORTER: I have a question relating to the visit to Russia by Minister for Foreign Affairs Gemba. In a press conference this morning, the Foreign Minister indicated that he would like to make a visit. If the visit goes ahead, is it expected that in the foreign ministers' meeting there would be an exchange of opinions concerning the situation in Syria?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I have heard that Minister for Foreign Affairs Gemba has made such a statement today. However, I have not met personally with him and therefore my response to your question is the Government's position, which I have previously stated, namely that the Government recognizes that the situation in Syria, where violence and oppression are continuing, is extremely serious. What is important is to ensure that the violence and oppression that are continuing in Syria are halted as soon as possible, and that the proposal by Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States, Kofi Annan, is implemented. To this end, it is important that countries that have influence on Syria, including Russia, engage in unified actions. I therefore believe that at the upcoming Japan-Russia Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Foreign Minister Gemba will also call on Russia to engage in efforts and will seek to engage in discussions on the issue.

REPORTER: When the resolution on Syria was rejected by the United Nations Security Council and subsequently dropped, you made a critical statement. Does the Government therefore intend to convey these thoughts clearly to the Russian side in foreign ministerial talks?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: It can be expected that Foreign Minister Gemba will naturally convey the stance of the Government of Japan. However, with regard to exactly what will be said, I believe that is something that will be determined from now.