Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The Senkaku Islands

(Abridged)

REPORTER: On the subject of the nationalization of the Senkaku Islands, the Prime Minister stated recently that the Government is coordinating the purpose of the nationalization as it entails budgetary measures. Is my understanding correct that the Prime Minister indicated an intention to earmark relevant expenses in the supplementary budget or in next fiscal year's budget as soon as negotiations with the landowner nears conclusion? Also, what is the status of the negotiations that are being carried out with the landowner at various levels?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I believe you were going over the reply that the Prime Minister gave in response to a question asked (at a meeting of the Budget Committee of the House of Councillors). The Prime Minister responded that in the context of what should be done in order to continue the peaceable and stable maintenance and management of the islands, the Government is now coordinating the jurisdiction issue, and also, as this entails budgetary measures, the purpose (of nationalization). That is the current situation. While bearing in mind the roles of the relevant ministries and agencies and the necessity of budgetary measures, we are considering holistically and calmly what kind of purposes and what kind of measures would be appropriate, as necessary.

(Abridged)