Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

• An overview of the Cabinet meeting

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved six written answers in response to letters of questions by Diet members, as well as personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, Minister Masaharu Nakagawa made a statement concerning the partial revision of "Concerning the Holding of the Ministerial Meeting on Countermeasures against Novel Influenza." I made a statement concerning the short-term study in the United Kingdom by Her Imperial Highness Princess Mako, and Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda made a statement concerning acting Ministers while Ministers in charge are away on an overseas visit.

Q&As

• The situation in Syria
• A deliberative poll (DP) on energy and environment policy

REPORTER: I would like to ask about the situation in Syria. Former Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Kofi Annan indicated his intent to resign from his post of Joint Special Envoy of the UN and the League of Arab States for Syria at the end of August. Can you elaborate your thoughts on this and how Japan plans to be involved in the situation in Syria?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I understand that Special Envoy Annan's term was set to expire at the end of August. It is very regrettable that Special Envoy Annan will be resigning at this time. It is above all critical that the Six-Point Proposal proposed by Special Envoy Annan in order to immediately cease all violence is implemented. The international community must continue to make concerted efforts to realize the proposal, including putting pressure on the Syrian Government. Japan believes Special Envoy Annan's replacement should be selected as quickly as possible and will extend its support in this endeavor.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Starting tomorrow, a deliberative poll (DP) will be conducted to decide on (the Government's policy on) the dependency on nuclear power. Exactly how will the polling results be reflected in the Government's decision? If there is anything which has been decided, I would appreciate your comments.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: As has already been reported by the media, a deliberative poll (DP) will be conducted for the first time. The purpose is to gauge the opinions of the people who represent society, including the silent majority. Through the deliberative poll, the people will deliberate amongst each other, and we expect to be able to obtain well thought out opinions. This is one of the means for the Government to hear the voices of the people. In addition to this, the Government is receiving opinions and requests from various groups and others through hearings as well as public comments. While turning our ear to these varieties of opinions, the Government will ultimately make a responsible decision on the strategy for energy and the environment.

(Abridged)