Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Japanese domestic politics (a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister)
• Japan-North Korea relations

(Abridged)

REPORTER: At yesterday's plenary session of the House of Councillors, a no-confidence motion was approved against Prime Minister Noda. I would like to ask how you view this and your thoughts on the motion's lack of legal binding force.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The House of Councillors passed a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Noda by 129 votes for, to 91 votes against. I acknowledge and earnestly accept that various criticisms that are not limited to only the Prime Minister but also extend to the Noda Cabinet. We would like to proceed with the willing attitude that those criticisms that need to be addressed will be addressed. Some people talk about a legally binding effect, but I understand a no-confidence motion, or censure motion, as something that guides our focus to areas requiring attention. Therefore, we are determined to proceed with the attitude I just described.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: My question is related to the previous question. Even though some ruling party executives are discussing it, does that then mean that I am right to understand that Prime Minister Noda still promises to dissolve the House of Representatives in the near term?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The Prime Minister's words "in the near term" were not said lightly, and it is because of this statement that we have the three-party agreement. I think that promise has not been broken, it still stands.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: My question concerns the Japan-Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) consultation. I would like to ask that in the event that the consultation moves on to discussions with Director-General level representatives, will the abduction issue be raised again?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: As I have been saying, we are right now in the process of determining a discussion agenda during the preliminary consultation. Of course, of all the issues between the two Governments, the abduction issue remains a very important issue and we still maintain the position that we will attempt to have discussions on the matter.

REPORTER: My question is also related. Is the Government taking a position where the DPRK Government's unwillingness to discuss the abduction issue would lead to the termination of the consultation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: As I just stated, we are currently in the process of determining a discussion agenda. I do not believe that I should make any comments beyond that.