Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

• The demise of His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk, King Father of Cambodia

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Today, October 15, there was an announcement from the Government of Cambodia to diplomatic missions, that former King Norodom Sihanouk of the Kingdom of Cambodia passed away in Beijing where he was receiving medical treatment. On behalf of the Japanese people and the Government, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family of the late former King Sihanouk, the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the Cambodian people. The late former King Sihanouk constantly and consistently played a central role in the national affairs of Cambodia, and without his presence, Japan recognizes that the peace process of Cambodia would not have succeeded. After his re-ascension in 1993, he devoted himself to achieving stability and national reconciliation in Cambodia, which was recovering from the psychological wounds of the civil war, and was beloved by the people of the country. There were high expectations and trust for the former King in his role with respect to Japan, and Japan considers the former King to have been one of the essential dignitaries for making significant strides in Japan-Cambodia relations.

Q&As

• The abduction issue (marking 10 years since the return to Japan of five people abducted by North Korea)
• The Tokyo District Court's ruling on the disclosure of diplomatic documents concerning Japan-ROK relations

REPORTER: Today marks exactly ten years since the return to Japan of five people abducted by North Korea. Can you explain the Government's thoughts on this and discuss once again how the Government will be resolving this issue?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The abduction issue is a grave issue which directly concerns the lives and safety of the Japanese people. Today, exactly ten years after the return to Japan of five abductees, we renew our commitment to resolve the issue of abductions. At this time, we are making arrangements to hold, for the first time in four years, a consultation between the Governments of Japan and North Korea. Taking this opportunity, the Government of Japan will make every effort to make advancements on and resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries, beginning with the abduction issue.

REPORTER: By when will the intergovernmental consultation be held?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: This is still being arranged. We will continue to make arrangements with a view to holding the consultation as quickly as possible.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question regarding the recent Tokyo District Court's ruling on the disclosure of the documents related to the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK). Last Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Okada stated in his press conference that he takes a keen interest in this issue, as a former Minister for Foreign Affairs who called for the disclosure of information. Is Deputy Prime Minister Okada's awareness of the issue shared within the Government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Deputy Prime Minister Okada stated in his press conference that "ultimately the Cabinet will decide" and that "(he), too, takes interest in this issue as a former Minister for Foreign Affairs who called for the disclosure of information." The Government's views are as I explained the other day.

REPORTER: I believe the Government's view was that it was "regrettable." Deputy Prime Minister Okada, having called for the disclosure of information, stated that he takes a keen interest in this issue. Is the awareness of the issue shared and discussed within the Government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: As Deputy Prime Minister Okada also stated, ultimately the Cabinet will decide and the Cabinet will decide based on consultations among the relevant ministries and agencies. We are still in the midst of the process.