Home > News > Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary > November 2012 > Tuesday, November 13, 2012 (AM)
Tuesday, November 13, 2012 (AM)
Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)
[Provisional Translation]
Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura
- An overview of the Cabinet meeting
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Today's Cabinet Meeting approved 18 general measures and also included some personnel decisions.
Q&As
- The TPP and Japanese domestic politics
(Abridged)
REPORTER: I would like to ask a question on a related topic. I believe that during the ministerial discussions following the Cabinet Meeting, Chairman of the National Public Safety Commission Tadamasa Kodaira commented that care should be taken when considering the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Could you tell us precisely what was said and how the Government views a statement such as this coming from a Cabinet member?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: In principle we do not reveal the details of ministerial discussions. However, I admit that the comment was made.
REPORTER: Did Prime Minister Noda respond to any of the opinions expressed by Cabinet members in relation to the dissolution or the TPP?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: No, the Prime Minister did not make any comments.
REPORTER: I would like to ask a question on a related topic. I believe that Prime Minister Noda has so far expressed his intention to support and take a proactive approach to joining the TPP. How does the Government view the fact that Minister Kodaira has expressed a negative view, or rather, requested careful consideration?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: A variety of opinions are shared among the members of the party but I will not discuss precisely what Minister Kodaira said.
REPORTER: On a similar topic, I believe that some have expressed their view that dissolution before the end of the year is not ideal as it may create political vacuum. How does the Government react to opinions such as this being expressed by party members?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I understand that different people have different views on this matter. Who was it that said dissolution would take place before the end of the year? This is to be decided by the Prime Minister.
(Abridged)
