Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

• An overview of the Cabinet meeting
• The cabinet decision to transfer to the U.N. supplies which are necessary to support the activities of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I would first like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved four general and other measures, cabinet orders, and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, the Minister for Foreign Affairs made a statement concerning the assistance to the Republic of the Philippines for the typhoon disaster and the emergency grant aid extended to Palestinians affected by the deterioration of the situation in the Gaza Strip.

Next, I would like to make an announcement. Today, a Cabinet decision was made to the effect that the Government of Japan will transfer to the United Nations (UN) supplies which are necessary to support the activities of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). The supplies include the 255 pre-fabricated buildings of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF), which will be withdrawing from Haiti. It is expected that the supplies will be promptly handed over to MINUSTAH. Also, the work associated with the SDF's withdrawal is slightly delayed due to the effects of the hurricane. Accordingly, a Cabinet decision was made to extend the period of the deployment of the SDF to the peacekeeping operation in Haiti by two months. The Government of Japan is currently making the final arrangements with the Government of Haiti toward transferring the SDF's facilities, equipment, and other supplies based on the request of the Government of Haiti. If realized, this transfer is expected to become the first instance in which the comprehensive "exemption measures" of the Statement by the Chief Cabinet Secretary on "Guidelines for Overseas Transfer of Defense Equipment etc." of December of last year will be applied. For details on the provision of supplies to the UN and the extension of the SDF's deployment period, please direct your questions to the Secretariat of the International Peace Cooperation Headquarters of the Cabinet Office. Also, regarding the transfer of the SDF's facilities, equipment, and other supplies to the Government of Haiti, please direct your questions to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Q&As

• The demise of U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye
• Consideration on transferring the SDF equipment to the Government of Haiti

(Abridged)

REPORTER: United States (U.S.) Senator Daniel Inouye has passed away. He devoted his efforts to raising the status of Japanese-Americans and acting as a bridge between Japan and the U.S. Can you share the thoughts of the Government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: With regard to the facts, I understand that Senator Daniel Inouye, who was 88 years old, elected from the State of Hawaii, passed away on the evening of December 17, U.S. Eastern Standard Time, or today, December 18, 7 am, Japan time. It fills me with deep sadness. As the first Japanese-American Senator, Senator Inouye visited Japan on numerous occasions as a U.S. Congressman well-versed in Japanese affairs over a period of more than 50 years since he was first elected. He devoted his efforts to making advancements in the issues concerning Japanese-Americans, including strengthening the solidarity of the Japanese-American community in the U.S. Words cannot express all of his accomplishments. I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Mrs. Irene Hirano, and to his family, as well as to the U.S. Government and the American people. The itinerary of the funeral, etc., is still undecided. Going forward, the Japanese Government will be reviewing what it will do in this regard.

REPORTER: I would like to confirm one item regarding Haiti. You said that considerations are now being made to apply for the first time the Statement by the Chief Cabinet Secretary, which was issued last year. Can you briefly explain why the Government has decided to take up this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The materials and equipment being considered for transfer to the Government of Haiti include so-called arms, etc. Therefore, at the strong request of the Government of Haiti, we are now in the stage of coordinating how this will be handled. As to the reason, I believe the number one reason is the strong request we received from the Government of Haiti.

(Abridged)