Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

• An overview of a meeting of the Response Headquarters for the Abduction of Japanese Nationals in Algeria

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: With regard to the incident in Algeria, in which Japanese nationals have been taken hostage, on the instructions of Prime Minister Abe, at 10:00 am this morning the fifth meeting of the Response Headquarters for the Abduction of Japanese Nationals in Algeria was held. At the meeting the various Cabinet ministers concerned confirmed the severe information that had been provided by the Algerian government the previous evening concerning the safety of Japanese nationals, which was information detailing the death of Japanese nationals and also the fact that others remain unaccounted for. Ministers also confirmed that the facts behind this information remain unconfirmed by the Government of Japan. Prime Minister Abe reported that the previous evening he had spoken with Prime Minister Sellal of Algeria and had requested cooperation from the Algerian government concerning operations to confirm the safety of Japanese nationals and that Prime Minister Sellal had pledged to provide full cooperation. The Prime Minister also gave the following three instructions. Firstly, to continue to make efforts to quickly and accurately collect information. Secondly, to make every effort on the ground in Algeria, under the leadership of Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Kiuchi, to swiftly confirm the safety of Japanese nationals and ensure their release. Thirdly, to provide attentive support and assistance to the people involved in this incident and their families. Based on these instructions from the Prime Minister the Government will work in unison, with each ministry and agency concerned making every effort to implement respective duties. Following the meeting of the Response Headquarters, the Prime Minister spoke with Parliamentary Secretary Kiuchi via telephone and instructed him to ensure a concerted effort on the ground in Algeria to swiftly confirm the safety of Japanese nationals and achieve their release and rescue.