Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

• The current status on the incident in Algeria involving Japanese nationals

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have a report on the current status regarding the incident in Algeria, in which Japanese nationals have been taken hostage. Following the provision of information by the Algerian government concerning the safety of Japanese nationals, today Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Kiuchi, President Kawana of JGC Corporation and others have travelled on an airplane provided by Sonatrach, the Algerian national oil and gas company, and have arrived in In Amenas in order to confirm the safety of Japanese nationals. More officials and persons who will be required in order to confirm the safety of our nationals are scheduled to reach In Amenas later. Immediately after arrival in In Amenas, at around 10:00 pm, Parliamentary Secretary Kiuchi telephoned me to report that with the permission of the Algerian military the Japanese delegation would be entering the facility that has been at the center of the incident and would be also visiting hospitals in the vicinity to confirm the safety of Japanese nationals. Mr. Kiuchi and his delegation will be cooperating with representatives of JGC Corporation to engage in full-fledged activities to confirm the safety of Japanese nationals on the ground. I will report to you about these on-the-ground activities as and when necessary. Furthermore, in order to assist the return home of the seven Japanese nationals whose safety has been confirmed, the Government is currently expediting preparations to dispatch the Government plane to Algeria.

Q&As

(Abridged)