Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

• The current status on 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, I would like to report on the process of confirming the safety of Japanese nationals. Yesterday, the second team - comprised of medical officers as well as the necessary personnel for confirming the safety of Japanese nationals - was unable to enter In Amenas due to rapid changes in the weather, by which I mean sandstorms. However, today, at around 2:00 pm Japan time, the team departed Algiers by airplane and is on its way to In Amenas. After arriving in In Amenas, the team is scheduled to go to a hospital and undertake the task of confirming the safety of Japanese nationals.

Also, at this morning's press conference, there was a question about approximately how long Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Kiuchi and his team carried out observations of the site of the incident yesterday. As I also stated yesterday, as the security in the area can as yet not be deemed sufficiently stable, the observations were conducted with caution and included intermittent periods of being on standby. Specifically, the team conducted observations of the site of the incident from 3:00 pm to around 5:00 pm.

That is all from me.

Q&As

• U.S. Secretary of State Clinton's comments on the Senkaku Islands

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the Senkaku Islands. The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China condemned the Governments of Japan and the United States (U.S.) over the statement made by Secretary of State Clinton regarding the Senkaku Islands at the press conference, which followed the Japan-U.S. foreign ministers' meeting. What are your thoughts on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe the statement of Secretary of State Clinton indicates the U.S.'s strong commitment towards the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty. As such, we, the Japanese Government, highly regard and welcome the statement.

REPORTER: My question is related to the Japan-U.S. foreign ministers' meeting. I understand that Secretary Clinton called for concrete progress with regard to the issue of the relocation of Futenma Air Station. How will the procedures, including the land reclamation application, proceed going forward?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We will move forward in the context of deepening our coordination with Okinawa, including with the Governor of Okinawa.

REPORTER: In response to Secretary Clinton's commendation of Japan, the Spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed strong condemnation, saying that, "China expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition." What are the views of the Japanese Government regarding this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As the Senkaku Islands are an inherent part of the territory of Japan, I believe it is extremely regrettable.

(Abridged)