Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

• Prime Minister Abe's plan to visit the U.S.

I would like to report that if various circumstances permit, Prime Minister Abe is scheduled to visit the United States, where he will hold a Japan-U.S. summit meeting with President Obama. In terms of specific timing, arrangements are currently being made for the Prime Minister to depart Japan on February 21, hold the summit meeting with President Obama on February 22, and return to Japan on February 24. Prime Minister Abe seeks to engage with President Obama not merely on issues relating to bilateral relations, but also to have a frank exchange of opinions on a wide range of topics, including the situation in the Asia-Pacific region, starting with the issue of North Korea. The Prime Minister seeks to make it clear both at home and overseas that Japan wishes to strengthen Japan-U.S. relations. Minister for Foreign Affairs Kishida is scheduled to accompany the Prime Minister on the visit and arrangements are currently being made to hold a Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers' meeting.

Q&As

• Prime Minister Abe's plan to visit the U.S.
• The "comfort women" issue
• The post of governor of the Bank of Japan
• The Verification Committee on the Terrorist Incident against the Japanese nationals in Algeria
• Press reports on North Korea's recent nuclear related movement
• The Advisory Council on the Establishment of a National Security Council
• Japan-China relations in terms of North Korean issues
• The recent incident in Guam involving Japanese nationals

REPORTER: In relation to Prime Minister Abe's visit to the United States, I imagine that there will be a number of issues to discuss, including that of North Korea. Could you tell us specifically what is expected to be on the agenda for discussion, including such issues as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement and Okinawa?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The agenda for discussion is currently being coordinated between the two sides and although I will not mention specific items, if you consider the situation as a whole, it could be expected that issues such as that of North Korea will be raised. However, the agenda for discussion is currently still in the process of coordination.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: It has been said that under the administration of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) relations with the United States took a downturn. With regard to the purpose and significance of the Prime Minister's visit on this occasion, what points are expected to be emphasized?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Yesterday telephone talks were held. In particular, on this visit, I expect that as I mentioned at the opening of the press conference, discussions will not be limited to the sphere of bilateral relations, but will also include a frank exchange of opinions on a wide range of topics, including the situation in the Asia-Pacific region, starting with the issue of North Korea. The Prime Minister seeks to make it clear both at home and overseas that Japan wishes to strengthen Japan-U.S. relations.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I think that it is unusual for the Foreign Minister to accompany the Prime Minister on an overseas visit. Is there any particular reason for this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As just recently a new Secretary of State has been appointed in the United States, it has been decided that the Foreign Minister should accompany the Prime Minister and hold a Foreign Ministers' meeting to bring Japan-U.S. relations even closer.

REPORTER: There are press reports that the National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of Korea (ROK) issued a statement on February 14, in which it was stated that the commission demands that the Government of Japan issue a formal apology regarding the comfort women issue, provide compensation, and inform the Japanese public of the damage that was caused. It has also apparently called for measures in Japan to prevent criticism of women  who were once comfort women. What are your thoughts on this statement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not aware of these press reports and therefore I will refrain from making any comment.

REPORTER: Today in the reports of some press agencies it has been suggested that candidates for the post of governor of the Bank of Japan are being drawn up, with former Administrative Vice-Minister of Finance Muto being considered a frontrunner. In a recent press conference President Watanabe of Your Party has clearly stated his opposition to the appointment of Mr. Muto, whose appointment was also opposed five years ago by the DPJ. Given this situation I think it will be very difficult to find a candidate who would be acceptable to the opposition parties, or someone whose appointment it would be possible to seek understanding on. What are your thoughts on this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I have said before, bold monetary policy and monetary easing are one of the three prongs of policy for economic revival as stated by Prime Minister Abe. Based on this policy, we seek to propose a person who has the capability to engage in thorough coordination and seek the understanding of the Diet. That is the basic position of the Government and as I do not believe it is appropriate for me to speak about the merits or demerits of individual candidates I will refrain from comment on that point.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: The Verification Committee on the Terrorist Incident against the Japanese Nationals in Algeria has been held. Could you tell us the anticipated schedule for further discussions on this issue? The Government is expected to compile the results of verification by the end of February and in a recent briefing it was noted that thereafter discussions with experts will be held to come to a conclusion prior to the long national holiday period at the end of April. Is this the kind of schedule that is being considered?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Yes. By the end of this month the verification processes being conducted by each ministry and agency will be compiled, and based on that information the Verification Committee will engage in discussions and launch hearings with experts. It is expected that a conclusion will be reached prior to the long national holiday.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: There are reports that the missile launch platform in the northeast of North Korea is being renovated. What information does the Government possess concerning the facts behind these reports?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of these press reports. The Government has a great interest in the missile activities of North Korea and we are engaged in the collection and analysis of intelligence on a daily basis. Given the nature of this matter, however, I will refrain from further comment.

REPORTER: I believe that from today the Advisory Council on the Establishment of a National Security Council (NSC) will begin deliberations. At the time of the incident in Algeria you stated that you felt such considerations on the establishment of a Japanese NSC were necessary. Could you tell us whether you feel it is necessary to strengthen the general intelligence gathering system, not just limited to emergency situations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As a separate issue from the NSC, I believe that intelligence gathering is extremely important, and therefore it is a fact that I feel the intelligence gathering system should be strengthened. At the time of the incident in Algeria I was involved for the first time and I keenly felt that it would be effective to have a structure such as an NSC in place that is directly led by the Prime Minister under the Prime Minister's Office. An NSC would be a permanent body and I believe it is a good idea, given the extreme importance of national security, including in terrorist situations.

REPORTER: There is already the Cabinet Intelligence Committee established at the Prime Minister's Office, and I wonder whether this body has been convened since the inauguration of the second Abe Administration and what your feelings are on how it should be utilized?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe intelligence gathering to be of extreme importance and what the intelligence gathering functions of an NSC would be is something that will be discussed from today once the Advisory Council on the Establishment of a National Security Council is launched. This council will engage in discussions, which will naturally include whether or not to incorporate existing bodies.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question relating to North Korea. To date the Prime Minister has been seen to be engaging actively in the North Korean issue, including telephone talks with the leaders of the United States and the ROK. However, there has not been any visible evidence of interaction with China on this issue. I believe that the Government recognizes China as an important country in terms of relations with North Korea, so could you tell us how you intend to engage with China in consultations and cooperation in order to exert pressure on North Korea? Could you also tell us whether you intend to seek talks with China regarding this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We believe that China is the country that has the greatest influence on North Korea, and we recognize it to be of extreme importance that in response to the recent incident China has demonstrated a severe stance against North Korea. The Government will seek to engage with China through diplomatic channels on various issues and will advance a policy of comprehensively condemning nuclear-related actions by North Korea.

REPORTER: Are leader-level talks being contemplated with regard to this issue?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Our basic stance on this occasion is founded on our mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests and it is exactly in such situations as this that we should treat the relationship with importance.

REPORTER: On a different topic, in the recent incident in Guam where tourists were indiscriminately killed, the victims of the attack are not eligible to receive support in the form of public funds because this case does not fall into the scope of  benefits systems in place for crime victims in both Japan and the United States. This was also the case for the victims of the incident in Algeria in January. What are your thoughts on the current system?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As you have noted, this was the case in both the incident in Algeria and also in Guam. We believe that economic support for victims is extremely important. Currently the Cabinet Office is holding a study group to consider ways to enhance support or establish a new compensation scheme, based on the second Basic Plan for Crime Victims. Naturally, it is our wish that this study group should consider making the victims of such a recent incident eligible under a new scheme. Discussions on this issue are therefore being implemented.