Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

• An overview of the Cabinet meeting
• Appointment of the Representative of the Government of Japan for National Reconciliation in Myanmar

I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved 20 general measures, cabinet orders, and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, I made a statement concerning the visit of His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince to the United States.

In ministerial discussions following the Cabinet meeting, the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications made a statement concerning the first "Hometown Roundtable Talks."

In addition, I would like to report about the appointment of the (Permanent) Representative of the Government of Japan for National Reconciliation in Myanmar. As the largest donor nation to Myanmar, Japan has to date implemented various assistance for ethnic minorities in the country, out of a desire to advance efforts towards national reconciliation being implemented by the Government of Myanmar, including endeavors to achieve peace with ethnic minority communities. In a situation in which progress is anticipated in the national peace process between the Government of Myanmar and ethnic minority communities, the Government has decided to appoint Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of the Nippon Foundation to the role of Representative of the Government of Japan for National Reconciliation in Myanmar, in recognition of the tremendous efforts he has made over many years to provide assistance to Myanmar, including support for ethnic minorities. Through the newly appointed Representative the Government will continue to urge for progress in the peace and reconciliation process between the Government of Myanmar and ethnic minority communities.

Q&As

• The nuclear test by North Korea
• Consideration on a strengthened system for dispatching defense attach?s overseas

REPORTER: In regard to North Korea, could you tell us about the status of consideration with regard to additional sanctions, and whether the Government is considering make a proposal for new sanctions to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) or implementing further sanctions of its own?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government is currently engaged with other countries in the forum of the United Nations and is calling for a stern response to North Korea. As for Japan imposing additional sanctions of its own, considerations are being made on the basis of consultations at the United Nations.

REPORTER: I have a further question relating to North Korea. The other day Japan imposed additional sanctions, including a measure to deny, in principle, re-entry into Japan of the five deputy chairpersons of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan. However, there are reports that one of these deputy chairpersons is already visiting North Korea and is likely to be allowed to return to Japan. What are the facts behind these press reports?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The situation is as described in the press reports. The person in question was already overseas when the additional sanctions were imposed by Japan and therefore it is not legally possible to prevent that person's reentry into Japan on this occasion.

REPORTER: If it is the case that the sanctions will not be imposed retroactively, are we to understand that any future visits to North Korea will result in denial of reentry into Japan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: That is the case, yes.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Could you tell us about the process of consideration concerning the  system for posting Defense Attach?s overseas? What is the schedule for considerations and how will this issue be advanced?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Currently the Government is implementing work under the auspices of the Verification Committee on the Terrorist Incident against the Japanese Nationals in Algeria. After government verification is complete the opinions of experts will be sought and it is anticipated that a proposal will be formulated by the time of the long national holiday period in early May. The Government seeks to take all measures that are deemed necessary in this regard. Currently the number of countries to which Defense Attach?s are dispatched is very small, and the Prime Minister responded positively to a question relating to this matter in the Diet Budget Affairs Committee yesterday. Whatever the case, the Government seeks to engage in comprehensive considerations and make a robust response.