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Thursday, February 21, 2013 (PM)
Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)
[Provisional Translation]
Q&As
- The meeting between the Chief Cabinet Secretary and the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture
- The Takeshima Day on February 22
(Abridged)
REPORTER: A short while ago, you met with Governor Nakaima. Can you please share with us the content of the meeting?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Governor stated that he has recovered and resumed his work, and for the most part, expressed his gratitude, especially for the budget and the Okinawa promotion and development measures. In particular, he very much appreciated the runway, as this is something that the Okinawa people have long awaited. At the same time, the Governor asked for the resumption of the Okinawa Policy Council. These were meetings which used to be held with the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture during previous Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP) administrations, in which all ministers attended except for the Prime Minister. I shared his sentiments and was very much in favor of resuming the Council. These were the things we discussed.
(Abridged)
REPORTER: In relation to the Takeshima Day celebrations, I understand that the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea (ROK) stated during his regular press conference that the ROK Government will take retaliatory measures if the Abe administration sends a senior official to attend the Takeshima Day ceremony. Have you heard from the ROK Government as to what kind of measures will be taken?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: No, this is the first time I am hearing that such statements were made. I have not heard anything.
REPORTER: Regarding this, if what the ROK Spokesperson stated is true, will the Government make any considerations? Will any considerations be made by the Japanese Government?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: That is inconceivable. The Japanese Government, as well as the LDP in its pledge throughout the election campaign, have stated that Takeshima is an inherent part of the territory of Japan. It is in this context that the Government will dispatch the Parliamentary Secretary.
(Abridged)
