Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The UN Security Council's draft resolution on North Korea
• Okinawa related issues
• The Osprey transport aircraft

REPORTER: With regard to the resolution by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on North Korea, the draft resolution has already been agreed upon by the United States and China and is expected to be adopted very soon. The resolution contains measures that will strengthen sanctions significantly, including financial measures and the obligation for cargo to be examined. What is the reaction of the Government to the draft resolution?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of the discussions that are currently taking place towards the adoption of the resolution. However, as it is not yet the case that the resolution has been adopted and we are not directly involved in the process of discussion, what I would say is that the Government greatly welcomes any progress that has been made towards the adoption of a resolution by the United States and China and other UNSC members. The Government hopes that resolution will move towards adoption.

REPORTER: In addition, once the resolution has been adopted, will the Government consider any further unilateral sanctions, such as the denial of reentry to Japan of technicians or engineers?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I have said previously, the Government wishes to implement all manner of sanctions against North Korea and various options are being considered.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I believe that today you had a meeting with the four Cabinet ministers who are engaged in affairs relating to Okinawa. Could you tell us the content of that meeting and whether the issue of Futenma Air Station was discussed, such as the timing of the application for land reclamation for the purpose of relocating Futenma Air Station to Henoko?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As Minister Yamamoto had recently visited Okinawa, the meeting was scheduled so that he could provide a report about his visit. We subsequently discussed general issues relating to Okinawa, the content of which is secret. It was an exchange of opinions.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: There have been sightings of the U.S. Forces Osprey transport aircraft over Shikoku. Were flight training exercises implemented today? Has the Government been provided with any information from U.S. Forces Japan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We have not received any report from U.S. Forces Japan about this matter. As the exercises were implemented in accordance with the decisions of the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee there is no special need for a report. However, as I noted yesterday, the Government did receive a report that the route for the training exercises would be changed to the orange route over the Shikoku region. Whatever the case, the Government would like to request U.S. Forces Japan to ensure that any impact on local residents is kept to a minimum.

(Abridged)