Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

• An overview of the Cabinet meeting
• A ceremony to commemorate Japan's restoration of sovereignty and return into the international community

The meeting approved five general measures as well as draft bills, cabinet orders and personnel decisions.

In ministerial discussions Minister Furuya; the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; and the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications each made statements concerning the response to the heavy snowfall this winter. Then I made a statement concerning a ceremony to commemorate Japan's restoration of sovereignty and return into the international community. Discussions are currently taking place to arrange a Government-hosted ceremony on April 28th this year to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Japan's complete restoration of sovereignty and readmission into the international community following the enactment of the San Francisco Peace Treaty. I stated that we must not forget the troubled history of Okinawa, where for 27 years following the end of the war, Okinawa was left outside the administrative powers of Japan. I also said that as we hold this ceremony, it is crucial that we make efforts to reduce the burden placed on Okinawa by the military bases it hosts and renew our determination to open the way to the future of Okinawa and the rest of Japan.

Q&As

• Sanctions against North Korea
• The Sovereignty Restoration Day

REPORTER: Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga, I would like to ask a question regarding United Nations' sanctions. The United Nations Security Council has unanimously passed new sanctions against North Korea that strengthen existing sanctions and now include mandatory cargo inspections. What is the Government's view on these new sanctions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: After working closely with the U.S. and other relevant countries, Japan became a co-sponsor of this United Nations Security Council Resolution. In light of this, we welcome and applaud the United Nations' move to condemn North Korea's nuclear testing as a violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions and its decision to add and strengthen sanctions.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question on a related topic. It has been reported that U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy Glyn Davies also applauded this decision and stated that he has high hopes for the response of China, which holds the key to the success of these sanctions, and is keen to learn how China will comply with the measures. What stance is the Japanese Government taking on this issue?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We believe that in reality, Chinese sanctions against North Korea have great impact. Therefore, we too will closely cooperate with relevant nations and approach this issue with strong resolve.

REPORTER: Could you share with us how discussions within the Japanese Government regarding additional sanctions and their timing are progressing following the United Nations Security Council Resolution?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We have implemented a number of sanctions, including financial sanctions, which were drawn up at the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting, and the Liberal Democratic Party has devised sanctions to deny the re-entry into Japan of nuclear engineers and other personnel. Some of these sanctions are included in the latest United Nations Security Council Resolution and the Japanese Government is currently holding discussion to enable Japan to unilaterally take any and all possible alternative sanctions.

REPORTER: Could you give us an indication of when these sanctions may come into effect?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that timing will be determined as developments take place.

REPORTER: The North Korean Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea announced that it has abandoned all non-aggression agreements between the North and South and that they will immediately cut off its direct phone links with the Republic of Korea at Panmunjom. Following this announcement, does the Japanese Government believe that this raises the possibility of unanticipated developments?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Japanese Government is always vigilant on matters pertaining to North Korea in the interest of ensuring the safety and peace of mind of Japanese nations. Therefore, we will continue to maintain our usual state of alert.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question regarding the Sovereignty Restoration Day on April 28. In Okinawa this day is also known as a day of humiliation, because as Japan gained independence, Okinawa and the Amami Islands were brought under the administration of the U.S. The plan to hold the ceremony has caused controversy in Okinawa, and Governor Nakaima stated that "Okinawans harbor mixed feelings and bitterness as we believe that we were left behind." How does the Japanese Government view this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government shares this sentiment with Okinawans. As such, as I stated earlier, during today's ministerial discussions I stated that we will not forget the troubled history of Okinawa, which was left outside of the administrative powers of Japan for 27 years following the end of the war. I also stated that as we hold the ceremony, we are determined to reduce the burden placed on Okinawa by the military bases it hosts and to open the way to the future of Okinawa and the rest of Japan. We will conduct the ceremony while being respectful of the feelings of Okinawans.

(Abridged)