Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

• The Act on Special Measures for Countermeasures against Novel Influenza and Other Diseases
• Prime Minister's plan to visit Iwo Island and Chichi Island

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have two topics I would like to raise. The Act on Special Measures for Countermeasures against Novel Influenza and Other Diseases announced on May 11, 2012 has a one year period from the date of its announcement during which it is to come into effect. However, as this is risk management legislation, the Government has been attempting to implement the act as soon as possible. Additionally, as the Act may come into conflict with privacy rights, the Government has requested experts from a wide variety of fields to discuss and advance the Act's implementation. It has yet to be confirmed that the recent strain of avian influenza in China can be transmitted person to person, however, as a precautionary measure, it has been decided that the implementation is to be approved by the Cabinet on Friday April 12, and that special measures will be implemented on the following day (April 13). As for the Government's action plan, a draft will be presented at the meeting of experts on April 16, which will be followed by public review, and we would like to finalize the plan without delay.

I would like to speak on the Prime Minister's visit to Iwo Island and Chichi Island. On Sunday, April 14, the Prime Minister is planning to visit Iwo Island and Chichi Island. On Iwo Island the Prime Minister will inspect the initiatives concerning the return of remains, while on Chichi Island the Prime Minister is planning to inspect the community development initiatives in Ogasawara Village. More specifically, the Prime Minister will first visit Iwo Island to attend a commemorative ceremony for war dead and then inspect a site where efforts are being made to recover remains. Following that the Prime Minister will visit a medical center and nursing home on Chichi Island before exchanging opinions with some residents of Ogasawara Village.

Q&As

• Japan's response to the situation of North Korea
• Fishing rights negotiations between Japan and Taiwan

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question regarding North Korean missile testing. Does the Government believe that if North Korea is to proceed with the missile launch that it is highly likely it will happen today?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We do not have any information that would lead us to believe that. I am aware however that much media speculation has been made as to which day a launch may occur, as well as the fact that North Korea has repeatedly taken provocative actions. In light of this, the Government is taking all possible measures to ensure that the safety and security of citizens are protected.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question on the same topic. I believe that there are a number of signs that indicate an imminent missile launch. To the extent you are able to share with us, could you provide us with more details of those signs?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government has been making every effort to gather information in cooperation with the U.S. and other countries concerned. At the same time we have been closely analyzing past occurrences to ensure that we remain as ready as possible.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: It has been reported today that fishing rights negotiations between Japan and Taiwan are nearing agreement. Could you inform us of the status of those negotiations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, I am aware of these reports. The Interchange Association, Japan and the East Asia Relations Commission of Taiwan are scheduled to hold the 17th Japan-Taiwan Civil fishery consultations today (April 10) from 4 pm in Taipei. I anticipate that constructive discussions will take place between the two parties and that positive progress will be made.

REPORTER: What is the current prospect of reaching an agreement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government does not have direct involvement in these negotiations, which is why I said that we anticipate progress.

REPORTER: What impact do you believe progression of these fishing rights negotiations will have on Japan's control of the Senkaku Islands and the surrounding area?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Taiwan is a truly pro-Japan region It was Taiwan that sent Japan the most aid following the Great East Japan Earthquake. Talks between Japan and Taiwan will be held from 4 pm onwards today and I highly anticipate that an agreement will be reached as soon as possible. As for the issues regarding the Senkaku Islands, the stance of the Japanese Government toward the Senkaku Islands will not change regardless of whether negotiations reach an agreement or not. I expect that both parties will advance forward in order to reach agreement on one of the issues between Japan and Taiwan.

REPORTER: It has been reported that Japan-Taiwan fishing rights negotiations will approve fishing by Taiwan in the area surrounding the Senkaku Islands. How does the Government intend to secure the local fishing interests of Okinawa?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I cannot comment on matters that are currently under negotiation. However, this is naturally a very important issue for the fishing community in Okinawa; therefore the Government will be sure to protect the interests of Okinawans.

(Abridged)