Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

• The Advisory Council on the Establishment of a National Security Council

The sixth meeting of the Advisory Council on the Establishment of a National Security Council was held from 2 pm this afternoon and was attended by the Prime Minister. Since establishment of the council in February this year, we have had experts in the areas of foreign diplomacy and national security intensely and vigorously discuss the role and responsibilities of the National Security Council (NSC), through which we have gained valuable insight. During today's meeting, an overview of the bill concerning the establishment of the NSC, which was created based on those insights, was presented. The meeting also heard opinions concerning the management of the council after its establishment. The Government will accelerate efforts so as to ensure the bill is submitted as soon as possible during the current Diet session. Special Advisor to the Prime Minister Isozaki will give a briefing on the details of the meeting at a later time.

Q&As

• Bills on the NSC
• The Abduction issue
• The accident of a U.S. military F-15 near main land Okinawa
• Signs of pregnancy by a panda at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning bills on the NSC. You mentioned that you would like to submit the bills as soon as possible; could you tell us roughly when you are planning to submit the bills? Also, as the current Diet session is coming to an end, could you give us a blueprint or schedule for the enactment of this bill?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We only heard the final reports of the exparts today so we will now swiftly commence the creation of the bills. However, we must also take into consideration the current state of the Diet session, and there are other bills that have already been submitted. We are hoping to submit the bills to the Diet at the earliest possible opportunity.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question on a related topic. After participating in discussions at the sixth meeting, could you tell us your personal thoughts on the NSC bill and what changes you think it will bring?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that Japan has so far never had an actual standing committee specifically for security. I strongly believe that regular discussions on security issues by four ministers, which will be proposed in this bill, are extremely important. As I reflect on the terrorist attack in Algeria, I am also strongly reminded of the necessity of maintaining a standing organization specifically for national security that eliminates vertically-segmented administrative structures. Given the situation Japan finds itself in today, and our security issues, I believe that, naturally, we need an organization that can consolidate information in one place and develop strategies. I believe that the establishment of the council will bring with it significant change.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: In relation to the findings of the Government's Headquarters for the Abduction Issue, which revealed the abduction of the crews of fishing vessels while at sea, does the Government intend to urge North Korea to come forward with a full account concerning the abductions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: If such a thing has become apparent after the Headquarters for the Abduction Issue conducted interviews, I believe that appropriately addressing the issue is our responsibility as it is natural for a country to fully defend the lives and the assets of its citizens. However, the Headquarters for the Abduction Issue has not informed me of this story reported in the media, so I must refrain from making any comments, including confirming the authenticity of the report.

REPORTER: If we assume that some Japanese nationals have been abducted while at sea, I believe that authorities such as the Japan Coast Guard and the police may become involved. Does the Government have the intention of hearing from Government ministries, agencies and institutions in addition to the Headquarters for the Abduction Issue?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: If such abductions actually occurred, I believe that the Government would naturally address the issue with all the resources at its disposal, as it is the Government's responsibility to fully defend the lives and the assets of its citizens. However, as of now I do not have any knowledge of what has transpired at the Headquarters for the Abduction Issue, including if what you said was really the case. I believe that if, for instance, something like what you mentioned in your question actually occurred, the NSC will be able to take effective leadership in quickly addressing the issue.

REPORTER: A representative of the organization for abduction victims from the Republic of Korea (ROK) said that it obtained information from an informed source that revealed North Korea used to attack Japanese fishing vessels operating in waters off the coast of Japan in order to abduct their crews. Does the Japanese Government plan to hear more from the representative of this ROK organization, or has the Government already made contact with this group?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan and the Republic of Korea have been working together closely on this abduction issue. We also believe that it is natural that this matter be addressed by the world as a whole in order to solve these abductions, secure safety and ensure the return of the abductees as soon as possible, and in fact we remain in close cooperation with relevant nations on this issue. I cannot, however, elaborate any further.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning the accident of a U.S. military F-15. Have you obtained any new information, including the cause of the accident?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It has been reported to me that the F-15 fighter jet belonging to the Kadena Air Base crashed into the sea at 8:45 am this morning, about 70 miles east of mainland Okinawa while it was performing exercises. Furthermore, the pilot has already been rescued and there have been no casualties. The Government has been asking all relevant ministries and agencies to continue to collect information and address the matter as appropriate, including urging the U.S. military to ensure that this does not occur again.

REPORTER: I would like to clarify that you have already asked the U.S. military to ensure that this does not happen again. Or are you planning to do so? Could you also tell us if you have any further information regarding the cause of the accident?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Director-General of the North American Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo to investigate the cause of the accident and ensure that a similar accident does not occur again.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I am afraid that I am moving away from politics for a moment, but apparently one of the pandas of Ueno Zoo appears to be pregnant. Could you share with us your thoughts on this news?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of this report but I am not really up to date with the details. Panda births are of great interest to the Japanese public, so if this report is accurate I think it is wonderful news. I hope that it does turn out to be good news.