Press Conference by the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The Nuclear Regulation Authority's new safety standards for nuclear power stations
• The Northern Territory issue

REPORTER: The new nuclear regulations of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority go into effect today. Can I ask for the Government's reaction regarding the implementation of the new regulations?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY KATO: From today the new safety standards for nuclear power stations have gone into effect, and I am aware that the various electric power companies are making their own judgments concerning whether power stations meet these standards, and are submitting applications accordingly.

REPORTER: On a related note, there has been opposition to the application submitted by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) for the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station and negotiations concerning this application are facing considerable difficulties. Could you tell us how the Government intends to seek the consent of the local government with regard to restarting the power station?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY KATO: It is a prerequisite of great importance to obtain the understanding of those related to local governments concerning the application to restart operations and the restarting of operations itself. The Government expects that all power companies will continue to provide detailed explanations to local governments, organizations, and other persons concerned and make efforts to obtain their understanding.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Yesterday a person involved in Northern Territories-related affairs announced that President Putin of Russia is scheduled to visit the Northern Territories on July 15. Is the Government aware of such a visit, and if so, what response will be made in the event that a visit goes ahead?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY KATO: I am aware of the statement that you have mentioned, but I believe that it was made by the mayor of a local municipality, and therefore I would like to refrain from making any comment on behalf of the Government. Whatever the case, the Government will continue to make efforts to collect information relating to such matters.

(Abridged)