Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

• The overview of the Cabinet meeting

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First, I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet Meeting. The meeting approved 13 general measures, as well as the promulgation of legislation, cabinet orders, and personnel decisions.

With regard to statements by ministers, the Minister for Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology made a statement concerning the report on grants of Research Center for Science System, the dispatch of researchers overseas, and academic research grants by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science in FY2012, as well as his views with regard to said report. He also made a statement about the report on the uses of income from the Japan Sports Council's FY2012 sports promotion vote, as well as his views with regard to said report. Minister Mori made a statement about the implementation of "Crime Victims' Week." Prime Minister Abe made a statement about the acting Prime Minister while he is away on an official overseas trip.

In ministerial discussions, Minister Inada made a statement about reflecting the summarized results of the autumn review in the budget, while the Minister of Finance made a statement about the r administrative project review.

This concludes my report.

Q&As

• The issue related to the sexual assault by US forces personnel at Yokosuka 12 years ago

REPORTER: With regard to the sexual assault committed by US forces personnel at Yokosuka 12 years ago, the victims won the case in an American civil trial last month. However, during the trial, the accused personnel testified that the reason for returning to the United States midway through the trial held previously in Japan was in response to an order from the U.S. Armed Forces to leave Japan immediately. What are your views toward these decisions and responses made by the U.S. Forces, Japan? In addition, with regard to such cases, does the Government intend to call for improvement to the United States?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of the report. The Government will refrain from commenting about a sentence passed by a U.S. court on a civil action. However, in any case, the Government will handle the matter in an appropriate manner while communicating with the United States, in order to ensure that victims receive the adequate compensation in a timely manner.

(Abridged)