Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

• The overview of the Cabinet meeting
• The Passing of Mr. Mandela, former President of the Republic of South Africa

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet Meeting. The meeting approved 22 general measures and the promulgation of legislation, as well as cabinet orders and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications made a statement concerning the Japan Broadcasting Corporation's financial statement and operational report for FY2012 and the opinions of the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, etc.; and Prime Minister Abe made a statement concerning acting Ministers while Ministers in charge are away on an overseas visit.

I would like to speak on the passing of Mr. Mandela, former President of the Republic of South Africa. Upon receiving the news of the passing of former President Mandela, on behalf of the Japanese Government I would like to express our deepest condolences to Nelson Mandela's family, the South African Government and the people of South Africa. Prime Minister Abe's statement on the passing of former President Mandela has been distributed to you and I ask that you please take a look at this statement. "Despite 27 years of imprisonment, former President Mandela kept fighting with indomitable spirit to abolish apartheid, a crime against humanity. After assuming the office of President in 1994, Nelson Mandela devoted himself to building South Africa and to achieving national unity. I am full of respect and admiration for former President Mandela's tremendous achievements. Furthermore, in his capacity as President, Nelson Mandela visited Japan three times and was fully committed to promoting friendly relations between Japan and South Africa. I offer my sincerest condolences upon the passing of former President Mandela."

Q&As

• The issue related to Diet proceedings
• The issue related to the passing of Mr. Mandela, former President of the Republic of South Africa
• The issues related to the Trans-Pacific Partnership

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning Diet proceedings. In relation to the special intelligence protection bill, the opposition parties have all asserted that they do not approve of completing the vote on the bill by the end of the day. Will the Government and ruling parties nevertheless maintain their position of having the bill enacted by the end of the day?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government believes that this bill is necessary for ensuring the security of Japan and its citizens and for this reason, we have made great efforts to date to seek its swift enactment. Following the passage of the bill through the special committee, we will seek to have the bill passed at the plenary session. Furthermore, once the bill is enacted, we will make all the necessary arrangements to ensure its appropriate implementation and continue to work to gain public understanding and to dispel public concern.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning the passing of former President Mandela. I understand that a state funeral will be held. Has the Government made any decisions on how it will be represented?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Thus far not even the date has been fixed. However, the Government will be paying its highest respects. Former President Mandela was an extremely important figure for Japan and for the world, and we will make any decisions with this recognition in mind, once state funeral arrangements have been determined.

REPORTER: Is there any possibility that Prime Minister Abe or other Government representatives, such as the Minister for Foreign Affairs, will attend the funeral?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Until the date of the state funeral is determined, we are unable to make any decisions. However, the Japanese Government recognizes that former President Mandela was an extremely important figure.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). I understand that Senior Vice-Minister Nishimura will leave for Singapore today to attend the TPP Ministerial Meeting being held on December 7. In a last minute decision, Senior Vice-Minister Nishimura will be attending the meeting in place of Minister Amari. What is the anticipated outcome of this meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Senior Vice-Minister Nishimura has, to date, been involved in the TPP negotiations alongside Minister Amari, and acted in accordance with Minister Amari's instructions. I therefore believe that he will clearly present Japan's position and maintain the stance of protecting those areas that should be protected and seeking to gain what should be gained.

REPORTER: Do you believe that the absence of Minister Amari, who has been leading the Japanese TPP negotiations, will have any impact at this stage, as negotiations are reaching their conclusion?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Minister Amari himself held a press conference yesterday and I am sure that you have all seen it. He had no trouble speaking. Moreover, given that Senior Vice-Minister Nishimura has always accompanied Minister Amari, it is my opinion that the Minister's absence will have minimal impact.