Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

 

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved two general measures, including "Convening of the Diet," cabinet orders, and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, Deputy Prime Minister Aso, in his capacity as Acting Prime Minister, made a statement concerning acting Ministers while Ministers in charge are away on overseas visits, among other matters.

Q&As

• The issue related to the peacekeeping operations in South Sudan
• The issues related to the exercise of the right to collective self-defense
• The issues related to the stock price

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the peacekeeping operations (PKO) in South Sudan. According to media reports, the United Nations (UN) requested Japan to transport Pakistani forces as part of the UN's efforts to increase force levels, but the Japanese Government turned down the request. Could you please tell us the facts and the background, and if Japan did turn down the request, what the reason was for that? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It is true that the UN approached us about providing air transportation assistance for the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS). We decided to take a cautious approach to this request for assistance, based on the comprehensive examination conducted within the Government, which accounted for various factors, including how other countries are dealing with this, the timing, and legal aspects.

REPORTER: What was the reason for that?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: This matter was examined within the Government, and I would like to refrain from going into the details. In any case, the Advisory Panel on Reconstruction of the Legal Basis for Security is now studying this matter, including the item you noted, and the Government would like to wait for the outcomes of the discussions of the Advisory Panel. 

REPORTER: During the three-day weekend, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister Isozaki appeared on TV and presented the view that changes to the interpretation of the Constitution regarding the exercise of the right to collective self-defense should be made during the ordinary session of the Diet. Does the Government intend to approve such a Cabinet decision during the ordinary session of the Diet?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: With regard to this matter, first, in principle, we would like to wait for the outcome of the discussions and report of the Advisory Panel. I believe the discussions at the Advisory Panel on Reconstruction of the Legal Basis for Security will be entering their final phase. Once the Advisory Panel submits its report, the Government will examine how we will handle this while fully coordinating with the ruling parties. In any case, the schedule has not been set, and I think this will be a task for the next fiscal year and beyond. The Prime Minister has also made such statements t in Africa.  

REPORTER: Chief Cabinet Secretary, you indicated during a previous TV appearance that the Government wishes to receive the report by April. What is your view regarding this idea of changing the interpretation during the ordinary session of the Diet?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, we will  receive the report sometime in or after April. After receiving the report, the Government will examine how we will handle this while fully coordinating with the ruling parties. I believe this will be the way in which we will be proceeding.

REPORTER: Pardon me for asking about this again, but New Komeito, one of the ruling parties, takes a cautious stance with regard to the exercise of the right to collective self-defense. Is there a possibility that the exercise of the right to collective self-defense would not be approved during the ordinary Diet session unless the understanding of New Komeito is obtained?   

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: What we have in our mind at this time to receive a report from the Advisory Council sometime in or after April first. Upon receiving the report, we will examine this matter while coordinating with the ruling parties. Since we do not yet have a firm grasp of the details of the report, only the steps up to this point have been decided.

REPORTER: Regarding stock prices, the Nikkei Stock Average fell sharply at one time, dropping more than 400 yen. What is your analysis of this? Also, could you please explain its impact on the Japanese economy?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any case, as I have said a number of times during these press conferences, the Government wishes to refrain from commenting on the movements of stock prices in order to avoid causing unnecessary market confusion. However, with regard to the Japanese economy, the real economy has been steadily recovering, with the growth rate being positive for the fourth consecutive quarter. With regard to the movements of the stock market, we think it is important that we follow them in a calm manner. While paying attention to the movements of the financial and consumption markets, the Government will continue to truly promote the three arrows in an integrated manner, working steadily and quickly, so that we can aim to exit deflation and realize a positive cycle of a sustainable economy led by the private sector.

(Abridged)