Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The issues related to a video posted to You Tube by Special Advisor to the Prime Minister Eto
• The issue related to the media report on relaxing the standard for use of weapons by the Self-Defense Forces
• The issue related to the situation in Ukraine

REPORTER: Special Advisor to the Prime Minister Seiichi Eto posted a video report on national administration on YouTube. It was about the Prime Minister's visit to Yasukuni Shrine. In the video he is critical of the United States, saying that rather than the United States being disappointed, it is Japan who is disappointed. Firstly, can I interpret this as being the Government's view?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have heard about the press reports you mentioned. However, I have not seen the actual video myself and I am not aware of his comments. Nevertheless, judging from the content of the press reports I would like to make it clear that the comments made by Special Advisor Eto merely represent his own personal views and not those of the Government of Japan. Just as the Prime Minister himself stated in a press conference following his visit to the shrine, Japan will offer explanations humbly, respectfully and sincerely, and seek to obtain understanding. That is all there is to say.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: On a related note, Mr. Eto is Special Advisor to the Prime Minister after all. The United States could therefore conceivably get the impression that Japan is being duplicitous. The United States might interpret Mr. Eto's comments as expressing Japan's real views on this matter. Does the Government intend to offer an explanation to the United States or caution Mr. Eto on this point?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, on behalf of the Government, I would like to state clearly that the comments made by Special Advisor Eto were entirely his own personal views. They do not represent the views of the Japanese Government. Therefore, in terms of specific actions, we would like to respond firmly. in consistent with what the Prime Minister has stated to date.

REPORTER: I have an extra question. So are you saying that you will say something to Mr. Eto or offer an explanation to the United States about this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, we would like to explain to Special Advisor Eto that the Prime Minister's view is to offer explanations humbly, respectfully and sincerely and seek to obtain understanding. The Government's policy is based on this view and we will persistently seek to obtain understanding with regard to visits to Yasukuni Shrine.

REPORTER: On a related note, could you tell us how you will proceed? After this press conference, do you intend to meet with and speak to Special Advisor Eto about this matter then?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Yes, that is what I am contemplating.

REPORTER: What sort of specific process will you follow?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, we will confirm what he meant by the comments and then respond in a thorough manner.

REPORTER: I would like to ask how the Government will handle this video. Are we to understand that the Government will consider how to handle this matter after first discussing  with Special Advisor Eto?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: That will be the first response, yes.

REPORTER: According to some press reports, the Government is aiming to either submit amendments to the Self-Defense Forces Act or an entirely new bill during the extraordinary session of the Diet. The reports say that these would relax the standard for use of weapons. What are the facts behind these reports?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, the Advisory Panel on Reconstruction of the Legal Basis for Security is currently engaged in various discussions. Therefore the Government would first like to wait until the advisory panel issues its conclusions. The Government has already made the discussions of the advisory panel to date public. During these discussions, the panel suggested that the Government should formulate the proper domestic legislation for the use of weapons by the Self-Defense Forces for the protection and rescue of Japanese nationals overseas, and also in the execution of their duties in peacekeeping operations.  Once the final report is submitted by the advisory panel, the Government intends to deepen discussions on such issues.

REPORTER: I have a question about the situation in Ukraine. Clashes have reignited between opposition party anti-government demonstrators and security forces in Ukraine. What will be the response of the Government of Japan to this situation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, the Government of Japan strongly calls on all the relevant parties for maximum restraint and responsible behavior without use of force and for the earliest settlement of the situation through dialogue. From the perspective of protecting Japanese nationals in Ukraine, the Government requested the Government of Ukraine about ensuring safety. In addition, the Government is currently making a detailed response, providing appropriate information and issuing alerts about the situation. We intend to continue these actions and further request the Government of Ukraine regarding the safety of Japanese nationals. It is extremely regrettable that clashes between anti-government protestors and security forces have resulted in so many deaths and injuries.

REPORTER: President Putin of Russia has indicated his support for the Ukrainian administration of President Yanukovych. This is causing confrontation between the United States and Russia. Does the Government of Japan have any particular stance in this regard?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, above all, the Government of Japan strongly calls on all the relevant parties for maximum restraint and responsible behavior without use of force and for the earliest settlement of the situation through dialogue.