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 eight general and other measures, a draft bill, cabinet orders, and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications made a statement concerning the allocation of fiscal 2013 special tax grants as well as special tax grants for reconstruction for March.

In ministerial discussions following the Cabinet meeting, Minister Inada made a statement concerning further efforts in the review of administrative programs.

Q&As

• The issues related to Russia
• The issues relate to North Korea

REPORTER: A short while ago, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. In terms of the economic sanctions against Russia, according to the Statement, Japan has decided to take the following measures vis-a-vis Russia: suspension of consultation for easing visa regulations as well as freeze of launching negotiations on three new international agreements – a new investment agreement, an outer space cooperation agreement and an agreement for prevention of dangerous military activities. Can you first tell us the aim behind these measures?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, the premise of the measures is that the referendum in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Ukraine violates the constitution of Ukraine. It has no legal effect and Japan does not recognize its outcome. Japan deplores that Russia has subsequently recognized independence of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea which infringes on unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Japan can never overlook an attempt to change the status quo with force in the background. This is Japan’s stance. On this basis, as was mentioned moments ago, the Minister for Foreign Affairs announced that Japan has decided to take the following measures vis-a-vis Russia: suspension of consultation for easing visa regulations as well as freeze of launching negotiations of a new investment agreement, an outer space cooperation agreement and an agreement for prevention of dangerous military activities. Japan strongly urges Russia to not attempt annexation of Crimea, to observe international law and to respect Ukraine’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Japan also expresses grave concern and apprehension over increasing tensions in the eastern part of Ukraine.

REPORTER: The European Union (EU) and the United States already decided on sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes. On the other hand, Japan’s measures are the suspension of future talks and the freezing of the launch of negotiations. These measures seem less rigorous in comparison to the measures of the EU and the United States. What is your view in this regard?  

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: On the situation in Ukraine, Japan has been working closely with the G7, including for the release of the Statement of G7 Leaders on the 12th. Japan will thoroughly fulfill an appropriate role towards the settlement of the issue, in accordance with the Japan-Russia bilateral relationship that has been forged since the launch of the Abe administration. 

REPORTER: I have a related question. Just now you stated, “an appropriate role in accordance with the bilateral relationship.” What specifically do you have in mind?  

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In our position as Japan, we will steadily urge Russia to respect the position of the G7.

REPORTER: I believe the Japan-Russia Investment Forum will be held tomorrow but the Minister of Economic Development cancelled his visit to Japan. What are you aware of at this moment in time in terms of who will be attending from Russia?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Well, this forum is being led by the private sector, and as such, I understand that there is no change in the plans to hold this meeting. I would say it is for Russia to decide who will attend on their side.

REPORTER: You stated that the forum will be held as planned amid the tense situation in Crimea. You also noted that the forum was led by the private sector. In any case, what is your opinion regarding the decision to hold the forum as planned and the significance of this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In my view, as things stand, economic and cultural exchanges should not be affected. As the forum is organized by those in the private sector, the Government would like to monitor the developments.

REPORTER: Depending on how Russia responds, does Japan intend to consider additional measures, for example?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We are of course considering such measures.

REPORTER: President Putin is scheduled to deliver an address. Is Japan specifically planning to examine this address and other such developments before considering future measures?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any case, Japan will thoroughly fulfill our role while watching the developments and while working with the G7 countries.

REPORTER: The logic of the Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs is that Japan does not recognize the referendum because it violates the Constitution of Ukraine. Is it correct to understand that Japan does not recognize the referendum because it violates the Constitution of Ukraine and not because the Russian Armed Forces are occupying Crimea? In other words, is this an issue related to the Constitution?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: What took place the other day was a referendum. Japan deplores that Russia has recognized independence of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea which infringes on unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. At the same time, Japan can never overlook an attempt to change the status quo with force in the background.

REPORTER: The sanctions that Japan announced today are not as rigorous as those of the EU and the United States. Was this in consideration for the Northern Territories issue and the Japan-Russia relationship? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: That is not the case. Japan has been working closely with the G7 countries, including for the release of the Statement of G7 Leaders. At the same time, Japan will thoroughly fulfill an appropriate role towards the settlement of the issue, in accordance with the Japan-Russia bilateral relationship.

REPORTER: If I may confirm, does that mean that Japan will attach importance to the relationship forged so far between the Russian President and the Japanese Prime Minister and Japan will serve as a kind of bridge between Russia and the G7?  

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In my mind, Japan can play a variety of roles. It is natural in a sense that not only Japan but all G7 countries play their respective roles. However, the basic stance of Japan has not changed at all. Japan, as a member of the G7, will thoroughly address the situation in step with the other G7 countries.

REPORTER: What are your thoughts regarding President Putin’s visit to Japan scheduled for this autumn?  

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As of this moment in time, the Minister for Foreign Affairs’ visit to Russia in spring and President Putin’s visit to Japan in autumn are scheduled to take place. However, we will continue to monitor the developments and take action as appropriate. Therefore, we will not make a decision at this point in time.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I believe Core Meeting of the Headquarters on the Abduction Issue was held this morning. I understand that views were exchanged on the abduction negotiations. To the extent that you are able to, can you please provide us with some more details?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: A variety of views were exchanged regarding the abduction issue. This included views on last week’s meeting between Mr. and Mrs. Yokota and Ms. Kim Eun Gyong.

REPORTER: Were briefings by ministry officials the focus of the meeting? Or were views also exchanged regarding the next steps of the abduction negotiations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Four ministers analyzed the situation in North Korea, among other matters.

REPORTER: Minister Furuya appeared on a TBS program this morning and stated there is a great chance that we will see progress on the abduction issue. Did the Government discuss such a scenario in this morning’s meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Based on our existing basic stance on North Korea, the Government will make every effort to realize the return of all abductees as quickly as possible. This has not changed whatsoever.

REPORTER: I have a question regarding how exactly the Government plans to do this. If I’m not mistaken, the Government’s stance was to comprehensively resolve the outstanding issues of concern such as the abduction, nuclear, and missile issues. Is there no change to this policy? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: There is no change whatsoever.

(Abridged)