Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The issues related to Japan-Republic Korea relations
• The issues related to the criticism by China and North Korea during the 58th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women
• The issues related to the situation in Crimea
• The issues related to the security at nuclear power stations

REPORTER: I have a question about the reaction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK) concerning the comfort women issue. In a press briefing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the ROK noted that “the Japanese Government needs to take sincere action.” The Ministry’s point is not limited to Japan’s efforts to ascertain the background of the Kono Statement, rather, the Ministry appears to be stating that the Japanese Government needs to take sincere action. Can I ask for your thoughts on these comments?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan’s position on this issue is already entirely clear. We will continue to move forward by explaining this position and seeking understanding. That is all.

REPORTER: The ROK opinion poll organization Gallup Korea has conducted a survey. 75 percent of respondents believed that “Japan-ROK relations should be improved in the future.” In addition, 52 percent of respondents indicated that a Japan-ROK summit meeting is necessary in order to resolve bilateral concerns, exceeding the 40 percent who responded that such a meeting is not necessary. Could you share with us your thoughts on these poll results if any?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: My opinion is that the people of the ROK have made an extremely level-headed judgment.

REPORTER: Will the Government naturally take any opportunities that present themselves, including the possibility of a Japan-ROK summit meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I have previously stated on frequent occasions, the ROK is an extremely important country to Japan, and one with which we share the same values of freedom and democracy. As such, our door is always open for dialogue and the Government will continue to respond diligently based on this stance.

REPORTER: During the 58th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at U.N. Headquarters, senior representatives of the permanent missions to the U.N. from China and North Korea used the meeting to criticize Japan again. Can I ask for your views on this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, in the forum of the 58th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the U.N. in New York, China and North Korea raised the issues of the comfort women, the understanding of history and Yasukuni Shrine. Utilizing its right of reply, the representative of the Government of Japan thoroughly explained the position of the Government. It is highly unconstructive and very regrettable that China and North Korea make no attempt to understand our position and persist in engaging in a negative campaign against Japan in the forum of an international organization.

REPORTER: Could you tell us briefly about the specifics of the counterargument made by the Minister of the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not aware of the specific contents of Japan’s counterarguments. However, I imagine that the representative would naturally have focused on Japan’s basic stance on this issue. I myself have stated our stance in this press conference to date and the Prime Minister himself in fact stated Japan’s stance in the recent plenary session of the House of Representatives. Our basic stance is that Japan truly seeks to ensure that the 21st century is a century that is free from war; that history should be accepted with modesty; and that we should explain our stance
respectfully and sincerely, to seek understanding.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the situation in Crimea. President Putin proposed the annexation of Crimea by Russia to the Federation Council. I understand that he instructed that the Russian Government should begin work on concluding the treaty for annexation of Crimea. It seems that these actions further accelerate  the situation. What is the view of the Government of Japan concerning the situation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, the basic stance of the Government of Japan is that the very referendum itself in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Ukraine violates the constitution of Ukraine. It has no legal effect and Japan does not recognize its outcome. As for the fact that Russia has recognized independence of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Japan can never overlook an attempt to change the status quo with force in the background. In light of this, Japan has also ordered sanctions to be imposed. Whatever the case, the Government will continue to monitor the developments and take the appropriate action accordingly.

REPORTER: It is thought that President Putin will announce Russia’s policy in an address tonight. At the current point what kind of response does the Government of Japan intend to request President Putin and the Government of Russia to make?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Our stance, which I just stated, is clear. Therefore, we will continue to emphasize this stance firmly to Russia in cooperation with other G7 countries.

REPORTER: Given that Russia is finalizing moves to annex Crimea, will the Government consider any specific new response to the situation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I noted, the Government will carefully determine its response as we continue to monitor the situation and cooperate with countries concerned.

REPORTER: It appears that the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) decided a policy to create legislation for a confirmation system of trustworthiness. This system will implement background checks for personnel at nuclear power stations as a preemptive means of preventing terrorist attacks. Japan is the only major country to have not yet introduced such a system. What are your views on this decision by the NRA?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, I recognize that ensuring security at nuclear power stations is of the utmost importance. For example, at the current time various measures are already in place that oblige people who enter the grounds of nuclear power stations to present personal identification, or require that people enter important areas accompanied by another person. I received a report that the NRA has established a working group composed of experts to carry out working-level examinations of the issue of confirming trustworthiness. Given that security of nuclear power-related facilities is of the utmost importance, it is my hope that the NRA will give thorough consideration to the various issues to ensure that an accident does not occur.

(Abridged)