Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

 

Q&As

• The issue related to Japan-Republic of Korea director-general-level intergovernmental consultations
• The issues related to a statement on the 70th anniversary of the end of the war
  

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question concerning Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) director-general-level intergovernmental consultations. I believe this topic was also raised during this morning’s press conference. Am I right to understand that the ROK is seeking to hold director-general-level intergovernmental consultations specifically for the issue of comfort women?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I said earlier, Japan and the ROK have communicated at various levels on a number of issues, including the comfort women issue. However, nothing has been decided regarding director-general-level intergovernmental consultations. Japan strongly hopes that both countries will take a more proactive approach in order to build a multi-layered and future-oriented Japan-ROK relationship.

REPORTER: You just used the phrase "future-oriented" and I would like to ask a related question. During this morning’s press conference, you said the Government will consider an Abe Statement upon the 70th anniversary of the end of the war. When speaking about this, you also used the phrase "future-oriented." Did you use this phrase to set the Abe Statement apart from previous statements?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I have always said since assuming my present position, the Murayama Statement was announced on the 50th anniversary and then the Koizumi Statement on the 60th anniversary. The 70th anniversary is approaching, and we would therefore like to establish an advisory council and consider a future-oriented statement. This is what I have always said since assuming my present position.

REPORTER: I would like to ask another question on the same topic. Am I then right to understand that the Abe Government intends to write a new statement that takes a step forward while still succeeding the Kono Statement and Murayama Statement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA:  We are considering a statement because it will be the 70th anniversary of the end of the war.