Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga
Yesterday, March 16, a referendum was held in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the results of which indicated approval for Crimea to be incorporated into Russian territory. This referendum violated the Constitution of Ukraine, which stipulates that changes to territories require a national referendum. As noted in the recent Statement of G7 Leaders on Ukraine, this referendum has no legal effect, and the Government of Japan does not recognize the outcome. The Government of Japan strongly urges Russia to fully observe the relevant international laws, to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and to make no steps towards the annexation of Crimea. The Government of Japan will continue to cooperate with other G7 countries concerning a response to Russia.

Q&As

• The issues related to a response to Russia
• The issues related to Japan-North Korea relations

REPORTER: You just stated that Japan will cooperate with the G7 countries concerning a response to Russia. Many anticipate that the countries of Europe and North America will strengthen sanctions against Russia. How will Japan respond in this regard?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government of Japan intends to respond by monitoring developments among the G7 countries and cooperating with countries concerned.

REPORTER: If Russia were to annex Crimea, is there a possibility that the Government of Japan would impose sanctions of its own?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I just noted, Japan will make a response while monitoring the situation in close cooperation with the G7 countries.

REPORTER: I have a question on a related subject. You stated that Japan will closely cooperate with the G7 countries, but what sort of specific measures are conceivable at present?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, the Government of Japan has consistently and strongly urged Russia to fully observe the relevant international laws, to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and to make no steps towards the annexation of Crimea. I believe that this is a natural response. At the same time, as I just stated, the Government will continue to monitor developments in the situation, as it is not yet clear what the outcome will be. The basic position is, therefore, to respond appropriately in cooperation with the G7 countries.

REPORTER: President Putin and Prime Minister Abe have met on a number of occasions, while working to build relations of trust. If Japan were to impose sanctions on Russia, I believe this would result in a change in these relations of trust. What are your views on this point?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: There are likely to be various views on this subject, but I consider it to be natural for Japan to engage in efforts in firm cooperation with the G7 countries concerned. The Government plans to continue to call on Russia in an appropriate manner with regard to this issue, although there are currently no plans to do so at the leader level. It is actually the case that following the issuance of the G7 Leaders’ Statement, the Government continues to cooperate with other G7 countries. Furthermore, Minister for Foreign Affairs Kishida contacted Minister of Foreign Affairs Lavrov of Russia on this subject, and Secretary General Yachi of the National Security Secretariat met with Foreign Minister Lavrov and the Secretary of the Security Council of Russia. On these occasions, we made efforts to convey the stance of both Japan and the G7 countries, and made calls to bring the situation to a peaceful conclusion. The Government has made these efforts to date, and Japan should continue to consider its response while monitoring developments.

REPORTER: Mr. and Mrs. Yokota met with their granddaughter in Mongolia. In the Government’s opinion, what significance does this meeting have for the resolution of the abduction issue?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, Mr. and Mrs. Yokota travelled to Ulan Bator, Mongolia from March 10 to 14, where they met and spent time with their granddaughter, Ms. Kim Eun Gyong, and her family. The Government engaged in the efforts to coordinate the meeting from a humanitarian perspective, to ensure its realization. At the same time, there is absolutely no change to the Government’s consistent position on the abduction issue, which continues to be one of the highest priorities for the Abe administration. The Government will continue to make every effort towards its resolution.

REPORTER: How does the Government appraise the fact that North Korea consented to the meeting taking place in Mongolia?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I stated that arrangements were made from a humanitarian perspective. However, it was also the case that the Government engaged in coordination efforts based on the feelings of Mr. and Mrs. Yokota. They were then able to spend time with their granddaughter and her family in a third country. Bearing in mind the feeling of Mr. and Mrs. Yokota, I would like to refrain from any further comments.

REPORTER: Returning to the topic of Japan-North Korea relations, there are reports that the two governments are making arrangements towards the reopening of formal foreign ministry director general-level consultations. Is it true?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Nothing has been decided at the current time.

REPORTER: I have a question regarding North Korea. North Korea recently responded positively not only to the meeting between Mr. and Mrs. Yokota and their granddaughter, but also to meetings between Republic of Korea (ROK) families and their relatives in North Korea. What is the Government’s analysis of these moves by North Korea?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government is currently engaged in analysis of how the two cases are related. However, the recent meeting was held as a follow-up to the previous talks between the Red Cross Societies of Japan and North Korea. These talks were held to discuss such issues as the remains of the Japanese who were left in North Korea after the war, and visits to burial sites. They were conducted at the director level. At the current juncture, I would like to refrain from making any statement about what will ultimately be decided.

REPORTER: Are you aware if the recent meeting in Mongolia resulted in any new information concerning the abduction victims?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As the meeting was to enable Mr. and Mrs. Yokota to spend time with their granddaughter and her family, I do not believe that there would have been any other information raised concerning abduction-related issues.

REPORTER: Was the meeting in Mongolia realized as a result of consultations with the United States or the ROK?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any case, I would like to refrain from commenting about specific diplomatic issues. However, it is a fact that the Government is engaged in various forms of cooperation with the United States and