Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved 19 general and other measures, the promulgation of a treaty and law, cabinet orders, and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by Ministers, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries made a statement regarding the formulation of the Forestry Improvement and Protection Program Plan and the FY2013 Annual Report on Forest and Forestry in Japan; Minister Mori made a statement concerning the FY2013 Food Education Promotion Policy and Food Education Month; the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications made a statement about the results of the labor force survey, consumer price index, and the household budget survey; the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare made a statement regarding the national ratio of jobs to applicants for April 2014; Prime Minister Abe made a statement about appointment of a minister in charge of the national public servant system; Minister Inada made a statement concerning the minister in charge of  the national public servant system; the Minister of Finance made a statement regarding personnel affairs relating to the heads of special companies and independent administrative agencies; and Prime Minister Abe made another statement about acting ministers while ministers in charge are away on overseas visits.

The Cabinet Bureau of Personnel Affairs was established today, and an inauguration ceremony took place earlier in which the bureau’s official signboard was installed for the very first time. We anticipate that relevant staff members will pursue their duties under the leadership of Director-General Kato of the Cabinet Bureau of Personnel Affairs. Additionally, Yasuo Otani, who retired as a Councilor of the Cabinet Secretariat, will be appointed Special Advisor to the Cabinet; and I would also like to report that the letters of assignment were given out just earlier by the Prime Minister. Mr. Otani will be providing information and recommendations to the Prime Minister with regards to the national public servant system and healthcare and medical strategy.

 

Q&As

•  The Japan- North Korea Government-level consultations

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question about yesterday’s Japan-North Korea agreement. The investigation committee that North Korea will set up in three weeks will report its findings regularly to the Japan side, but Japan does not have any representation on this investigation committee. In light of this, how does the Government intend to ensure the viability of this investigation? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have received a report that the Government has thoroughly finalized any concerns during the negotiation phase, since this is a very important aspect. Unfortunately, however, Japan’s sovereignty does not extend that far. However, there was a clear statement made that once this investigation committee, which has the highest authority in North Korea, is established, that details of the organization, composition, and those in charge, among other matters, will be reported to the Japan side. The Government of Japan will, of course, make themselves fully aware of the organization and composition of the committee once it is established, and whether it is carrying out investigations. I believe during the process this will be included in negotiations with North Korea.  

REPORTER: Japan will partially remove sanctions placed on North Korea once it begins the re-investigation. Is it possible these sanctions could be enforced once again depending on North Korea’s future response?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I think that is only natural. This is because we are not going to provide North Korea with anything. Previously, it was a question of whether Japan would or would not provide rice to North Korea. At the time, I received the support of the Prime Minister as the chair of discussions on the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Control Law and the issue of the M/V Man Gyong Bong, so in that sense, we created these laws, restrictions, and sanctions. These are still ongoing as part of negotiations with the North Korean side on this occasion, and it is up to Japan to decide what to do. However, I do hope that North Korea will faithfully follow through on its promises, as this is an agreement between two nations.

(Abridged)