Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The ascertainment of the Kono Statement
• The situation in Iraq

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the Kono Statement. There are some press reports that suggest that the team created to ascertain the facts behind the Kono Statement will be submitting a report to the Diet on June 20. Could you tell us the facts behind these reports?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of the press reports concerning this matter, but I would like to refrain from commenting on each and every individual report. Whatever the case, the team is currently working with the aim of submitting the results of the investigation within the current Diet session. The Government will clarify how it intends to handle the report upon consultation with the Diet.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK) has made a statement cautioning Japan, noting that if the report contains anything that would damage the credibility of the Kono Statement, it would be prepared to release some kind of factual materials. What is the Government’s view of this statement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government has commissioned a third party to steadily ascertain the facts behind the Kono Statement. Therefore, I believe that the results will be submitted to the Diet.

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the situation in Iraq. The fighting between Iraqi Government forces and Al-Qaeda-linked insurgents is intensifying. Could you tell us about the Government’s response to this situation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, the Government is deeply concerned about the increasingly tense situation and the many internally displaced persons that these armed clashes have caused. The police authorities of Iraq have implemented measures to counter the attacks and exchanges of gunfire are continuing in a number of cities. The Government continues to support the Government of Iraq in its fight against terrorism. The Government hopes that the Government of Iraq will engage in measures to ensure the early restoration of the security situation while minimizing the impact on Iraqi ordinary citizens and their daily lives. We will also make every endeavor to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals.

(Abridged)