Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The ascertainment of the Kono Statement
• The live-fire drill by ROK in seas around Takeshima
• The intention to continue to promote nuclear power by the United States

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning efforts to ascertain the background of the compilation of the Kono Statement. The results of these efforts are scheduled to be reported to the board meeting of the Budget Committee tomorrow. Could you explain to us once again the purpose and aims of the Government in responding to the Diet request and reporting on the results of these efforts to ascertain the background of the compilation of the Kono Statement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I noted in the Budget Committee, former Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Ishihara, who was responsible at the working level at the time the Kono Statement was compiled, made a testimony. He suggested that there may have been consultations between Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) during the compilation process. Furthermore, Mr. Ishihara said that following the issuance of the statement at the time, Japan-ROK relations seemed to improve. However, Mr. Ishihara also stated that it was regrettable that the good intentions at the time had now been disregarded. Following this testimony the Government received and accepted a request from the Diet to engage in objective efforts to ascertain the facts. The results of these efforts will be reported to the Diet.

REPORTER: You just stated that there was a request from the Diet, but even so the Government had the option of not engaging in ascertainment efforts. Why did the Government not take this option?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I just noted, the person with the greatest responsibility at the working level at the time of the compilation gave a testimony to the Diet. I believe that in any country in the world, if the Government were to receive such a request from parliament, it would of course respond to said request and clarify the details from the time in question to the people.

REPORTER: It is being reported that there is a great deal of interest in the ROK concerning the report on the results of the ascertainment efforts. In what way do you wish the ROK to perceive the significance of the implementation of these efforts?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have already clearly stated in responses to questions in the Diet that we will not revise the Kono Statement. The Government’s stance at the time was that research and assessment of history, including the results of these ascertainment efforts, should be left to historians and persons with expert knowledge. There is absolutely no change to this stance.

REPORTER: The ROK has notified that it will be implementing a live-fire drill. According to a navigation warning issued by the Japan Coast Guard, this drill will also take place in seas around Takeshima. If you have any facts about this matter could you share them with us?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of the press reports concerning the implementation of such a live-fire drill. In light of Japan's stance on the sovereignty of Takeshima the implementation of the exercises cannot be accepted by the Government of Japan and is extremely regrettable. The Government of Japan has conveyed this sentiment to the Government of the ROK and demanded strongly that the exercises to be cancelled. Furthermore, generally speaking, the issuance of navigational warnings by the Japan Coast Guard is made from the perspective of ensuring safe passage for vessels and this warning was issued with a similar intention. The assertions concerning the sovereignty of Takeshima by the Government of the ROK and the implementation of a live-fire drill in the seas around the islands is not something that the Government of Japan can accept.

REPORTER: You noted that the Government has called for the exercises to be cancelled. By which channels was the demand made?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Minister of the Japanese embassy in the ROK lodged a protest with the Deputy Director-General of the Northeast Asian Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the ROK.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: On June 17, the Government of the United States announced its intention to continue to promote nuclear power. The statement stressed the importance of nuclear power as an energy source that does not emit carbon dioxide, with a view to realizing the Obama Administration’s proposed carbon dioxide emissions cuts. What impact do you think this statement will have on nuclear policy in Japan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In the proposals for regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions announced by the U.S. Government, nuclear power is mentioned as a means of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Whatever the case, there is absolutely no change to the Government’s basic policy on nuclear energy policy, which is contingent on the safety of nuclear power stations being ensured, and involves the reduction of dependence on nuclear power to the greatest extent possible, the promotion of thorough energy conservation, and the introduction of renewable energies to the greatest extent possible.