Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Continuance in office of the incumbent Prime Minister of ROK
• The issue of abandoned chemical weapons in China

(Abridged)

REPORTER: President Park Geun-hye of the Republic of Korea has decided to retain the incumbent Prime Minister, who was supposed to have taken responsibility for the sinking of the MV Sewol by resigning. They have apparently abandoned nominating a new Prime Minister, exposing the considerable weakening of the administration. Do you have any views on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of reports to that effect. However, I would like to continue to monitor developments relating to decisions made by the person who has already expressed his intention to resign.

REPORTER: I have a question about the issue of abandoned chemical weapons in China. Some reports say that the Japanese Government is considering activating a processing facility by the end of this year, which would be newly established in northeast China, and building additional facilities two to three years later. Could you please confirm this, and tell us whether the budget for the additional facilities will be included in next fiscal year’s budget request?
　
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, I do not know if what you say is accurate or not. Therefore, I would also like to refrain from commenting on the budget.

 (Abridged)