Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The PM Abe’s attendance at the ASEM
• The Act on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning Prime Minister Abe’s attendance at the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). Given that President Poroshenko of Ukraine is scheduled to attend the meeting. does the Prime Minister seek to hold a summit meeting with the President so that the two leaders can communicate directly with each other? Also, how does Japan intend to promote its response to Ukraine through the series of ASEM meetings?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, with regard to a bilateral summit meeting during the ASEM meeting, arrangements are still in the process of being coordinated. As I have stated previously with regard to the issue of Ukraine, the Government intends to engage in diplomatic efforts, maintaining cooperation with G7 countries, and keeping communication channels open with Russia, to ensure a peaceful resolution is achieved, whereby all parties comply with the ceasefire agreement and fully respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

REPORTER: I have a related question. According to Interfax of Russia, President Putin is expected to attend a meeting at ASEM with President Poroshenko and the leaders of the United Kingdom and France. Is the Government aware of these developments? Also, in the case that direct dialogue is achieved between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine what impact does the Government believe this will have on Japan-Russia relations? Is there likely to be a positive impact?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, the Government is not aware that such a meeting between leaders will be held. Whatever the case, the Government will continue to work to ensure that Japan-Russia relations develop in a manner beneficial to Japan’s national interest.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question about the Act on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets. With regard to the Independent Public Records Management Secretary, who is expected to be appointed from here on, from what perspectives will a candidate be selected, and when is a decision expected?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As the act is scheduled to enter into force on December 10, the Government wishes to respond appropriately to ensure that a formal structure is in place that can perform effective check functions by that date.

REPORTER: I have a related question. In this morning’s press conference, you stated that the Government will make efforts to allay the concerns of the public. However, if a person from within the Government were to be appointed to this checking and monitoring authority, it would raise questions about the effectiveness and independence of the organization. What are your views on this point?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Cabinet Committee for Protection and Oversight and the Independent Public Records Management Secretary will be granted the necessary authority to designate and check specially designated secrets in accordance with the operational standards. The structure that is being prepared is one through which it will be possible to engage in strict and thorough checks, with double and triple checking mechanisms in place. I do not foresee that there will be any problems if efforts are made to ensure that these functions can be performed effectively.

REPORTER: I have a further related question. A former member of the erstwhile Japan Restoration Party, who participated in the revision process at the stage when the act was still being deliberated in the House of Representatives, has criticized the supervisory structures such as the Independent Public Records Management Secretary, noting that the Government’s interpretation is different from the structures originally envisaged. What is the Government’s response to such criticism?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I don’t know who is directing such criticisms or the form in which they have taken, but what is true is that the bills relating to the Act on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets were approved by the Diet following a consultative revision process that included members of opposition parties. The act was formulated based on these consultations and the Government intends to go forward and work to gain the understanding of the Diet and the public. These actions are a matter of course.

(Abridged)