Home > News > Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary > October 2014 > Monday, October 27, 2014 (AM)
Monday, October 27, 2014 (AM)
Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)
[Provisional Translation]
Q&As
- The issue of the abductions
- The issue regarding the Ebola virus disease
(Abridged)
REPORTER: The Government delegation to North Korea will be arriving in Pyongyang this afternoon. Can you please once again explain what the Government’s stance is going into the talks with the Special Investigation Committee?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I have stated repeatedly, during the visit to Pyongyang, the Japanese side will fully convey to responsible officials of the Special Investigation Committee of North Korea that the abduction issue is the absolute priority for Japan. Furthermore, the Japanese side will be asking the people who are actually conducting the investigations to explain the current status of the investigations. In the course of this, the Japanese side will urge North Korea to swiftly proceed with the investigations and to provide sincere responses to Japan. The meeting is expected to proceed in such a manner.
REPORTER: You mentioned responsible officials. Who will actually be attending the meeting on the North Korean side? Is this still being arranged?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe it is the Japanese Embassy in Beijing that is making the arrangements. At any rate, we have in mind people who can be accountable for their responses.
(Abridged)
REPORTER: I understand that a short while ago, the Prime Minister instructed Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Shiozaki to hold a ministerial meeting on the Ebola virus disease. When were you thinking of holding the meeting? Also, what are the measures that need to be implemented with urgency?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Ebola virus disease is spreading. In light of the situation, in Japan, extensive measures have been taken to combat the spread of Ebola, with the Cabinet leading the response effort. I gather that today, the Prime Minister instructed the holding of a ministerial meeting in order to further step up the Government’s measures. We will be taking prompt responses based on the situation.
(Abridged)
