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Tuesday, October 28, 2014 (PM)
Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)
[Provisional Translation]
Q&As
- The issue of the abductions
REPORTER: My question is about the consultations in Pyongyang on the issue of the abductions of Japanese nationals by North Korea. It seems that the afternoon session of the consultations has started. What is being discussed at the consultations? What is their current status?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, the consultations with the members of the Special Investigation Committee, including Chairman So Tae Ha, commenced at around 9:30 am today. Indeed, Japan stressed that the abduction issue is an absolute priority. We were informed that the morning session ended at around 11:45 am. The afternoon session has been held since 3 pm. We have not received any particular reports at this stage, mid-way through the consultations.
REPORTER: I have a related question. How about what North Korea explained during this morning’s session? Can you tell us about that?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have not been briefed on the details yet.
REPORTER: I have a related question. On the North Korean side, the leading members of the Special Investigation Committee, including Chairman So Tae Ha, were in attendance. What is your impression of North Korea’s attitude towards the consultations so far?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan strongly wished to hold talks with the officials responsible from North Korea’s Special Investigation Committee who can be accountable for their responses. As the officials responsible are attending the consultations, I presume that the Japanese side stated Japan’s longstanding assertion that the abduction issue is an absolute priority. I believe they are also pressing North Korea to explain what kind of investigations it is currently conducting.
REPORTER: I would like to ask a similar question. How does Japan assess the fact that So Tae Ha and other officials responsible attended the consultations?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: There is nothing to assess. It is a given that they should attend. In any case, Japan would like North Korea to report the investigation results as quickly as possible in good faith.
(Abridged)
