Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

(Abridged)

Q&As

• The incident on the warning of Japanese Nationals’ Murder in Syria
• The third round meeting of the Japan-China high level consultation on maritime affairs
• The subject to a remark Minister for Foreign Affairs made

REPORTER: I understand that a short while ago, the Prime Minister had a telephone talk with Prime Minister Abbott of Australia. Did they discuss any topics related to the “Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant” (ISIL)?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Today, commencing from 2:00 p.m. for 15 minutes, Prime Minister Abe had a telephone talk with Prime Minister Abbott of Australia. With regard to ISIL’s threat against Japanese hostages, Prime Minister Abbott expressed strong solidarity, saying that he and the people of Australia stand with Prime Minister Abe and Japan. He reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to the fight against terrorism. Prime Minister Abe underscored Japan’s position that Japan will not give in to terrorism and will contribute to the counter-terrorism efforts by the international community. Prime Minister Abe asked for Australia’s cooperation on the swift release of the Japanese hostages. Prime Minister Abbott stated that Australia stands ready to cooperate in every way possible together with the international community. He expressed his conviction that the Government and the people of Japan would overcome this difficulty. Both leaders concurred that the two countries would coordinate to realize Prime Minister Abbott’s visit to Japan at a mutually convenient time this year.

REPORTER: Could I confirm whether Prime Minister Abe was the one who made the telephone call to request Australia’s cooperation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Prime Minister received the telephone call from Prime Minister Abbott.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Does Prime Minister Abe intend to continue holding telephone talks with various leaders in order to request their support for securing the return of the Japanese hostages?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: To date, the Prime Minister as well as the Minister for Foreign Affairs have had telephone talks with their counterparts in numerous countries. We are doing everything we can. That is the current situation. 

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the press conference given this morning by Dr. Ko Nakata, an expert on Islamic law. Dr. Nakata appealed to ISIL that 72 hours was too short for negotiations and asked ISIL to wait a little longer. He stated that he was ready to meet with ISIL if it is willing to negotiate with him. There also seem to be other Japanese civilians who have offered to serve as mediators. Will the Government be making use of them?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware that today, Dr. Ko Nakata read out a message to ISIL during his press conference at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan. The Government would like to refrain from commenting on each and every activity undertaken by individuals. In any case, the Government is making its strongest concerted efforts to realize the swift release of the two Japanese nationals, all the while continuing to collect information.  

REPORTER: My question pertains to the previous question. During the same press conference, Dr. Nakata stated that last August, he received a request directly from an ISIL commander to act as an interpreter to conduct the trial of Mr. Yukawa who was taken hostage. Dr. Nakata alleged that he then sought the cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but that it was hesitant to cooperate. Is this true?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have no knowledge of this.

REPORTER: I would like to confirm with you whether ISIL thus far has made any contact with you or provided any information to you regarding the safety of the hostages.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We have received no contact.

REPORTER: The 72-hour deadline that the perpetrators designated in their message is approaching. Is the Government considering any new measures in addition to what it has already been doing in order to speed up the process?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Based on our stance of doing everything in our power, the Government is above all dealing with the situation to save the lives of the hostages.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Chief Cabinet Secretary, you have stated that Japan will utilize every possible outlet to send out the message that Japan’s assistance is non-military assistance. Are you considering specific measures, for example, contributing articles to Western and Middle Eastern media, or sending out a message of some kind to ISIL using Internet media?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We are taking such measures.

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the whereabouts of the hostages. Some analysts believe the two Japanese nationals may be in Raqqa in northern Syria. Is the Government aware of this information?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware that such information exists.

REPORTER: So, you have not concluded that that is where they are?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Due to the nature of the matter, I would like to refrain from further comments.

REPORTER: I have a related question. As far as the Government is concerned, up to when have you been able to trace back Mr. Goto’s whereabouts?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: To be exact, until the end of October last year, when Mr. Goto went missing in northern Syria.

REPORTER: My question is in regard to the hostage incident. Last year, all 49 Turkish nationals who were captured by ISIL were released following negotiations. There are various rumors regarding the terms of their release. Japan is a friend of Turkey’s. What is Japan currently doing or is considering doing in order to obtain the cooperation of the Turkish Government or those who have experience dealing with ISIL?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In order to realize a swift release of the hostages, the Government is pursuing a variety of means to send out a message to ISIL to ensure that the intended purpose of the Japanese Government’s assistance as well as our demand for the release of the Japanese nationals get across to ISIL. Of course, on January 20, Prime Minister Abe had a telephone talk with President Erdogan of Turkey, and requested Turkey’s cooperation on the release of the Japanese hostages. The President expressed that Turkey will not spare any effort in cooperating towards a resolution. It is in this context that we are dealing with the situation.

REPORTER: Changing topics, today, the third round meeting of the Japan-China high-level consultation on maritime affairs was held in your constituency of Yokohama. This was the first time this meeting was held in Japan. Chinese vessels have entered into Japan’s territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands twice already this year, and this is becoming a routine affair. What outcomes is Japan aiming to achieve through the platform of the consultation on maritime affairs? What are Japan’s objectives for this consultation mechanism? What is the way forward? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, today, on January 22, the third round meeting of the Japan-China high-level consultation on maritime affairs was held in Yokohama. The Japan-China high-level consultation on maritime affairs is a basic mechanism for regular consultations regarding the whole spectrum of maritime affairs of Japan and China. It is deeply significant that the third round meeting was held following the second round meeting which was held last September. At today’s meeting, relevant organizations related to the maritime affairs of both countries actively exchanged opinions on issues of interest to both countries. We will make efforts to further build up trust between the two countries.

REPORTER: I would like to change the subject to a remark Minister for Foreign Affairs Kishida made at his overseas destination. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement protesting the remark that Minister Kishida made in his address in Brussels on January 20. In regard to the issue of the Northern Territories, Minister Kishida allegedly stated that attempts were being made to change the status quo by force or coercion. What is the view of the Japanese Government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It is a historical fact that Soviet forces occupied the Northern Territories after Japan announced its acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration in August 1945. Minister Kishida explained his recognition of the issue, bearing in mind this historical fact. There are no grounds for the criticism that Minister Kishida distorted history, and our view is that we cannot accept it.