Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved three general and other measures, cabinet decisions, and a personnel decision. With regard to statements by ministers, the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications made a statement concerning the results of the labor force survey, consumer price index, and the household budget survey; and the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare made a statement concerning the effective ratio of job offers to applicants.

That is all from me.

Q&As

REPORTER: During the Cabinet meeting or ministerial discussions following the Cabinet meeting, did the Prime Minister make any statements or issue any instructions regarding the recent series of events related to the hostage situation

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: He did not. The Prime Minister has already made a number of statements to date.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Last night, Japan time, Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammad Hussien Al Momani of the Jordanian Government indicated that Jordan is prepared to release the death-row inmate, but is unable to confirm whether the Jordanian pilot is alive and is therefore unable to proceed to the next step. Does the Japanese Government share the same recognition?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Given the nature of the matter I would like to refrain from making any definitive statements. What I would say is that the statement was likely made as part of the various ongoing negotiations.

REPORTER: Yesterday evening a message was issued by Mr. Kenji Goto’s wife. First of all, has the Government confirmed whether or not it was in fact Mr. Goto’s wife who issued the message? Secondly, did Mrs. Goto consult the Government before issuing the message?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We have been engaged in close communications with Mrs. Goto to date. At present, with the situation still developing, I would like to refrain from disclosing each and every interaction we have with Mrs. Goto. Again, we are engaged in close communications.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to once again seek a point of clarification. I believe there is a possibility that the Jordanian Government’s proposal of conditions that differ from those issued by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant may further endanger Mr. Goto’s life. What are your views on the matter? Is this an inevitable development due to domestic circumstances in Jordan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any case, the Japanese Government’s top priority is the release of Mr. Goto and we have requested the cooperation of the Jordanian Government in this regard. I would also like to point out that we are currently continuing to engage in close communications with the Government of Jordan and that we share a relationship of trust.

REPORTER: The Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications of Jordan has said that Jordan is continuing to work closely with the Japanese side and is making continued efforts to secure the release of the Japanese hostage. Without going into the specifics, of course, could you please tell me if the Jordanian Government has provided any explanations regarding what specific efforts it is making?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Given the nature of the matter I would like to refrain from commenting.

REPORTER: I believe yesterday the Jordanian Government stated that it was not possible to move forward with the negotiations unless it is confirmed that the captured pilot is alive. Is the Japanese Government of the same view? In other words, unless it is first confirmed that the pilot is alive, it is difficult to move forward?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Your question pertains to the views of the Jordanian Government. As such, I do not consider it appropriate for me, as a representative of the Japanese Government, to comment.