Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The shooting incident in France
• The structure of the National Security Secretariat

REPORTER: With regard to the shooting incident in France, I believe that Prime Minister Abe has already sent a message of condolence to President Hollande of France. Can I ask for the thoughts of the Government of Japan with regard to this incident?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: One cannot help but be immensely shocked and outraged to hear about this incident. Vicious terrorism such as this and challenges to freedom of expression and freedom of the press cannot be tolerated for any reason and the Government of Japan resolutely condemns such acts. In addition I would like to express sincere condolences to all the victims and their families, and extend heartfelt sympathies to the injured. Following this incident, Prime Minister Abe sent a message of condolence to President Hollande of France yesterday. In addition, in response to international terrorism such as this recent incident, the Government considers it to be of the utmost importance for the international community to cooperate closely together, based on a strong resolve never to yield to terrorism. The Government will make every effort in this regard. In September of last year, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts. Cooperative international structures and efforts will continue to be strengthened from now in various ways, including measures to prevent the funding of terrorism, control borders and combat extremism. The Government of Japan will actively work to promote and implement such measures.

REPORTER: I have a related question. It has been pointed out that this incident was linked to Islamic extremists. Does the Government have any terrorism-related intelligence about the situation within Japan’s borders?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The situation is currently under investigation and I would like to refrain from making any comment on behalf of the Government at the present time. The security and law and order authorities of Japan are working day and night to ensure that the lives and property of the people of Japan are duly protected.

REPORTER: I have a further related question. There are reports that one of the perpetrators of the incident in France has given himself up to the police. Is the Government currently collecting information about the background to this recent incident?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government is currently collecting information on the details of this incident and will continue to take robust actions in response to any change in the terrorism-related situation.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question about a topic that was also raised yesterday, concerning the structure of the National Security Secretariat, which marked the first anniversary of its establishment yesterday. The secretariat is currently staffed by approximately 70 people. Does the Government have any plans to further strengthen its intelligence gathering and analysis capabilities?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It is extremely important that the National Security Secretariat engages actively in matters relating to security and diplomacy, in accordance with the expectations of the people of Japan. Now that one year has passed since the establishment of the National Security Secretariat, we will be reviewing its performance and considering ways of supplementing any areas that require additional attention.

REPORTER: On a related note, what areas would you like to give particular attention to?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: During the one year that the National Security Secretariat has been in operation, I believe that the negative effects of compartmentalized, vertically structured bureaucracy have been overcome. It is my recognition that we have been able to create a structure based around the National Security Council (NSC) that can respond agilely, as circumstances require, to diplomatic and security-related matters.