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 33 general and other measures, the promulgation of a treaty, a cabinet order, and personnel decisions.

Q&As

• The issue regarding the situation in Ukraine
• The issue of sanctions against North Korea

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the situation in Ukraine. Yesterday, four leaders – the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, Germany, and France – held talks and agreed on a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine. Could you please share with us any comments that the Japanese Government has on this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, we are aware that an agreement was reached. We strongly hope that this ceasefire will be implemented and that the situation in eastern Ukraine will improve. We hope that the agreement will be fully respected.

REPORTER: I have a related question. The Japanese and Russian Governments have agreed that President Putin will visit Japan at an appropriate time by the end of this year. What impacts do you think the situation in Ukraine will have on Japan-Russia relations, including on the President’s visit to Japan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Although as of now, no decision has been made regarding President Putin’s visit to Japan, if the ceasefire moves forwards and the situation in Ukraine is brought to a peaceful resolution, then we hope to realize the visit at an appropriate time. The Prime Minister made this clear during the plenary session of the House of Representatives. I expect that the two sides will proceed with carrying out negotiations on this matter.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: In its official magazine, the militant group “Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant” (ISIL) writes in regard to the hostage incident that ISIL did not demand US$200 million from the Japanese Government for the money, and that it knew Japan would not pay the amount. ISIL asserts that the purpose was to “humiliate the arrogance of the Japanese Government.” What is your comment on this?  

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to refrain from commenting on their unilateral assertions. The thinking on the matter is that ISIL have no legitimacy no matter what they say.

(Abridged)      

REPORTER: My question concerns North Korea. According to some media reports, Japan will extend its own sanctions against North Korea, which are set to expire this April. Is this true?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: To be frank, I too learned of this from the media reports. As the expiration date is this April, I gather that nothing has yet been decided at this point in time. In any case, I believe a decision will be made based on an assessment of the various circumstances surrounding North Korea.