Ad hoc press conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary on the Japanese hostage in Syria (Excerpt)

REPORTER: As for the authenticity of the video that was uploaded, have you determined it to be highly likely that it was a message transmitted from the ISIL?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Through the relevant departments of the National Research Institute of Police Science and others evaluating it in comprehensive terms, we have concluded that the likelihood is high.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: How does the government intend to address this matter going forward?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all is [ensuring] the safety of Japanese nationals abroad.  In response to this incident, on January 21 the Government instructed our overseas diplomatic establishments to take such measures as calling on Japanese nationals overseas to stay alert, strengthening coordination with Japanese schools, and furthermore requesting the security authorities to enhance security for Japanese schools, so as to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals.  Additionally, we gave exhaustive instructions once more on the 25th.  Moreover, just yesterday, we raised the danger warning level for the region in Turkey near the border to the highest level, because we thought that there was danger of harm from abduction, kidnapping, or terrorism targeting Japanese journalists.  And, today as well, in response to this incident, we sent out information applicable to a wide area while also once again instructing our overseas diplomatic establishments to ensure the safety of the Japanese community.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: At what time did the government learn of the video?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe it was somewhere around 5 AM.
REPORTER: Was that through Twitter?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Yes.
REPORTER: Related to that, was there no direct contact whatsoever from the so-called Islamic State to the Japanese government since the initial release of the video warning that Mr. Yukawa and Mr. Goto would be murdered?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: None, as I have been stating in press conferences right through to today.
REPORTER: It appears that this abduction of Japanese nationals was aimed at making the organization’s presence felt among the international community and that from the start there was no intention to negotiate.  What is the government’s interpretation of this?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We have not examined that possibility.  I do believe it is true that there were shades of unilateral propagandizing.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: In the video in which the act is perpetrated, there was a statement that the decision of the Prime Minister caused this situation.  How do you regard the assertion of the group of perpetrators that emphasized that the Prime Minister bears responsibility for the outcome?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan will never give in to terrorism.  We intend to further expand our humanitarian assistance in the Middle East in areas such as food and medical care, as there are more than approximately 10 million refugees and displaced persons in the region.  Japan will steadfastly fulfill its responsibility in the international community combatting terrorism.  This is the government’s approach.
REPORTER: Earlier today the Prime Minister used strong language in his criticism, saying he will never forgive these terrorists and he will work to hold them responsible for their deplorable acts.  Is anything else being considered beyond the humanitarian assistance and assistance for refugees and displaced persons that you mentioned just now?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan will make its utmost efforts to reliably carry out its role in working to eradicate terrorism, in cooperation with the international community.
REPORTER: Related to that, are you also considering imparting damage on the Islamic State, directly or indirectly?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I just stated, Japan will never give in to terrorism.  We will further expand our humanitarian assistance in the Middle East in areas such as food and medical care, and we will steadfastly fulfill our responsibility in the international community combatting terrorism.  Moreover, we will press forward in our efforts to address despicable acts of terrorism, in cooperation with the international community.  Japan, and the government in its entirety, will make every possible effort in this regard.
REPORTER: The group of perpetrators stated that next it will target all Japanese for acts of terrorism.  Has the Government of Japan adopted a recognition that Japan too has now plunged full-scale into the war on terrorism?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan has been making its utmost efforts through to the present day to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals, and Japan will never give in to terrorism.  Japan has always stated these facts.  Within this context, as I also stated just a moment ago, we will first of all make our utmost efforts to secure the safety of Japanese nationals abroad.  Moreover, in order to be able to nip such terrorist acts in the bud overseas, we will strengthen our gathering and analysis of information and furthermore provide information promptly regarding the safety of Japanese nationals traveling or residing overseas.  We will also thoroughly conduct tactics at our national borders in cooperation with relevant organizations to prevent terrorists from entering Japan.  We will also thoroughly guard and secure key facilities such as airports and public transport systems.
REPORTER: As this incident was unfolding, the Prime Minister repeatedly made statements indicating his willingness to rescue Japanese nationals through the use of the Self-Defense Forces.  After the incident in Algeria, the law governing the Self-Defense Forces was revised to enable transport [of overseas Japanese nationals] by land.  If there were to be further development of this law in the future, would that mean the engagement of the SDF in actual rescue operations, on the conditions of the area being territory where the government in question holds effective control and of obtaining the consent of the government in question?  And, in such a case, would it be possible in terms of Japan’s capabilities, including intelligence specifying the location of the abductees?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe that is something to be examined in the future, including such matters as the ones you raised.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: You explained that Japan will carry out its role in working to eradicate terrorism, in cooperation with the international community.  However, rather than the international community, a coalition of the willing, centered on the United States, is conducting air strikes.  Is there any possibility of considering cooperation related to the air strikes themselves in any form, such as financial cooperation or military cooperation towards these air strikes, or towards the actions of the coalition of the willing?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: There is no such possibility whatsoever.  With regard to the deployment of the SDF for the purpose of rescuing Japanese nationals that I mentioned a moment ago, I wish to add that security legislation and our response to this incident are entirely separate matters.  I state this so that there is no misunderstanding.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: It could be said that the “Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant” (ISIL) intentionally misunderstood the speech that Prime Minister Abe delivered during his Middle East tour in order to commit this terrorist act. Experts have made various comments regarding the issue of timing. What is your take on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe there was no misunderstanding. The Prime Minister made this visit because he considered it important, on this, the year of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, to affirm our commitment to the international community, especially to the Middle East region, that Japan will actively promote the path of a peace-loving nation we have followed since the end of WWII in all parts of the world. Furthermore, precisely because Japan walked the path of peace, there are many ways we can support the moderate Middle East countries which are on the front line of extremism, terrorism, and violence. This includes food assistance and medical assistance. It is with this intention that the Prime Minister made this Middle East visit. There was no misunderstanding. We perceive that these acts were intentional.

REPORTER: The perpetrators did not intentionally misunderstand the speech?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: There is no legitimacy whatsoever for terrorism. They are conducting an utterly despicable act of terrorism.

REPORTER: Confirming whether the Jordanian pilot was alive was one of the focal points of the negotiations over Mr. Goto’s release. Has the Government found out anything with regard to the safety of the Jordanian pilot?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan has no knowledge of this. However, I would like to say that, since the outbreak of this incident, Jordan has worked very closely with Japan. Japan would like to express its appreciation for Jordan’s cooperation.  

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Is it your view that this outcome is the result of the breakdown of the negotiations between the Jordanian Government and ISIL over the hostage exchange?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I do not know. However, I would like to say that the Jordanian Government acted in good faith for the sake of Japan.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: You stated that this incident and the issue of security legislation are separate matters. Is that to say that the Government will not be developing security legislation to rescue Japanese nationals as a result of the occurrence of this incident, and rather that the Government had already been considering the development of security legislation from before the incident? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It is not as though we will be making these considerations as an immediate consequence of this incident. Moreover, ISIL is not an official ruling entity. I stated this because I did not wish to cause misunderstanding.  

(Abridged)

REPORTER: The Government’s views are clear from your explanations thus far. However, the footage as well as messages intended to shake up the Japanese population, such as “So let the nightmare for Japan begin,” are scattered throughout today’s video. What are your thoughts regarding this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: All of the videos to date have been like this. ISIL impassively conducts these despicable acts. These are impermissible and outrageous acts. Japan will never give in to terrorism. Over 10 million refugees have actually fled. Japan will steadily provide humanitarian assistance for such people, and thereby fulfill our responsibility towards the counter-terrorism efforts of the international community.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: This incident has given the image that the Middle East is dangerous. Japanese corporations doing business in the Middle East are now moving to restrict their operations. What is the Government’s view on this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Peace and security in the Middle East are critically important. Japan will steadily extend humanitarian assistance so that peace and security will be realized as quickly as possible. Thereby, Japan will fulfill its role towards the counter-terrorism efforts of the international community.

REPORTER: The Prime Minister’s statement states that the Prime Minister will never forgive these terrorists and will work with the international community to hold them responsible for their deplorable acts. What do you mean by holding them responsible?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government is of course infuriated by these despicable acts of terrorism. The eradication of terrorism has been agreed upon by the international community, as well as at the United Nations. It is essential that Japan resolutely condemns impermissible acts of terrorism, firmly engage in the counter-terrorism efforts of the international community, and affirm that Japan will never forgive these despicable acts of terrorism.

REPORTER: It is vital to demonstrate Japan’s stance of not giving in to terrorism. The Prime Minister uses strong wording on this matter. However, this could cause some Japanese people to worry that Japan will become a member of the coalition of the willing, that Japan will become a target of terrorism. What is your view?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We have made it clear that Japan will not join the coalition of the willing. At the same time, we cannot condone the people who committed acts of terrorism of this magnitude. It is important that Japan thoroughly deals with the situation, while working with the international community within the framework of the international law. Japan has built up a track record of humanitarian assistance in the Middle East. If Japan suspends its humanitarian assistance because of fears of ISIL, we would be giving in to terrorism and bowing to the wishes of terrorists. Japan will steadily extend humanitarian assistance. We expect those who committed these despicable acts of terrorism to be fully brought to justice by the international community.
 
REPORTER: In the video today, ISIL criticizes Japan’s decision, saying that Prime Minister Abe’s decision caused this incident. Through such videos and the Internet, ISIL’s assertions are expected to reach throughout the Middle East and the international community. When this incident first broke out, Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan would be sending out information by engaging in thoroughgoing information operations. Can you please briefly describe these information operations? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: These are utterly despicable, unilateral acts. We resolutely cannot condone them.

REPORTER: As “not giving in to terrorism” has a broad meaning, I would like you to clarify the meaning of Japan’s contribution to the efforts of the international community. Is my understanding correct that Japan’s assistance to the Middle East will be limited to humanitarian assistance and to non-military assistance? Is it correct that Japan will not provide military logistical assistance to the coalition of the willing? And is it correct that separate from these issues, Japan will consider the development of legislation with regard to Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (SDF)?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As the SDF matter concerns legislation, it does not concern the immediate term.

REPORTER: Can you explain to us how exactly Japan will be expanding humanitarian assistance to the Middle East? In particular, what is the possibility of Japan extending additional assistance in addition to the US$200 million that the Prime Minister pledged in Egypt?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We will further expand our refugee assistance. Although ISIL gave Japan’s assistance as one of its motives, our humanitarian assistance is a continuation of assistance we have long provided to date, and is highly appreciated by the countries in the Middle East and the world. If ISIL were to commit terrorism when they are displeased with Japan’s assistance, there will no longer be democracy and sovereign nations. In this sense, it is important that Japan does not give in to terrorism and steadily extends humanitarian assistance.      

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Japan will be giving neither financial assistance nor logistical assistance to the coalition of the willing. On the other hand, Japan will be holding terrorists responsible. There seems to be a discrepancy between what you are saying. Can you please comment?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: There is no discrepancy at all. There exist many assistance measures for the eradication of terrorism. Sixty countries in the world have decided on such measures. Within this context, we will provide assistance. The UN as a whole has passed resolutions on the eradication of terrorism. In this context, we will firmly implement various countermeasures. There is nothing unreasonable whatsoever about this.

REPORTER: Japan has extended US$10 billion in assistance for the Gulf War and other assistances. Notwithstanding this, you deny financial assistance. What is the meaning behind this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan’s humanitarian assistance to the Middle East thus far is highly appreciated and has been effective. Therefore, we will be scaling up this assistance. There are over 10 million refugees. What Japan can do in its capacity is to extend as much assistance as possible. That is what it means. 

(Abridged)