Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Today, March 11, marks the fourth year since the Great East Japan Earthquake. I would like to once again offer my sincere condolences to those who lost their lives, as well as my deepest sympathies to their families and to those who live as evacuees even now. Today, from 2:30 p.m., the Government will host a memorial ceremony at the National Theatre in the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress as well as representatives of all sectors of society.  

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Yesterday, former Prime Minister Hatoyama visited the Crimean Peninsula. The Government had urged former Prime Minister Hatoyama to refrain from making the visit. What is the opinion of the Government? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, Russia’s so-called annexation of Crimea infringes on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and Japan absolutely cannot condone attempts to change the status quo with force in the background. This has been the consistent position of the Government ever since the situation in Crimea developed. For this reason, the Government had urged former Prime Minister Hatoyama through his secretary to reconsider the visit to Crimea, as it grossly runs counter to the position of the Government. Notwithstanding this, former Prime Minister Hatoyama went ahead with such an act. This is an all-too-imprudent act for a politician who was once Prime Minister and is deeply regrettable. We strongly condemn his actions.

REPORTER: The Japanese Government imposes its own sanctions against North Korea over the abduction issue. The export/import restrictions and the ban on North Korean ships entering Japan except for ships entering for humanitarian purposes will expire on April 13. It has been reported that the Japanese Government intends to extend these sanctions by another two years. Are you making arrangements to approve the extension as a Cabinet decision? What is the status of the arrangements? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, it is true that the deadline is approaching. However, the Government has not yet made any decisions at this present stage. We will make a final decision based on the various circumstances surrounding North Korea. As of now, nothing has been decided.

(Abridged)