Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov of Russia criticized Japan in an interview with a Russian newspaper, saying that Japan is the only country contesting the results of World War II. What is the comment of the Japanese Government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, Japan and the former Soviet Union confirmed the cease of the state of war between the two countries in the 1956 Joint Declaration of Japan and the USSR. Furthermore, we have finished dealing with the issue of reparations and claims. Nonetheless, as a complete resolution of the territorial dispute was difficult to achieve, the two countries made an international agreement in the form of the Joint Declaration of Japan and the USSR to continue negotiations for the conclusion of a peace treaty. In this sense, the results of World War II are not final between Japan and Russia, and we consider that there is no basis for Russia’s assertion. We regard that the United States supports the position of Japan and acknowledges Japan’s assertion over the Northern Territories. There is absolutely no truth to Russia’s allegation that Japan is the only country questioning the results of World War II. In any case, the Government of Japan will negotiate persistently to conclude a peace treaty by settling the issue of the attribution of the Northern Territories.   
   
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REPORTER: I would like to ask a question regarding the issue of dolphins. The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) notified that it would expel the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA) over its method of obtaining dolphins. This afternoon, JAZA will reach a conclusion on whether or not to withdraw from WAZA. Whichever way they choose, this issue will have various impacts on the zoos and aquariums in Japan. What is your take on these developments?  

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, for the reasons you have just given, WAZA has temporarily suspended the membership of JAZA. I am aware of this. In any case, JAZA has continuously provided explanations to WAZA on its method of acquiring dolphins, while consulting the relevant parties in Japan, including the fishermen and others in Taiji Town. We have been informed that today, JAZA’s board will determine whether or not it would remain with WAZA, based on the results of the voting by member aquariums. In any case, whatever the conclusion may be, the Government will review what responses to take to ensure that the impacts to the exhibits of aquariums are kept to a minimum as much as possible, while listening to the views of JAZA and others.
 
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