Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: My question is about the report of the committee that assessed the acts of terrorism in which two Japanese nationals were murdered. The report concludes that in responding to the incident, the Government made no errors that would have undermined the chances of rescuing the hostages. Can you please share your comments in this regard? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, a meeting of the assessment committee was held. I also attended this meeting. The report contains the opinions provided by the expert members from a third-party and specialist perspective. As frank opinions were received, I believe the committee succeeded in producing an objective report which takes a third-party perspective on the assessment that the Government conducted. It is critically important that the Government takes the results of the assessment seriously, and that our future measures reflect the points raised by the intellectuals. To prevent international terrorism, the Government will bear in mind the results of this assessment and make all possible efforts to protect and ensure the security of Japanese nationals, including border control measures.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: A short while ago, the Government announced that a meeting took place between the Prime Minister and the Chair of the State Duma of Russia. What specifically did they discuss?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Today, for a short period of time at a hotel in Tokyo, Prime Minister Abe received a courtesy call from Mr. Sergey Naryshkin, Chair of the State Duma of Russia who is visiting Japan. I would like to refrain from elaborating on the details of their discussion.

(Abridged)