Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Song Il Ho, the North Korean Ambassador for the Normalization of Relations Between Japan and North Korea, held a press conference with Kyodo News stating that the findings of the investigation into Japanese citizens including abductees was almost complete, and indicating that it was his understanding that the investigation had reached the final stages. What are your thoughts on these statements? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, I’m not aware of the details, so I would like to refrain from making any comment on behalf of the Government. Nevertheless, as I have stated here many times already, what the government is aiming for is to have all of the abductees repatriated at the earliest possible date. We will continue to devote our efforts to achieving that by pursuing the policies of “dialogue and pressure” and “action for action.”

REPORTER: Ambassador Song stated that the reporting of the findings is running behind schedule because they haven’t as yet been able to share the information with the Japan side, but that they are ready to participate in Japan-DPRK government level consultations. As the Japan side has been requesting that the findings be reported as soon as possible, do you think the Government will be willing to take part in these Japan-DPRK consultations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, the Government doesn’t have a clear understanding of what capacity the Ambassador was speaking in, so I would like to refrain from commenting. 

REPORTER: You met earlier today with Caroline Kennedy, Ambassador of the United States of America to Japan. What was on the agenda for that meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have met with the Ambassador for discussions many times since she assumed the post, and I would like to refrain from commenting on the details of what was discussed.

(Abridged)