Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: With regard to the attendance of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at yesterday’s ceremony in China to commemorate the end of the war, this morning, the Policy Division of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) confirmed its intention to issue a letter of protest. The Government also conveyed its concerns prior to the attendance of the Secretary-General, so does the Government now intend to lodge a protest following his attendance at the ceremony?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I noted yesterday, Japan has always advocated that the United Nations, an organization with more than 190 member states, should be a neutral organization that does not to seek to unnecessarily focus on particular events in the past relating to member states, but rather adopt a future-oriented stance that seeks to promote harmony and development in the international community, including freedom, human rights and the rule of law. This stance has already been firmly conveyed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. In that sense, it is extremely regrettable that he chose to attend the parade. This has been strongly conveyed through various channels.

(Abridged)