Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to change the subject. A Russian bomber was shot down by the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), and altogether two people died. Can you please share the comments of the Government of Japan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First, as regards this incident, on the 24th, a TAF aircraft shot down an aircraft of the Russian Armed Forces near the Syrian-Turkish border. The countries concerned are now working to obtain the facts on what happened. As the facts are still unknown, Japan would like to refrain from making comments. In any case, Japan will closely follow the situation. In this context, Japan hopes that the countries concerned will deal with the situation calmly based on objective facts, and that the international community continues to act in solidarity in combatting terrorism.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question related to increasing the transparency of the Memory of the World Register system of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The Government of Japan is requesting increased transparency. However, yesterday, through Mr. Koichiro Matsuura, former Director-General of UNESCO, UNESCO informed that the advisory committee, which essentially determines whether or not an inscription is made, cannot open up its meetings. I understand that one of the reasons given was opposition from committee members. Can you please tell us your views?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, the Government has not yet confirmed whether or not this is an official opinion. While I am aware that this discussion came up with former UNESCO Director-General Matsuura, the Government has not confirmed whether this is an official opinion. Under these circumstances, there is an urgent need to improve the system by ensuring the fairness and transparency of the Memory of the World Register Programme to prevent its use for overtly political purposes. At this stage, we, as a responsible member, are making every effort to improve the programme, and are reaching out to UNESCO member states.