Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Please allow me to ask a question regarding Iranian crude oil imports. Even as the EU continued to impose sanctions, the Government of Japan continued to implement the special measures act relating to tankers transporting Iranian crude oil, in order to allow for Japan’s import of Iranian crude oil. What is the outlook for terminating the special measures act now that the EU and other countries have decided to lift their sanctions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, there was the practical matter that EU insurance companies were not providing reinsurance. On reaching “Implementation Day,” the United States and the EU will be lifting and terminating their measures on Iran. I imagine that this will result in the improvement of economic relations with Iran. However, I am not yet aware as to what will happen regarding reinsurance. The Government will be following these activities of the United States and the EU.