Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

1. Opening remarks
(Abridged)

2. Q&As
(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question about North Korea. First Secretary Kim Jong-un stated that North Korea intends to continue missile launches. Please explain the government’s response.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government has commented many times that it absolutely cannot accept the missile development by North Korea. We intend to continue urging North Korea to refrain from further provocative actions and faithfully abide by United Nations Security Council resolutions and the Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks while consulting with related countries, particularly the United States and the Republic of Korea.

REPORTER: This is related. Today is considered to be the birthday of General-Secretary Kim Jong-il. What is your analysis regarding the possibility of provocative actions, such as a missile launch?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government is constantly monitoring various actions by North Korea with alertness. Japan’s stance is making persistent efforts on a regular basis from the perspective of finding the most effective way of eliciting specific positive actions from the North Korean side for a comprehensive solution for the pending issues of abductions, nuclear weapons, and missiles.