Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: I would like to ask about the response to North Korea. Tomorrow it will have been one month since North Korea’s nuclear test, and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) still has not adopted a resolution on sanctions. There is even a possibility of North Korea launching a missile before a resolution is adopted. What is the Government’s view of the current situation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The timing for adoption of a UNSC resolution is unclear. However, we are continuing to take steps aimed at improving mutual understanding through bilateral discussions and other venues. While the concerned countries each have their own positions and it takes time in this context, we are acting aggressively to promote the UNSC process for adoption of a new resolution by working even more closely with others.

REPORTER: You mentioned cooperation with related countries to pursue swift adoption in the press conference right after the nuclear test. Doesn’t the current situation indicate that the Government’s outlook or calculations were off?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: At that point, we were working closely at the Japan-United States-Republic of Korea (ROK) level toward very harsh sanctions. We are now coordinating the process with China and Russia too, and the reality is that each country has a unique position and it takes some time.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: This is related to North Korea. The ROK’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that its Foreign Minister met with the Ambassadors of Japan and the United States in the ROK today and confirmed a policy of each country taking its own measures that are tougher than in the past toward North Korea. How does the Japanese Government intend to proceed with its own measures? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government plans to make a firm and resolute response while taking into account developments in North Korea and the international community’s response.

REPORTER: Is there any chance of Japan moving forward with its own sanctions before the UNSC if the UNSC decision on sanctions is delayed?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: My point is that the Government plans to make a firm and resolute response while taking into account developments in North Korea and timing at the UNSC.

REPORTER: This is related. Japan also faces the abductions issue with North Korea, and there has not been much progress. Could you explain how the Government plans to deal with the issue in the context of these sanctions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Regarding our specific actions toward North Korea, the Government intends to respond firmly with the most effective measures aimed at comprehensively resolving the issues of abductions, nuclear weapons, and missiles.

(Abridged)