Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: The United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have started joint military exercises in the ROK and there are concerns that there may be more provocation from North Korea. Could you tell us about the Government’s response to this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly it is unacceptable that North Korea is engaged in provocative actions in reaction to the resolution adopted by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and also the U.S.-ROK joint military exercises, without showing any sign of ceasing nuclear and missile development. Japan strongly urges North Korea to sincerely heed the strong warnings and condemnation repeatedly expressed by the international community and to comply faithfully and fully with the latest resolution and the series of relevant resolutions, without taking further provocative actions. Furthermore, Japan intends to put its utmost efforts into various responses in order to be fully prepared and capable of responding to any circumstances. We will continue to closely cooperate with countries concerned, including the United States and the ROK and engage in efforts based on the principles of dialogue and pressure and action for action, with a view to achieving a comprehensive solution to various issues of concern with North Korea, including the abduction, nuclear and missile issues.

REPORTER: I have a related question. North Korea is repeatedly indicating its opposition to the joint military exercises. What is the Government’s view on the likelihood of the launch of a short or medium-range ballistic missile?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We have keen interest in the events in North Korea relating to nuclear and missile development, and are working on a regular basis to gather and analyze information. As part of such efforts we are making a robust response in order to protect the lives and peaceful daily lives of the people of Japan, in close cooperation with countries concerned, including the United States and the ROK.

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the settlement proposal concerning the lawsuit about the relocation of Futenma Air Station to Henoko. The settlement proposal stipulates that the Government should rescind the order that invalidates the effectiveness of the order to halt land reclamation work and issue instructions to the prefectural government for correction of this order. What is the current status of coordination with regard to such procedures?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Based on the advice of the courts, the Government has reached a settlement with Okinawa Prefecture. Based on the conditions of that settlement, by the end of today the Director General of the Okinawa Defense Bureau will submit to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism a document requesting that the request for examination and suspension of execution, which were filed in October last year, be rescinded. Furthermore, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism will then issue a document to Governor Onaga of Okinawa Prefecture requesting that based on the Local Autonomy Act the order canceling the approval of land reclamation be rescinded, and instructing that correction to contraventions of laws and ordinances be implemented. These are the procedures that are currently being advanced.

REPORTER: If that is the case, can we assume that these procedures will be completed today?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: That is the intention, yes.

REPORTER: I have a related question. With regard to the reaction of the United States to this matter, in a press conference the spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State has expressed understanding about the settlement and noted also that the United States would like to engage in further discussions with Japan on this matter. How does the Government intend to advance discussions with the United States?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, with regard to what the U.S. Department of State spokesperson said in his regular press conference, my understanding is that he stated that the United States has been in communication with Japan about the settlement and understands that the decision on the settlement was made after careful consideration. He also noted that the United States looks forward to further discussions with Japan on this matter. He also stated the stance of the Government of the United States that the relocation of Futenma Air Station to Henoko is the only solution. Therefore, with regard to the issue of the relocation of Futenma Air Station, the Government will continue to engage in close cooperation with the United States and report on various matters as things progress. I believe that the comments made by the spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State were in such a context.

(Abridged)