Press Conference by the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Hagiuda

(Abridged)

Q&As

REPORTER: I have a question about the draft supplementary budget for the Kumamoto Earthquake. The ruling parties are seeking to have the draft budget passed by May 17. Could you tell us the thinking behind this schedule and the reason for seeking the swift passage of the supplementary budget?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY HAGIUDA: With regard to the supplementary budget, just the other day the Prime Minister instructed the Minister of Finance to start coordination with the relevant ministers to ensure that the Government can quickly submit the supplementary budget to the Diet, so that the Diet can pass the budget during the current session. My understanding is that the Minister of Finance is currently engaged in the compilation of the supplementary budget to ensure that it can be quickly submitted and passed by the Diet. With regard to the timing of the submission of the draft supplementary budget and its approval and passage, I would like to leave matters of scheduling to the Diet. In addition, this supplementary budget will naturally include expenses needed to support people affected by the disaster, including allowances to secure housing and for a fund to support the rebuilding of lifestyles. It will also establish a Kumamoto Earthquake Recovery Emergency Fund. Through this supplementary budget, the Government seeks to undertake more than enough preparation to ensure that we can swiftly advance the rebuilding of the businesses of those affected by the disaster, the recovery of infrastructure such as roads and facilities, and the removal of debris. In any case, the Government will continue to respond by doing everything possible to achieve recovery and reconstruction as soon as possible, clearly identifying the financial resources needed and cooperating with local authorities in Kyushu.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question on a different topic, about the agreement between Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) regarding the comfort women issue. In recent talks with members of the ROK media about the agreement, President Park Geun-hye of the ROK stated that the removal of the statue in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul is not mentioned at all in the agreement and discussion on this matter would not benefit the victims. It would appear that the President was seeking to divert attention from the view that the removal of the statue is a precondition for the provision of funds for the establishment of a foundation. What are the Government’s views with regard to this matter and also with regard to the implementation of the agreement, which is currently behind schedule?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY HAGIUDA: I am aware of the press reports yesterday relating to this matter. In the agreement, the Government of the ROK acknowledged the fact that the Government of Japan is concerned about the statue in front of the Embassy of Japan in Seoul and it is also noted that the Government of the ROK will strive to solve this issue in an appropriate manner. At the same time, with regard to whether the removal of the statue is a prerequisite for the implementation of the agreement, what I would say is that although the agreement does not go into fine details clause by clause, it is nonetheless of major significance for both countries as it resolves the issue finally and irreversibly and focuses on two countries building a future-oriented relationship so as not to allow the future generations to be impaired by the issue. In that sense, my understanding is that the removal of the statue is included as one of the details of the agreement. The Government of the ROK is currently at the stage of explaining the agreement to the public, and I believe that it is important for both countries to implement the agreement with a sense of responsibility.

REPORTER: I have a question concerning North Korea. The Workers’ Party of Korea is scheduled to hold its first congress in 36 years on May 6. There are concerns that North Korea may engage in further provocative actions to coincide with the congress. What is the Government’s view on the potential for such actions?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY HAGIUDA: I am aware of the announcement that the Workers’ Party of Korea is scheduled to hold its seventh party congress, the first for 36 years, on May 6. The Government will continue to engage in close cooperation with the United States and the ROK, urging North Korea to refrain from provocative actions and comply with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks. The Government will continue to engage in intelligence gathering and surveillance with a sense of urgency in order to be able to respond to any situation.