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 situation related to the relocation of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa. Regarding the lawsuit by Okinawa Prefecture, based on the current settlement terms, Okinawa Prefecture’s legal team held a press conference yesterday and reconfirmed its stance of not planning to submit a lawsuit. How does the Government plan to respond?
 
DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY HAGIUDA: The latest decision reflects the result of a careful review by the Central and Local Government Dispute Management Council, a third-party body. My understanding is that the Council did not find any illegality in the Government’s correction order, and this means that the order is valid. The Government and Okinawa Prefecture are moving forward with procedures based on the settlement terms presented by the court and accepted by both sides, and the process consists of prompt parallel advances on procedures that respect court decisions and consultations. The two sides have committed to immediate compliance with any decisions by the court and subsequent good-faith responses in keeping with the gist of such decisions. I think Okinawa Prefecture must file a lawsuit to eliminate the correction order within today, the deadline set by the settlement terms, if it does not intend to withdraw reversal of the land reclamation approval as stipulated by the correction order. Additionally, the Government and Okinawa Prefecture are currently moving forward with procedures to conduct consultations based on the settlement terms. The Government is preparing to hold meetings of the working group and Council for Promoting the Alleviation of the Burden of Futenma Air Station during July, and intends to explain its views and confirm Okinawa’s stance in these consultations.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: This question is related to the United Kingdom’s (UK) exit from the European Union (EU). You have attended related meetings on measures to address the situation. What is the main focus at this point?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY HAGIUDA: Today the Government held a meeting of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy. Prior to that, it conducted a meeting on stabilizing financial and foreign exchange markets. Prime Minister Abe led the call for a meeting of G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors when the EU exit was confirmed, since Japan holds the G7 Presidency. We decided on the overall policy direction on the premise that the G7 should make a joint response to ensure market stability. The Government held another meeting of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy today against this backdrop. I think it is important to address market concerns. The G7 acted quickly in issuing a message. However, foreign exchange markets appear to be extremely nervous. We are therefore monitoring market trends with even greater vigilance than in the past to ensure that this activity does not continue. We are also ready to take firm action as needed.

REPORTER: I have a question related to the UK’s exit from the EU. There has been much talk of regret among people who voted for the EU exit in the UK, and the expression of this regret seems to have grown significantly. What are your thoughts on this situation? Why do you think these opinions are emerging?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY HAGIUDA: I am aware of such activity surfacing right after the results. However, this is an issue concerning the UK and I do not think it appropriate for me to comment on the matter as a representative of the Government.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to change the topic and ask about the Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) relationship. It has been half a year as of today since the agreement between Japan and the ROK regarding the comfort women issue at the end of last year. How does the Government intend to proceed in carrying out the agreed terms?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY HAGIUDA: I believe it is very important for Japan and the ROK to take sincere steps toward implementing the points mutually agreed upon at the end of last year.

REPORTER: This is a related question. I would like to ask about the one billion yen that the Japanese Government agreed to contribute. What is your view of the timing of contributing the funds?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY HAGIUDA: I think that above all, we must make a sincere and thorough response based on the Japan-ROK agreement.

(Abridged)