Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: This afternoon, a meeting of the Headquarters for Promotion of Measures Against Transnational Organized Crime and Other Relative Issues and International Terrorism was held. At today’s meeting, in the wake of the recent terror attack in Bangladesh, we confirmed the status of the counter-terrorism measures that are being promoted and compiled efforts that should be strengthened. The Government is committed to ensuring that it spares no effort in countering terrorism in and outside of Japan while further deepening its collaboration with the international community, in order to make sure that similar tragedies never happen again.   

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to change the subject and ask about the situation in South Sudan. At this morning’s press conference, you mentioned the use of a charter aircraft and the C-130 transport aircraft for the safe evacuation of Japanese nationals. If the arrangements have been decided, can you please tell us when they will be departing and so forth?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: At this time, based on the request from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, a Cabinet decision is expected to be adopted by the end of today in order to deploy the C-130 transport aircraft of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to Djibouti to prepare for the transport of Japanese nationals, in accordance with Article 84-4 of the Self-Defense Forces Act. On this basis, the Minister of Defense will issue an order. My understanding is that three C-130 transport aircraft in Komaki will depart by the end of today for deployment to Djibouti.   

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a related question regarding the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS). The United Nations Security Council has set the end of this month, July 31, as the last day of the operation. Whether or not this will be extended is expected to be decided based on discussions. If the date is extended, does Japan intend to continue the deployment of the Ground Self-Defense Force assuming that there is no change in the nature of the activity?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As a member of the international community, Japan will, of course, adhere to the decision.

(Abridged)