Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question in connection with the issue of the relocation of Futenma Air Station. Today, a working group holding settlement consultations convened a meeting in Okinawa Prefecture. I understand that at the meeting, Okinawa Prefecture made clear that it would not file a lawsuit based on the terms of the settlement within the 30 days provided for in the Local Autonomy Act. Is my understanding correct that on this basis, after the deadline, the Government will be filing a lawsuit seeking the confirmation of illegality?     

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have been briefed that at this working group meeting with Okinawa today, statements were made to the effect that you referred to in your question just now. In response to these statements made by Okinawa Prefecture, the Government stated that under the terms of the settlement which the court presented and which both sides agreed upon, the procedures to seek a judicial decision and the procedures for consultations would proceed swiftly in parallel with each other. The Government then stated that the two sides would continue to exchange views at opportunities such as the meeting of the council between the Government and Okinawa Prefecture, which is being arranged to take place by the end of this month. At this point in time, I would like to refrain from making speculative responses. 

REPORTER: In terms of ultimately obtaining a judicial decision, if Okinawa Prefecture does not file a lawsuit, then this process will not move forward unless the Government conversely files a lawsuit. Are you saying that there still remains the option of the Government not filing a lawsuit?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any case, exchanges of views will continue to take place at the meeting of the council between the Government and Okinawa Prefecture, which is being arranged to take place by the end of this month. Since the terms that both sides agreed upon state that a judicial decision would be sought, the Government hopes to discuss these and other matters.

(Abridged)