Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

(Abridged)

Q&As

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the situation in North Korea. I imagine that Japan is coordinating with the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) in maintaining surveillance over the situation. In terms of the signs and so on, what is the outlook of the Government regarding North Korea’s chances of conducting a nuclear test? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan steadily maintains surveillance over North Korea on a day-to-day basis, closely and constantly coordinating with the United States and the ROK. The Government is dealing with the situation with arrangements in place to fully secure the lives and peaceful daily lives of the Japanese people.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to change the subject and ask about the situation in Turkey. Following the recent failed coup d’état attempt, the Turkish Government has detained a large number of people in the military and judiciary and suspended public servants, which has raised concerns in the West over the Government’s high-handed actions. What is the view of the Japanese Government regarding the posture of the Turkish Government?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: According to the Turkish Government, it has detained or suspended many people in the military, police, and judiciary over the recent uprising. We are aware of this. In any case, first of all, the Turkish Government is continuing to conduct investigations, and the Japanese Government will first keep a watch on them. The Government expects that Turkey would overcome the current difficulty to quickly normalize the situation, and that democracy based on Turkish law and fairness would be strengthened.

REPORTER: I have a related question. You mentioned “expects.” However, destabilization of the situation in Turkey will have impacts, including on the Middle East situation. Against this backdrop, it is said that Prime Minister Abe and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have a close personal relationship. Does the Prime Minister have any intention of requesting national reconciliation or self-restraint directly to the President?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any case, at this present stage, it is a matter of course that the Government first keep a watch on the investigations as measures are now being taken in response to the attempted coup d’état.

(Abridged)