Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have one more question, concerning the Integrated Resort (IR) bill that promotes casinos and other resorts. Although this bill is not one that has been submitted by the Cabinet, in a recent meeting with the secretaries general and Diet Affairs Committee chairpersons of the ruling parties you requested support for the IR bill. What are your thoughts concerning the necessity for passing this bill and your opinion for the prospects of it being passed in the current Diet session?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I was asked for the Government’s thoughts on this bill in a meeting of the secretaries general of the ruling parties. I responded that the IR bill, while being legislation initiated by Diet members, is something that the Government would like the Diet to deliberate from the perspective of promoting Japan as a tourism-oriented nation.

(Abridged)
 
REPORTER: I have a question relating to the passing of Mr. Fidel Castro, former President of the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba. It appears that the Government is considering dispatching Mr. Keiji Furuya, Chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Election Strategy Committee, as a special envoy of the Prime Minister. Could you tell us about the current status of arrangements?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I understand that the funeral is scheduled to take place on the evening of November 29 in Havana. Arrangements are being made to dispatch Mr. Keiji Furuya, president of the Parliamentary League for Friendship Japan-Cuba, to attend the funeral as a special envoy of the Prime Minister.