Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga
(There were statements on the overview of the Cabinet meeting and on the ministerial discussions following the Cabinet meeting, and others.)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: According to some press reports the Prime Minister is planning to visit Malaysia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in January next year. What are the facts behind these reports?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: No such considerations are taking place.

REPORTER: I have a question on a different topic. On November 16, a working group of the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a draft report that contains recommendations concerning the human rights situation in Japan. Among these recommendations is one that calls for Japan to make a sincere apology and provide compensation to the victims regarding the comfort women issue. I believe that this recommendation is incompatible with the Government’s stance, so can I ask how the Government will respond?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, with regard to the comfort women issue, the representative of the Government of Japan noted that the Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) Agreement of 2015 represents important progress since the previous report in his opening remarks at the review meeting held on November 14. In response to statements made by other countries, the representative clearly refuted them and offered explanations concerning the position and measures of the Government of Japan. The statements and recommendations by various countries and regions made at  the meeting on November 14 were compiled in the draft report. Due to the nature of reports of this kind, there is generally a tendency that such comments and recommendations from an extremely limited number of countries and regions are also included. In any event, the Government will carefully examine the report and respond appropriately.

REPORTER: As you have just noted, the assertions by China, the ROK and North Korea have been incorporated into the draft report without revision, meaning that the United Nations is being used as a conduit for criticizing Japan. What is your view on this point?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any event, Japan will use opportunities such as this recent review meeting to thoroughly explain our position and seek the understanding of other countries.

REPORTER: I have a question about UNESCO. It is understood that the Government has delayed payment of this year’s contributions to UNESCO, but according to some press reports preparations are now being made to make payment. What is the current status of preparations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have received a report that the Government has not yet paid Japan’s contribution to UNESCO.