Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Former Ambassador of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to Japan, Mr. Lee Byung-kee , who was involved in efforts leading to the conclusion of the Japan-ROK Agreement concerning the comfort women, has been arrested. Can I ask for a comment on this matter and also what impact you think it will have on the Japan-ROK Agreement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, although I am aware of the press reports,  the Government should refrain from making a comment on as this matter concerns domestic judicial procedures in the ROK. However, with regard to the Japan-ROK Agreement, both countries confirmed that it finally and irreversibly resolves the issue and its conclusion was also welcomed by the international community. In that sense it is of the utmost importance to ensure that the agreement is steadily implemented.

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the draft report of the United Nations Human Rights Council that was adopted on November 16. In the review meeting on November 14 prior to the adoption of the draft report, the representative of China asserted that Japan’s deletion of references to the comfort women from school textbooks is a violation of the people’s right to know. Also, North Korea voiced concerns about continued infringements of human rights, including hate speech and issues related to freedom of speech. What is the Government’s response to such concerns? It can equally be pointed out that China infringes its people’s right to know through control of the internet and that issues such as abductions illustrate that North Korea is also infringing human rights. What is your view of these countries’ attempts to ignore their own failings and criticize Japan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Whatever the case, it is a simple fact that there are many and various countries in the international community. Japan will continue to make every effort to explain our stance, based on objective facts, and seek understanding in this way.

(Abridged)