Press Conference by the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

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

Q&As

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the re-designation of North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism. After a gap of nine years the Government of the United States has re-designated North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism. It is thought that this announcement is linked to the policy of the international community working together in strengthening pressure on North Korea. Can I ask about the Government’s view of this announcement and its response going forward?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY NISHIMURA: The Government of Japan welcomes and supports the decision by the United States in that it will contribute to strengthening pressure on North Korea. The Government will continue to work closely with the United States, using all means to step up pressure on North Korea to the maximum to cause it to change its policies.

REPORTER: Given that the Government has already adopted a policy of stepping up pressure on North Korea to the maximum, what is the Government’s perception of the significance of this re-designation?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY NISHIMURA: As I have just noted, the Government welcomes and supports this decision, from the perspective of stepping up pressure on North Korea to the maximum and causing it to change its policies. As to the specific impact of this re-designation, as it is a measure taken in accordance with domestic law of the United States, I would like to refrain from making any comment. In any event, we will continue to take responses in close collaboration with the United States.

REPORTER: Some people have voiced concerns that the re-designation by the United States could provoke North Korea into escalating the situation, either by conducting a nuclear test or launching another ballistic missile. What is the Government’s view concerning the risk of a sudden retaliatory response from North Korea?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY NISHIMURA: The Government’s basic position remains unchanged. We will work together with the United States and the international community to place maximum pressure on North Korea. As our position is to continue to pressure North Korea until it changes its policies, we support its re-designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.

REPORTER: You have repeatedly mentioned increasing pressure. Does the Government intend to take measures to further enhance sanctions, following the United States’ re-designation of North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism in order to enhance sanctions?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY NISHIMURA: As the policy is to step up pressure to the maximum we will continue to work with the United States in calling on other countries to this end. It is also of the utmost importance to ensure the full implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and we will be calling on other countries in that regard as well.

(Abridged)