Press Conference by the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question about the resignation of President Mugabe of Zimbabwe. President Mugabe, who has continued to rule Zimbabwe for almost 40 years until the age of 93 has resigned, bringing to a close an era of dictatorial-style politics. Can I ask for a comment from the Government on the resignation?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY NISHIMURA: The Government is aware that on November 21, Mr. Jacob Mudenda, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Zimbabwe, read out to a plenary session of both houses of parliament a letter of resignation from President Mugabe. The Government is also aware that, in that letter, President Mugabe formally tendered his resignation as President of Zimbabwe with immediate effect, in accordance with the terms of the Constitution, following his verbal communication with the Speaker, intimating his intention to do so. The Government of Japan will continue to monitor developments in the situation and is collecting information via the Japanese Embassy and other routes in Zimbabwe. The Government hopes that the situation will be resolved peacefully, based on constitutional procedures.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question about the Government’s response to the issue of North Korea. Following the announcement yesterday that the United States has re-designated North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism, today the Department of the Treasury has announced additional sanctions against North Korea, implementing asset freezes against 13 entities, including Chinese companies, and one Chinese individual. Can I ask for a comment from the Government about this matter and also ask whether the Government will be making any response of its own following the response of the U.S. Government?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY NISHIMURA: The Government of Japan strongly supports the U.S. Government’s new sanctions measures, following the re-designation of North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism on November 21, as they represent further measures by the United States to strengthen pressure on North Korea. The Government will continue to give serious consideration to its future response in terms of what would be the most effective means of strengthening pressure on North Korea, working closely with the United States and other countries concerned.

REPORTER: Is it correct to understand that the Government is also considering its own sanctions?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY NISHIMURA: With a view to comprehensively resolving various matters of concern relating to North Korea, the Government will continue to give serious consideration to its future response in terms of what would be the most effective means of strengthening pressure on North Korea, also taking into account measures implemented by the United States.