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.)

Q&As

REPORTER: At today’s Cabinet meeting were any statements made regarding the missile launch by North Korea?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: There were no statements on this in particular.

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the missile used by North Korea. It is said that it may have been a multi-stage missile. What is the Government’s analysis?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government fully kept track of the missile from its launch to splashdown, from beginning to end. We are currently collecting and analyzing information regarding the details of the missile’s flight situation, and therefore, at this present stage I would like to refrain from answering questions regarding the details. In any event, we were completely aware of the movements of the missile from soon after its launch, and we have all possible measures in place.

REPORTER: During your extraordinary press conference a short while ago, you indicated that the Government would seek further sanctions at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in connection with  North Korea’s missile launch. I believe the sanctions that have already been adopted are quite tough. Do you perceive that there is still plenty of room to further strengthen the sanctions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) are collaborating in urging Italy, the President of the UNSC, to convene an emergency meeting. It was agreed at the Japan-U.S. summit meeting that we will work together with the international community in stepping up pressure on North Korea to the maximum. In addition, Japan, the United States, and the ROK will cooperate closely and, together with China and Russia, request the UNSC to take responses based on this direction. At this point in time, a UNSC meeting has not been held yet. Under such circumstances I would like to refrain from responding based on conjecture. In any event, it was decided that rigorous sanctions be implemented against North Korea. I expect that first this decision will be fully translated into action, and then the UNSC will be dealing with the situation, including whether or not the sanctions will be stepped up considerably.