Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga
 
(Abridged)
 
Q&As
 
(Abridged)
 
REPORTER: I have a question regarding the North Korean issues. Multiple media outlets in the United States have reported that Ambassador Joseph Yun, Special Representative for North Korea Policy of the U.S. Department of State, has indicated his intention to resign at the end of this week. Could you explain whether the Government has confirmed the fact related to this matter?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, we are aware of the matter you have just mentioned. As it is a specific matter related to personnel affairs within a foreign government, I would like to refrain from making comments.
 
REPORTER: It is reported that the post of U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea (ROK) is still vacant. Meanwhile, North Korea has been actively engaging in dialogues so as to be recognized as a nuclear-weapon State. Does the Government not have any qualms about the current structure of the U.S.? Does the Government not have any concerns over the communications being conducted between Japan and the United States? Could you please share your views?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, I believe the staff organization of the U.S. Government is not a matter on which the Government of Japan should make comments. Japan and the United States have maintained close communications on the policies toward North Korea at a variety of levels, including the summit and foreign minister levels, and there has been no interference with our communications.