Press Conferences

Kurihara, NHK: Despite China’s objections, it has been decided that the human rights situation in North Korea will be placed on the agenda at the UN Security Council in the future. I would like to ask for your views on this, how the Government of Japan will engage with this problem in the future, and what sort of signals it will be sending.

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Early in the morning of December 23 Japan time, comprehensive discussions on the situation in North Korea , including its human rights situation, took place at the UN Security Council. Regarding this, to begin with, I believe it is significant in terms of a follow-up of the resolution on the human rights situation in North Korea adopted at the recent plenary session of the UN General Assembly.

Additionally, as this debate on the situation in North Korea, including on its human rights situation, was carried out, I view that it was also meaningful from the standpoint of responding to North Korea’s nuclear and missile problems. I think it should be welcomed from such perspective. The Government of Japan intends to continue to strive to comprehensively resolve issues of concern such as the abductions and the nuclear and missile issues, while coordinating with relevant countries.

Kurihara, NHK: In connection with North Korea, Sony Pictures of the US decided to screen a film depicting North Korea’s Kim Jong-Un. How do you evaluate of this decision and what do you think its impact will be?

Minister Kishida: I intend to continue to pay attention to developments regarding the decision to screen the film. In any event, the Government of Japan recognizes the response to this cyber attack as an important matter in terms of national security and crisis management. We intend to continue to address the issue with a sense of urgency, while coordinating with the international community.

Kurihara, NHK: The abductions issue is a top priority for Japan, but what sort of impact do you think the (cyber attack) matter will have on discussions between Japan and North Korea about the abductions issue?

Minister Kishida: I do not think this matter will have a direct impact on the discussions between Japan and North Korea or the investigation. In particular, the Government of Japan intends to continue to firmly request that the investigation by the investigation committee proceeds promptly and that its findings are reported honestly.

Makita, Kyodo Press: This question relates to the content of your answer. The company was subjected to a cyber attack in connection with the screening of the film, and conversely North Korea suffered an Internet outage. How do you view this event?

Minister Kishida: I am aware of such a development from reports, and I have also heard that the Government of the U.S. has issued a comment welcoming the screening of the film. The Government of Japan’s position is that it will continue to pay attention to these developments.