Press Conferences

Fukai, TBS: The House of Councilors will begin formerly discussing the security legislation from today. What are the points you keep in mind when explaining the legislation to citizens; and with regard to Special Advisor Isozaki’s comments regarding legal stability, how do you view those comments, and what are your views on the importance of legal stability?

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Firstly, with regard to the Legislation for Peace and Security, when the international security environment becomes more and more severe, diplomatic efforts are important as a basis and, on top of that, I believe that establishing a seamless security framework is important to prepare for unlikely events.

And in conjunction with that, no nation can protect its own peace and security alone. Amid this common awareness in the international community, I believe it is extremely important for Japan to contribute to the peace and stability of the international community, which will also lead to peace and stability for Japan.

I believe that protecting the lives and livelihoods of citizens is an extremely important duty of the Government. The discussion by the House of Councilors will commence from here on, and I intend to continue to carefully explain such position and approach of the Government.

With regard to Special Advisor Yosuke Isozaki’s comments, I am aware of the comments from reports, but I have not heard directly his remarks or the overall context.

Nevertheless, I believe the Legislation for Peace and Security that the House of Councilors is currently being asked to discuss is within the basic logic that was presented in the Government’s view in 1972, and I believe legal stability or legal coherence are firmly ensured.

Fukai, TBS: This question concerns Japan-Russia relations. Russia’s news agency is reporting that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing to attend the United Nations General Assembly. Given that there are also reports Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev intends to visit the Northern Territories, what are your views on visiting Russia in August or September where your visit to Russia is concerned, ahead of the UN General Assembly?

Minister Kishida: Currently, nothing has been decided regarding my visit to Russia. It will be decided as a result of comprehensive considerations that take a variety of elements into account, but nothing has been decided at present.

Sato, Yomiuri Shimbun: In a so-called forced labor lawsuit, Mitsubishi Materials has presented a settlement proposal of 2 million yen per person. I would like to ask again about the Government’s evaluation of this, and the impact it will have on the postwar settlement.

Minister Kishida: I am aware of the reports regarding the point that you mentioned, and I understand that activities such as the actual signing are not yet taken. This is a private-sector lawsuit, so I would like to refrain from making any comment about it from the standpoint of the Government. In any event, the Government’s position has not changed in any way from its position up to now.