[Cabinet Secretariat] [Sunday, Feb 1, 2015]
Statement by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe regarding the hostage incident of Japanese nationals in Syria
1. A video purporting to show that Mr. Kenji Goto was murdered was uploaded on line, following Mr. Haruna Yukawa.
When I think about the unbearable pain and sorrow that his family must be feeling, I am rendered simply speechless. As a government, we have pursued every possible means to save their lives. We feel greatest sorrow and profound grief.
2. I am infuriated by these inhumane and despicable acts of terrorism, and resolutely condemn these impermissible and outrageous acts.
I will never forgive these terrorists. I will work with the international community to hold them responsible for their deplorable acts.
3. Japan will never give in to terrorism.
We will further expand our humanitarian assistance in the Middle East in areas such as food and medical care.
Japan will steadfastly fulfill its responsibility in the international community combatting terrorism.
4. I wish to express my heart-felt gratitude to the world leaders, our friends, who have kindly extended their strong solidarity against these acts of terrorism and cooperation toward the release of the hostages.
5. We will continue to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals at home and abroad.
[Cabinet Secretariat] [Wednesday, Feb 4, 2015]
Statement by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the Murder of the Jordanian Pilot
I am infuriated to learn that Jordanian pilot Lt. Muath al-Kaseasbeh has been ruthlessly burned to death by ISIL.
I am rendered speechless to think of how his family must be feeling. On behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, I express my deepest sympathy and my sincere condolences. Japan stands with Jordan during these difficult times. I would like to express Japan’s sincere solidarity with the Government of Jordan and the Jordanian people.
Such an act of terrorism is outrageous and impermissible and causes me nothing but strong indignation. Thus I express resolute condemnation.
We must never give in to terrorism. Japan, in collaboration with the international community, will further expand our humanitarian assistance and steadfastly fulfill our responsibility in the international community combatting terrorism.
[Ministry of Foreign Affairs] [Tuesday, Feb 3, 2015]
Japan-Turkey Summit Telephone Talk
1. On February 3, commencing at 6:15 p.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a Japan-Turkey Summit Telephone Talk with His Excellency Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Turkey. Mr. Katsunobu Kato, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, and others were also present.
2. Prime Minister Abe conveyed his gratitude for the generous support extended by President Erdogan in connection with the response to the incident concerning the murder of Japanese hostages in Syria, along with expressing Japan’s intention to fulfill its responsibilities in order to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East, including Turkey.
3. President Erdogan extended his deepest sympathies to the families of Mr. Haruna Yukawa and Mr. Kenji Goto, and the people of Japan.
4. The two leaders shared the view that they will continue to strengthen the relationship of cooperation between Japan and Turkey.