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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 12 TOKYO 002361
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR E, P, EB, EAP/J, EAP/P, EAP/PD, PA;
WHITE HOUSE/NSC/NEC; JUSTICE FOR STU CHEMTOB IN ANTI-TRUST DIVISION;
TREASURY/OASIA/IMI/JAPAN; DEPT PASS USTR/PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE;
SECDEF FOR JCS-J-5/JAPAN,
DASD/ISA/EAPR/JAPAN; DEPT PASS ELECTRONICALLY TO USDA
FAS/ITP FOR SCHROETER; PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR;
CINCPAC FLT/PA/ COMNAVFORJAPAN/PA.
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA
SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 10/14/09
INDEX:
1) Top headlines
2) Editorials
3) Prime Minister's daily schedule (Nikkei)
Ambassador Roos:
4) Roos on Futenma relocation: "The present agreement is best"
(Asahi)
5) Roos wants facility relocated according to original plan
(Yomiuri)
6) Roos stresses alliance's importance (Yomiuri)
7) Roos meets with State Minister for Abduction Issue Nakai (Nikkei)
Refueling mission:
8) Prime Minister indicates the MSDF will withdraw from the Indian
Ocean (Sankei)
9) Foreign minister indicates refueling mission will end;
termination supported by other cabinet members (Yomiuri)
10) MSDF Chief of Staff Akahoshi secures understanding for refueling
mission's termination (Mainichi)
Futenma relocation:
11) U.S. rejects proposal to integrate Futenma and Kadena facilities
(Yomiuri)
12) Okinawa Governor wants facility relocated to offing (Nikkei)
Opinion polls:
13) Asahi: 70% approve of review of supplemental budget; support
rate drops to 65% (Asahi)
Politics:
14) Budgetary request largest ever (Yomiuri)
Defense & security:
15) MOD reform plan to start from scratch with change of
administration (Asahi)
16) Japanese and Indian officials to meet about anti-piracy measures
(Yomiuri)
Foreign relations:
17) FM Okada and Indonesian president agree on promotion of East
Asian Community initiative (Nikkei)
18) Russian FM hopes Japanese counterpart will visit (Nikkei)
ARTICLES:
1) TOP HEADLINES
Asahi:
Income subsidy for rice farming households to start in FY2010
Mainichi:
Policy panels kick off at ministries; trial-and-error process begins
for unification of policymaking
Yomiuri:
Futenma relocation: Governor accepts relocation within Okinawa on
condition of moving runways further offshore
Nikkei:
TOKYO 00002361 002 OF 012
Futenma: Governor demands moving runways further offshore
Sankei:
Part 1 of "Yonaguni Island in danger" series: China allowed to do as
it likes in "sea of friendship"
Tokyo Shimbun:
Okinawa governor's opinion on environmental assessment accepts
Futenma relocation within the prefecture on condition of moving
runways further offshore
Akahata:
9th plenum of JCP Central Committee opens; ensure victory in Upper
House election based on lessons learned from general election
2) EDITORIALS
Asahi:
(1) Hiroshima-Nagasaki Olympics: What is needed to realize a dream
that all can share
(2) Afghan strategy: Time for a drastic review
Mainichi:
(1) Withdrawal of refueling mission: Present comprehensive plans for
Afghanistan
(2) Overcome the past, promote Haneda as hub airport
Yomiuri:
(1) Haneda airport: Promotion as hub an obvious option
(2) Afghan aid: Look for a way to continue refueling mission
Nikkei:
(1) Refueling mission: A repeat of "checkbook diplomacy"?
(2) Make Haneda the main gateway to Japan
Sankei:
(1) Refueling mission in Indian Ocean: Avoid withdrawal that will
undermine national interest
(2) Olympics in the atomic-bombed cities: Politics taking
precedence?
Tokyo Shimbun:
(1) Afghan aid: Offer civilian aid in areas desired by local people
(2) Armenian reconciliation: Have courage to overcome the past
Akahata:
(1) Global warming prevention talks: Make political decision to
reach agreement by deadline
3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei)
Prime Minister's schedule, October 12
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)
October 14, 2009
Morning
Stayed at his private residence.
17:59
Had dinner with the Emperor and Empress at the Imperial Palace.
Wife, Miyuki, was also present.
TOKYO 00002361 003 OF 012
21:03
Arrived at his private residence.
Prime Minister's schedule, October 13
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)
October 14, 2009
10:03
Attended a cabinet meeting at the Kantei. Later met Defense Minister
Kitazawa. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirano was also present.
11:25
Met Ambassador to Vietnam Sakaba.
13:54
Met Upper House member Shokichi Kina.
14:26
Met Election Campaign Committee Chair Ishii, followed by the New
Party Daichi representative Suzuki.
16:21
Met Japanese Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda and Upper
House member Masamitsu Oishi.
18:08
Met Diet Affairs Committee Chairman Yamaoka, Lower House standing
committee chairmen, and others at his official residential quarters.
20:20
Arrived at his private residence.
AMBASSADOR ROOS
4) Ambassador Roos says during interview "current agreement is the
best" for Futenma relocation
ASAHI (Page 4) (Full)
October 14, 2009
Yoichi Kato, editorial staff member
On Oct. 13 U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos gave his first
interview to the Asahi Shimbun after taking up his post. Discussing
the relocation of the U.S. forces' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa,
he said: "The Obama administration has considered all the other
options and believes that the current agreement is the best option,"
indicating that the U.S. government has no intention to revise or
change the plan.
The Ambassador showed understanding for the Hatoyama
administration's examination of the process by which the agreement
was reached. However, he also said: "We hope and expect that after
the examination the administration will be satisfied with this
agreement."
Regarding the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean, which Defense
Minister Toshimi Kitazawa said will be withdrawn temporarily in
January 2010, Roos said: "Not only the United States, but the
TOKYO 00002361 004 OF 012
members of the alliance of the willing also appreciate the mission
and hope that it will continue." However, he also pointed out that
"there are many ways to contribute to the situation in Afghanistan
and Pakistan." He added, "The important thing is for Japan to
continue to contribute in a meaningful way and expand its
contribution if possible," indicating a hope for an expanded
contribution.
Gist of the interview
Following is the gist of the interview with Ambassador Roos:
Kato: Why were you appointed ambassador?
Roos: I think President Obama, who knows me well, made that decision
after considering who would be best for the United States at the
present stage in Japan-U.S. relations. If I may borrow the
President's words, I have a "close relationship" (with the
President) based on trust. I will advise the President when he asks
for my advice or when I think it's necessary.
Kato: There was criticism in the U.S. that you were selected because
you raised substantial funds for the presidential campaign and that
you had no diplomatic experience.
Roos: This is probably because I come from Silicon Valley in
California, have experience in the business sector, and have a
different background (from past ambassadors).
I will work with every ounce of my being during my tenure, and make
sure that when I leave, relations between the two countries, not
only in the area of security, but also in a wide range of other
areas, will have been strengthened.
Kato: What is your approach to the Futenma issue?
Roos: The Obama administration has considered all the options and
believes that the current agreement is the best option. We expect
that after the Hatoyama administration examines the negotiation
process, it will be satisfied with this agreement.
Kato: How about the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean?
Roos: Not only the United States, but many members of the alliance
of the willing also hope that the mission will continue. However,
the important thing is that Japan continues to contribute in a
meaningful way. There are many ways to do so.
Kato: What is the possibility of the President's visiting
Hiroshima?
Roos: That is something for the President to decide. I visited
Hiroshima (last week) and I was deeply moved. The trip was also for
the purpose of conveying my thoughts to the President.
5) U.S. Ambassador expresses hopes for relocation of Futenma Air
Station as planned
YOMIURI (Page 1) (Full)
October 14, 2009
U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos gave an interview to the Yomiuri
TOKYO 00002361 005 OF 012
Shimbun at his official residence in Tokyo on Oct. 13. Referring to
the planned relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station
in Okinawa, the Ambassador expressed strong expectations for the
relocation to be realized as planned, saying, "I am optimistic that
the roadmap (to relocate the air station to Nago in the prefecture)
will move forward in the end." Some in the Hatoyama administration
are calling for moving the Futenma Air Station out of Okinawa. The
Ambassador expressed a view dismissive of making major changes to
the plan by describing the roadmap as something agreed upon as the
next stage in the strategic alliance.
Japan and the United States agreed on the roadmap in May 2006 during
the former Bush administration. Ambassador Roos explained that the
U.S. administration examined the roadmap after Obama took office and
has reaffirmed its critical importance. Showing understanding of
expected calls for reexamining the roadmap in the wake of the change
of administration in Japan, the Ambassador said: "We have to give
the Democratic Party of Japan time. It is not fair to set a deadline
tied to a visit to Japan by the President (next month)."
The Ambassador also expressed hopes for the continuation of the
Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean
beyond its expiry next January, saying: "I understand that a final
conclusion has yet to be reached. Japan's refueling mission is
highly appreciated." He also commented, "The United States and many
other countries are hoping that Japan will step up its contributions
(to Afghanistan)."
During the Japan-China-ROK summit on Oct. 10, Prime Minister
Hatoyama said Japan has been too dependent on the United States. The
Ambassador expressed displeasure about this statement, saying, "The
expression (used to describe the Japan-U.S. relationship) was not
appropriate." At the same time, the Ambassador said, "The Prime
Minister's statement describing (Japan and the United States) as
equal partners is correct."
Asked if there was any chance for President Barack Obama to visit
Hiroshima, the city that suffered an atomic bombing, the Ambassador
said: "It is a matter for the President to decide. I have visited
there and I was deeply moved. I want to convey my experience to the
President."
6) Interview with U.S. Ambassador to Japan; underlines importance of
bilateral alliance, while expressing concern about Japan drifting
away from U.S.
YOMIURI (Page 6) (Full)
October 14, 2009
Takashi Sadahiro, International Department
On Oct. 13 U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos gave an interview to
the Yomiuri Shimbun in which he emphasized good relations between
Japan and the United States, saying: "The relationship between the
two countries is firmer than ever before. It will blossom further in
the future." But the Ambassador stopped short of presenting any
concrete measures to close the schism in Japan-U.S. relations that
since the change of administration in Japan has emerged over the
planned realignment of U.S. forces in Japan and contributions to
Afghanistan. The Ambassador's remarks advocating the importance of
the bilateral alliance disclosed the U.S. side's alarm with
President Barack Obama's visit to Japan only one month away.
TOKYO 00002361 006 OF 012
In the interview, Ambassador Roos reiterated the Obama
administration's official view that the Japan-U.S. alliance is the
cornerstone of strategic and economic relations in Asia. He also
reacted calmly to the Hatoyama administration's policy of attaching
importance to Asia, saying, "The Japan-U.S. relationship is not a
zero-sum game (in which it grows weaker if another relationship
becomes stronger)." He presented a sort of idealistic theory -- if
not only Japan but also the United States strengthens its relations
with Asian countries, including China, the Japan-U.S. alliance will
become firmer.
During his trip to China, Prime Minister Hatoyama said that Japan
has been too dependent on the United States. Ambassador Roos frankly
described Hatoyama's words as inappropriate. He could not accept the
idea of Japan distancing itself from the United States by shifting
the focus of its diplomacy to Asia.
On the afternoon of Oct. 13, ahead of the interview, the Ambassador
called on National Public Safety Commission Chairman Hiroshi Nakai.
Referring to the abduction issue during the interview, the
Ambassador said: "It is not only a political issue but also an
ethical issue. We would like to cooperate with Japan in order to
achieve a satisfactory result." This offered a glimpse of the U.S.
intention to work closely with Japan in addressing issues critical
to it with the aim of preventing the Japan-U.S. alliance from
becoming hollow.
Gist of the interview with Ambassador Roos
-- Is there any chance President Barack Obama will visit Hiroshima?
Ambassador Roos: Whether or not to visit Hiroshima (during his visit
to Japan in November) is a matter for President Obama to decide
personally. I have visited Hiroshima and I was deeply moved. I want
to convey my personal experience to the President.
-- What is your assessment of the current Japan-U.S. relationship?
Roos: The President told me that (the Japan-U.S. relationship) is
the cornerstone of the United States' strategic and economic
relations in Asia. The Japan-U.S. relationship is firmer than ever
before. It will continue to flourish in the future.
-- Prime Minister Hatoyama said that Japan has been too dependent on
the United States. What do you think of his statement?
Roos: Bilateral relations are not a zero-sum game. I don't think
(Japan has been too dependent on the United States) is a proper
expression. I think the Prime Minister's statement that Japan and
the United States are equal partners is correct and that they should
remain equal partners in the future as well.
-- Is there any prospect for the resolution of the issue of
relocating the U.S. Martine Corps' Futenma Air Station?
Roos: Japan and the United States have agreed on a roadmap (to
relocate the Futenma Air Station to Nago in Okinawa Prefecture) as
the next stage in the strategic alliance. The roadmap is designed to
strengthen the bilateral alliance. It was examined at the start of
the Obama administration and its critical importance has been
reaffirmed. It is being studied by the new administration in Japan
TOKYO 00002361 007 OF 012
as well. We should give the Democratic Party of Japan time to reach
its own conclusion. But I am optimistic that the roadmap will move
forward in the end. It is not fair to set a "deadline (for an
agreement)" to coincide with the President's visit to Japan. I don't
think it is appropriate for the United States to set an artificial
deadline for Japan.
-- Japan might decide to terminate the refueling mission in the
Indian Ocean. How would such a decision affect Japan-U.S.
relations?
Roos: I understand that a final decision (on the refueling mission)
has not been reached. It is not a matter of Japan-U.S. relations but
a matter of all countries providing support and of the international
community. The war against terrorism is critical for all of us.
Japan's refueling mission is highly appreciated. The United States
and many other countries are hoping Japan will increase its
contributions (to Afghanistan). Foreign Minister Okada's proposal
(of civilian support) could be an important contribution.
-- What is your view of the issue of abductions by North Korea?
Roos: It is not only a political issue but an ethical issue as well.
We would like to cooperate with Japan to achieve a satisfactory
result.
7) State Minister for Abduction Issue Nakai asks for U.S.
cooperation
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)
October 14, 2009
State Minister for Abduction Issue Hiroshi Nakai on October 13 met
with U.S. Ambassador to Japan Roos for about 40 minutes at the
Cabinet Office. During the meeting Nakai asked for U.S. cooperation
on the issue of the abduction of Japanese nationals by North Korea.
Emerging from the meeting Roos told reporters: "We talked about
Japan and the U.S. closely working together toward the settlement of
the abduction issue. We discussed how important this issue is and
that we plan to continue to cooperate on it."
REFUELING MISSION
8) Government to withdraw MSDF from Indian Ocean
SANKEI (Page 1) (Excerpts)
October 14, 2009
The government has decided to withdraw Maritime Self-Defense Force
personnel engaged in the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean when
the new antiterrorism special measures law expires on Jan. 15.
Speaking before reporters last evening, Prime Minister Yukio
Hatoyama indicated that the government would not extend the law. He
said:
"We would like to make a judgment based on what the mission has
meant for the Afghan government. The Afghan government does not have
strong feelings about Japan's refueling mission."
Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa also said in a press conference
yesterday: "We will withdraw (the mission) quietly in accordance
TOKYO 00002361 008 OF 012
with the law, which is to expire in January."
9) Ministers support, LDP criticizes FM Okada's statement on
withdrawing MSDF refueling mission
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full)
October 14, 2009
Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada stated in Pakistan on Oct. 12 that a
bill to extend the refueling mission of the Maritime Self-Defense
Force (MSDF) after the expiration of its authorization in January
will not be submitted to the extraordinary Diet session. Opinions in
support of this statement have been voiced in the government.
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama told reporters on the evening of Oct.
13 that "the Afghan government does not necessarily have a strong
preference for the refueling mission," and said, "We would like to
figure out what is most expected of Japan," including vocational
training for former soldiers under the old Taliban regime. With
regard to contribution in terms of personnel under a poor security
situation, Hatoyama stressed that "there will be some ways to do
command and control work, even for just a small number of people."
At a news conference held after the cabinet meeting, Chief Cabinet
Secretary Hirofumi Hirano stated: "The Foreign Minister's statement
carries a lot of weight. We would like to make the final decision
giving due respect to this." Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa also
said: "The law expires in January 2010. The MSDF will be withdrawn
without any fuss." Social Democratic Party leader Mizuho Fukushima
(consumer affairs minister) expressed her support for the foreign
minister's position as well. She said: "There are many things Japan
can do in terms of civilian aid."
Meanwhile, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary General Tadamori
Oshima stated at a news conference on Oct. 13: "The refueling
mission in the Indian Ocean is meant (for Japan) to fulfill its due
share of responsibility in the international war against terrorism.
If the Democratic Party of Japan does not want to continue the
mission, we are determined to submit counterproposals." However, New
Komeito has indicated that it will not go along with the LDP's
counterproposals because "in principle, the government is
responsible (for legislation)." (Chief Representative Natsuo
Yamaguchi). The opposition parties disagree on this issue.
10) MSDF chief of staff takes view that countries receiving fuel
from Japan understand government's policy of not extending refueling
operations
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full)
October 14, 2009
At a regular press conference yesterday, Maritime Self-Defense Force
(MSDF) Chief of Staff Keiji Akahoshi clarified that he held talks
early this month on the MSDF's refueling mission in the Indian
Ocean, which will expire next January, with top Navy officials from
eight countries, including the United States, to which Japan has
supplied fuel. Akahoshi took the view that he was able to obtain a
certain level of understanding toward the government's policy of not
simply extending the mission.
The eight countries represented at the talks were the United States,
Pakistan, France, Germany, Canada, Britain, New Zealand, and
TOKYO 00002361 009 OF 012
Denmark.
FUTENMA RELOCATION
11) U.S. refuses Japan's proposal on integrating of Futenma
functions into Kadena base in bureau director-level talks
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Slightly abridged)
October 14, 2009
In talks held on Oct. 5 in Washington by Japanese and U.S. bureau
director-level officials in charge of foreign and defense affairs,
the Japanese side sounded the U.S. out on a proposal to integrate
U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station (Ginowan City, Okinawa
Prefecture) into the Air Force's Kadena Air Base (Nago City). Japan
and the U.S. have already agreed to relocate the Futenma facility to
the coastal area of Camp Schwab. The U.S. side flatly rejected
Japan's proposal in the talks, with one official remarking, "That is
out of the question."
Several informed sources said yesterday that under Japan's proposal,
the U.S. Air Force would reduce the number of fighters stationed at
Kadena base and instead relocate the helicopter functions of Futenma
base to Kadena.
12) Okinawa governor calls for moving Futenma relocation site
offshore
NIKKEI (Top play) (Excerpts)
October 14, 2009
Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima yesterday submitted to the Okinawa
Defense Bureau a position paper on the assessment of the
environmental impact of the existing plan to transfer the U.S.
Marine Corps' Futenma air Station (in Ginowan City, Okinawa
Prefecture) to the coastal area of Camp Schwab in Nago City. In the
paper, he called for moving the construction site as far offshore as
possible. The government will start the coordination process to
determine the construction site, bearing in mind U.S. President
Barack Obama's upcoming visit to Japan set for Nov. 12 and based on
the governor's opinion. In the Okinawa prefectural assembly, a
number of members are still calling for moving the heliport
functions of the Futenma Air Station outside Okinawa. The U.S.
government remains cautious about revising the existing relocation
plan. Attention will be focused on what moves the U.S. will make.
The governor's position paper notes that "the environmental impact
of the existing plan is considered to be extremely serious." The
paper also says: "Moving the facility outside the prefecture would
be the best choice, but (the Okinawa government) had to accept the
transfer of the facility within the prefecture in order to remove
the danger of the Futenma facility." The paper then urges "the
government to present its policy and specific plans quickly." If the
government accepts Nakaima's call for moving the site offshore, he
is expected to agree to the transfer of the Futenma facilities to
Camp Schwab.
A major basis for judgment for the government of Prime Minister
Yukio Hatoyama is the response by the U.S. Obama government. The
U.S. side has shown a negative view about revising the plan of
relocating the Futenma facility to the coastal area of Camp Schwab.
But a source connected to Japan-U.S. relations takes this view: "If
TOKYO 00002361 010 OF 012
the existing plan is altered to move the construction site offshore
to some extent, there is a possibility that the U.S. might accept
the plan in the end."
U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates will be visiting Japan next
week, and President Obama is scheduled to visit Japan next month.
Bearing these events in mind, the Hatoyama government intends to
make a final decision on the site after it carefully watches the
U.S. side's response. If the U.S. government indicates a willingness
to accept the governor's request for moving the site offshore, a
growing number of people might begin to accept the transfer of the
facilities within the prefecture.
OPINION POLLS
13) Poll: Hatoyama cabinet's support rate at 65%
ASAHI (Page 1) (Abridged)
October 14, 2009
The rate of public support for Prime Minister Hatoyama and his
cabinet was 65% in a telephone-based nationwide public opinion
survey conducted by the Asahi Shimbun on Oct. 11-12. The cabinet
support rate remains high, though it edged down from the 71% rating
from the last survey conducted right after its inauguration. The
nonsupport rate for the Hatoyama cabinet was 16% (14% in the last
survey).
It has now been nearly one month since the Hatoyama cabinet made its
debut. In the survey, respondents were asked about the Hatoyama
cabinet's performance up to now. In response to this question, a
total of 75% gave affirmative answers, broken down into 12% saying
they "appreciate very much" and 63% saying they "appreciate to a
certain extent." Meanwhile, those who "don't appreciate very much"
accounted for 18%, with the proportion of those who "don't
appreciate at all" reaching 4%. Among those who support the ruling
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), 91% gave affirmative ratings for
the Hatoyama cabinet's job performance. Even among those who support
the now-opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), 50% were
affirmative. It may safely be said that the Hatoyama cabinet has
gotten off to a smooth start with the public's positive ratings for
its policy switchovers from the previous LDP-led government.
Respondents were also asked about the Hatoyama cabinet's specific
policies. The Hatoyama cabinet is now in the process of reviewing
the supplementary budget, which was compiled by the previous
administration, in order to suspend spending on budgeted projects
totaling over 2.5 trillion yen. Asked about this, 23% answered that
they "appreciate very much," with 50% saying they "appreciate
somewhat." Meanwhile, "don't appreciate very much" accounted for
22%, with "don't appreciate at all" at 4%. As seen from these
figures, affirmative answers markedly outnumbered negative ones.
Hatoyama has vowed in the international community to attain a
reduction of 25% in Japan's greenhouse gas emissions (from 1990
levels) by 2020 in an effort to prevent global warming. In the
survey, respondents were asked if they supported this international
commitment. To this question, 72% answered "yes," with 21% saying
"no." Respondents were further asked if they would be content if the
emissions reduction caused them to shoulder a heavier burden on
their livelihoods or affect business activity. To this question,
"yes" accounted for 40%, with "no" at 51%.
TOKYO 00002361 011 OF 012
POLITICS
14) Fiscal 2010 budget requests likely to be largest ever
YOMIURI (Page 1) (Excerpt)
October 14, 2009
A strong possibility has emerged that fiscal 2010 general-account
budget requests to be submitted by each government agency on October
15 will reach around 95 trillion yen. The figure is much larger than
the fiscal 2004 budget of 89.1494 trillion yen, and the largest-ever
size at the stage of submitting requests. Prime Minister Hatoyama
has asked each government agency to set the amounts of budget
requests for existing policy measures below the level of the fiscal
2009 initial budget. However, the review of budget requests is
proceeding with difficulty. The amount of requests could increase by
nearly 7 trillion yen from the fiscal 2009 initial budget due to the
implementation of new programs, such as the introduction of a
child-care allowance system.
DEFENSE & SECURITY
15) Defense ministry reform plan rendered null and void due to
change in government
ASAHI (Page 4) (Full)
October 14, 2009
The Defense Ministry Reform Headquarters Council, chaired by Defense
Minister Toshimi Kitazawa, on October 13 decided to withdraw a
Defense Ministry reform plan, which the previous Liberal Democratic
Party administration had been considering following a series of
scandals such as a bribery case involving former vice defense
minister Takemasa Moriya. The Council intends to discuss the
direction of the organizational reform from the beginning in
conjunction with the envisaged overall review of the role of defense
following the change in government.
Defense Parliamentary Secretary Daizo Kusuda told reporters after
the meeting: "The effects and objective of reforming the ministry
have yet to be discussed thoroughly. We must start off by
identifying problems once again." The Council, which consists of the
defense minister and the chiefs of the staff of the Ground,
Maritime, and Air Self Defense Forces, will also be disbanded. The
defense minister, the senior vice defense minister, and the defense
parliamentary secretaries will lead future discussions on reforming
the ministry.
16) Japan, India to discuss antipiracy measures
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full)
October 14, 2009
Japan-India talks on maritime security between foreign and defense
officials at the director general level will be held today in New
Delhi. The two countries' working-level officials will begin
exchanging views mainly on antipiracy measures in the Indian Ocean,
a strategic location for maritime traffic. A Japan-India joint
declaration on bilateral security cooperation formulated when Indian
Prime Minister Singh visited Japan last October stipulated that the
two countries will promote cooperation between maritime security
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authorities from Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Indian
Navy.
FOREIGN RELATIONS
17) Foreign minister visits Indonesia: Agreement reached on
promotion of concept of East Asian Community
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)
October 14, 2009
Yasuji Nozawa, Jakarta
Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada on October 13 visited Indonesia and
met with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Foreign Minister
Noer Hassan Wirajuda separately. Both countries agreed to cooperate
for the promotion of the concept of an East Asian Community
advocated by Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama.
Emerging from the meeting (with Hassan), Okada underscored at a
press conference, "Indonesia will be a key partner for Japan as we
press ahead with the East Asian Community concept." Hassan stated,
"The envisaged community should be balanced and comprehensive."
Okada and Yudhoyono during their meeting vowed that both countries
will back up the democratization of Myanmar (Burma).
18) Russia hopes Foreign Minister Okada will visit Moscow
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)
October 14, 2009
House of Councillors President Satsuki Eda, now visiting Russia,
held a press conference on Oct. 13 in Moscow. During the press
briefing, he revealed that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
expressed hope that Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada will visit Russia
before the end of the year or early next year. Eda's visit to Russia
was the first visit in 10 years by a Japanese Upper House
president.
ROOS