JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 06//06

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 12 TOKYO 003632

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SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 06//06


Index:

1) Top headlines
2) Editorials
3) Prime Minister's daily schedule

Bush-Koizumi summit:
4) President Bush, Prime Minister Koizumi meet, declare alliance in
21st century
5) US, Japan to pressure North Korea in event of missile launch
6) US-Japan relationship maturest ever
7) Bilateral alliance to go global
8) "Prime Minister Koizumi is my friend": President Bush
9) Prime Minister Koizumi himself lifts ban, orders US beef at D.C.
steakhouse
10) Gist of Bush-Koizumi press remarks
11) Joint statement underscores results in security area
12) Joint document pursues common values

North Korea problem:
13) 'Yokota's husband' says wife killed herself, accuses Japan
14) Yokota's parents infuriated
15) "They can't speak out": CCS Abe

WTO & FTA run-up:
16) Focus on US concessions, Japan to tag with France, Canada
17) US tough for farm market liberalization, rejects Japan-EU
counterproposal
18) Japan to enter into FTA talks with ASEAN in Jakarta

Defense & security issues:
19) US, Japan agree to set up panel on USFJ realignment
20) Okinawa Gov. Inamine says to step down
21) Okinawa Gov. Inamine to retire; Ruling, coalition blocs
screening candidates with focus on Futenma relocation
22) GSDF robot aircraft crashes in Iraq
23) MSDF destroyer heading home from RIMPAC drill off Hawaii

Articles:

1) TOP HEADLINES

Asahi:
Kim in interview backs Pyongyang's claim Megumi committed suicide,
criticizes Japan's response to remains presented by North

Mainichi, Yomiuri, Nihon Keizai, Sankei, & Tokyo Shimbun
Japan, US declare "alliance for 21st century" in global context,
confirm cooperation to apply pressure on North Korea over nuclear,
missile, abduction issues

2) EDITORIALS

Asahi:
(1) Kim's interview stage-managed by Pyongyang
(2) In quake-resistance data scam, all parties irresponsible

Mainichi:
(1) Kim speaks for Pyongyang
(2) Companies urged to pursue transparent management to prevent
hostile takeovers


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Yomiuri:
(1) Kim's remarks follow Pyongyang's script
(2) Cigarette prices still too low in Japan

Nihon Keizai:
(1) Difficulties lie ahead for Hankyu-Hanshin merger
(2) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian urged to tighten official
discipline

Sankei:
(1) Kim makes remarks in line with Pyongyang's script
(2) Thorough reform necessary of telecommunications and
broadcasting

Tokyo Shimbun:
(1) North Korea again plays trick with abduction issue
(2) Public servants found guilty of distributing political flyers:
Freedom could be undermined

3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei)

Prime Minister's schedule, June 28 & 29

NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2) (Full)
June 30, 2006

June 28

Noon Attended a luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Harper at the
Federal Parliament Building in Ottawa.Received a courtesy call from
the representative of the Canadian Managers' Association.

Evening Left Ottawa aboard a government plane. Arrived at Andrews
Airport in a suburb of Washington, DC Attended a welcome ceremony
and arrived at the Blair House. Stayed there.

June 29

Morning Attended a welcome ceremony at the White House. Held talks
with President Bush.

4) Japan-US summit talks: Koizumi, Bush adopt Japan-US alliance for
the 21st century, vowing cooperation to block Taepodong-2 launch

MAINICHI (Top play) (Abridged)
June 30, 2006

Munehiro Hirata, Washington

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held talks with US President George

W. Bush on the morning of June 29 (late June 29, Japan time). The
talks with Bush that day would be the last for Koizumi, who is
scheduled to step down from the post in the fall. Summing up the
bilateral cooperative relations of the past five years based on the
honeymoon-like personal relationship, the two leaders also released
the "US-Japan alliance of the 21st century" to declare continued
cooperation in a global context. In a joint press conference that
followed, Koizumi highlighted Japan's stance of putting high
priority on the US.

The meeting on June 29 marked the 13th summit meeting for Koizumi
and Bush, who last met in November 2005 in Kyoto. To the outgoing

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Japanese prime minister, who made the first official visit to the US
since Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi in 1999, the US government gave
special treatment, including a banquet at the White House. Such
treatment is usually given only to state guests.

In the talks, Koizumi and Bush reached an agreement to cooperate
closely to prevent North Korea from launching a Taepodong-2
long-range ballistic missile and to apply pressure in various ways
in the event it launches a missile. Bush said: "Referring the matter
to the United Nations (Security Council) could be one of them."

Bush also expressed his gratitude for contributions made by Ground
Self-Defense Force troops, who have begun preparations for leaving
southern Iraqi city of Samawah. Koizumi indicated that the Air
Self-Defense Force will continue its airlift mission even after the
ground troops leave Iraq.

The joint statement on the Japan-US alliance highlighted the two
countries' determination to promote universal values, such as
freedom, human rights, and democracy. The statement also noted that
cooperation in such areas as missile defense and emergency
legislation has progressed under the Koizumi administration and that
the Japan-US alliance has been strengthened in a global context
through SDF missions in the Indian Ocean and Iraq.

The joint declaration also highlighted the two countries'
determination to call on China to become a responsible international
player, noting, "Firm Japan-US cooperation will help utilize China's
vitality for the maintenance of peace and stability of Northeast
Asia." At the same time, the declaration defined freedom, human
rights, democracy, and the rule of law as common values.

Under UN Security Council reform, the joint statement also specified
greater bilateral cooperation for realizing Japan's bid for a
permanent UNSC seat. The US has expressed its support for Japan's
UNSC bid, but it has yet to present any concrete steps in response
to Japan's request.

5) Japan, US will apply pressure on North Korea if Taepodong-2
launched; Japanese, US leaders declare "alliance for new century"

YOMIURI (Top Play) (Lead para.)
June 30, 2006

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and US President George W. Bush
held a meeting for about one and a half hours on the morning of June
29 (midnight of June 29, Japan time) at the White House. At a joint
press conference after the meeting, the two leaders revealed that
Japan and the United States would urge North Korea to exercise
self-restraint over its plan to launch a Taepodong-2 long-rang
ballistic missile and that the two countries would apply pressure on
Pyongyang if it test-launched. The two leaders released a joint
statement on a new bilateral alliance in which they declared that
the governments of Japan and the United States would deepen
cooperation in such areas as politics, the economy, and security.

6) Joint Japan-US statement hails most mature bilateral alliance

ASAHI (Page 1) (Excerpts)
June 30, 2006

Hiroshi Ito, Washington

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Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a meeting with US President
George W. Bush for about two hours at the White House in Washington.
The two leaders released a joint statement on an "alliance for a new
century." They agreed to strengthen the Japan-US alliance "in a
global context" based on common values and interests. In the
meeting, they spent a lot of time on the North Korea issue,
including the abductions of Japanese nationals. They shared the view
that Japan and the United States should send "clear messages" to
North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in order to resolved the abduction
issue and the North's nuclear and missile programs. They reaffirmed
the need for strengthening cooperation on those issues.

The joint statement proclaimed the Japan-US relationship as the most
mature bilateral relationship ever. It also called freedom, human
rights, democracy, a market economy, and the rule of law universal
values and said that victory in the war on terror, promotion of the
market economy, the protection of human rights, and improvement in
energy security are common interests.

7) Joint Japan-US statement declares global Japan-US alliance for
new century

NIHON KEIZAI (Top Play)
June 30, 2006

Fumiyoshi Inudo, Washington

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi met with US President George W.
Bush at the White House on the morning of June 29 for about 90
minutes. The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation to prevent
North Korea from launching a ballistic missile, as well as to
resolve the abductions of Japanese nationals by the North and deal
with Iran's nuclear programs. They released a joint statement on a
"bilateral alliance for a new century," which declared that Japan
and the United Stated would cooperate not only on bilateral security
but also on global matters.

8) President Bush: Prime Minister Koizumi is friend of mine; Koizumi
gets red carpet treatment at welcoming ceremony

NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2) (Full)
June 30, 2006

At a welcoming ceremony on June 29, US President George W. Bush
offered the maximum consideration to Prime Minister Junichiro
Koizumi, saying "Welcome back to America, my friend!"

Since heavy rain that had continued for five days ended on the day
when Koizumi arrived in Washington, the ceremony was conducted under
a blue sky. Koizumi then stated in the ceremony: "Even the weather
welcomes me. President Bush is the only world leader whom I can
trust."

Bush concluded his speech, by saying, "The real highlight is a trip
to Graceland, the home of the King (of rock Elvis Presley)."

In the welcoming ceremony for Chinese President Hu Jintao in April,
Bush only just stated specific pending bilateral issues. There were
no exchanges of warm words between them.

The president and his wife will present Koizumi with a jukebox

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recording the songs of Elvis. During a joint press conference, Bush
even made a joke, using the title of a song of Presley saying,
"Don't be cruel to the prime minister!"

9) Prime minister himself 'lifts ban' on US beef; Orders prime rib
at US restaurant

ASAHI (Page 4) (Full)
June 30, 2006

Prime Minister Koizumi, now visiting the US, yesterday evening had
US beef along with his secretary and other officials traveling with
him at a posh steak house, a regular haunt for congressional
staffers and government officials. The BSE issue has neared a
settlement, and one of the agenda items at the upcoming summit with
President Bush is the resumption of US beef by Japan. Thus, the
prime minister himself lifted the ban on US beef prior to the
summit.

He ordered prime rib, one of the popular dishes on the menu at the
restaurant. Steaks weighing 24 ounces (approximately 680 grams) are
usually served there. However, the prime minister reportedly ordered
a boneless steak weighing half the regular size (12 ounces or about
340 grams).

10) Main points from a joint press conference held on June 29 by
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and President George W. Bush

NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2) (Full)
June 30, 2006

Japan-US relations

President Bush: I have built a free and friendly relationship with
the prime minister. The prime minister strongly believes in
universal values and has taken actions based on them. The United
States and Japan will be able to work more closely in the 21st
century. Japan has also extended cooperation on the realignment of
US forces in Japan with courage. I am grateful for it opening the
Japanese market to US beef.

Prime Minister Koizumi: Thanks to the friendship with President Bush
over the last five years, I was able to exchange views with him
frankly. We confirmed the policy direction that the Japan-US
alliance will tackle various issues from a global context. Regarding
US force realignment, we also affirmed that the two countries will
work closely to reduce the burden on base-hosting communities and
maintain deterrence. We also confirmed that the two countries hold
common views on various other issues, such as Iran and North Korea.

Cooperation on antiterrorism

Bush: The Japanese troops did a splendid job in Iraq. The
cooperation of Japan's Self-Defense Forces has helped reduce our
work in Iraq. The prime minister has promised Japan's continued
transport and maritime cooperation.

Koizumi: Japan has been assisting Iraq's nation-building efforts in
a way different from the United States. Although the troops will
withdraw from Samawah, Japan will continue cooperating with the
United States, the United Nations, and other countries as a member
of the coalition.

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North Korea

Koizumi: We also discussed the North Korean issue. We agreed to
(urge) the North to become a responsible member of the six-party
talks. We also confirmed that we will urge Pyongyang not to launch a
Taepodong missile, practicing self-restraint. We also discussed
applying pressure in the event the North fires a missile.

Bush: We discussed the need to send a clear message to the North
Korean leader. We will not tolerate a missile launch. The North
Korean leader owes us an explanation of his intentions. The
six-party talks must maintain their unity. Referring the issue to
the United Nations (Security Council) and establishing a missile
defense system could be effective means.

Iran

Koizumi: Possible nuclear proliferation by Iran is a great concern
for Japan as well. Japan will cooperate with other countries.

11) Japan-US joint document highlights achievements in security
area; Wrangling over document between MOFA, JDA

YOMIURI (Page 4) (Excerpts)
June 30, 2006

Takaharu Yoshiyama, Washington

"The Japan-US alliance for the new century," a joint document issued
on June 29 by Prime Minister Koizumi and US President Bush,
highlighted the significance of the Japan-US joint strategic goals
set in February of last year and the plans agreed on this May for US
force realignment in Japan. It also played up the achievements both
sides have made in the security area.

The joint document hails an alliance that has deepened through
cooperation over missile defense (MD) and legislation for
contingencies. It also stipulates that deep cooperation between
Japan and the US will contribute to maintaining stability in
Northeast Asia by utilizing Chinese vitality and that the bilateral
alliance is "based on universal values and common interests,"
indirectly underlining that Japan and the US are different from
China in terms of their political systems.

Under Prime Minister Koizumi and President Bush, significant
progress has been made in the security area over the past five
years.

The Defense Agency (JDA) initially aimed to draw up "a new
declaration" to replace the 1996 Japan-US Security Joint
Declaration, which worked to prompt the review of the Japan-US
defense cooperation guidelines. The aim was to pave the way to
forming "a new defense cooperation guideline" to replace the current
guidelines worked out in 1997. The JDA deems the current guidelines
insufficient in terms of describing Japan-US cooperation on MD and
Japan's participation in multilateral international cooperation
activities.

However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) was negative about
"a new framework" and "a new joint security declaration," insisting
that implementing the agreed US realignment plans is the first

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priority. The US government also took the view that priority should
be given to drawing up a joint operation plan in times of emergency
in Japan and a mutual cooperation plan assuming regional
contingencies, rather than working out guidelines that feature
abstract arguments.

12) Joint document: Japan, US to pursue common values

ASAHI (Page 4) (Excerpts)
June 30, 2006

"The Japan-US alliance for the new century," a joint document issued
by the Japanese and United States leaders, is to complete the reform
of the alliance that the two countries have addressed through the
realignment of US forces in Japan. The document is designed to alter
the Cold War alliance focusing on responses to threats into a new
one to play a wider role based on common values and interests.

The document specifies common interests, as well as values. In the
document, the two countries advocate a new cooperation framework
that reflects the agreed common strategic goals.

Changes in the strategic environment surrounding Japan and the US
are behind their proposal for a new framework. In the Cold War era,
the focus was on how to deal with threats from the Soviet Union.
Since 9/11, however, it has become vital to prevent the world and
the region from being destabilized. It is also necessary to tackle
reconstruction from natural disasters and energy problems. As it
stands, the challenges facing Japan and the US have diversified.

The joint declaration notes: "Asia is in the process of changing
into a region based on universal values." Based on this perception,
the document reiterated that the Japan-US alliance is based on the
common values of freedom and democracy. It then set the goal of
"jointly designing and helping the historic reform of Asia."

But it is not easy to realize this goal. The Bush administration
launched the Iraq war on the principle of spreading democracy around
the world. In reaction, criticism is erupting from the Middle East
and Europe. There is criticism even within the US.

It is uncertain if Asia is actually in a reform process. Will the
Japan-US alliance help Asia's reform? Will a rapidly growing China
go along with what Japan and the US expect of it? There are many
tasks facing the Japan-US alliance.

13) ROK abductee Kim Young Nam insists, "Megumi is dead," saying he
was adrift and rescued, rejecting the claim he was abducted;
Criticizes Japan over "ashes"

ASAHI (Top play) (Excerpts)
June 30, 2006

Tadahisa Takatsuki, Seoul

South Korean abductee Kim Young Nam, 44, believed to be the husband
of Japanese abductee Megumi Yokota, yesterday had a news conference
in Mt. Kumgang, a North Korean resort he was visiting for a reunion
with his mother and sister. According to South Korean media that
attended the news conference, Kim reiterated North Korea's past
assertions, including that Megumi killed herself in 1994. He also
rejected the claim that he had been abducted to North Korea,

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arguing, "I was rescued by a North Korean boat while adrift at sea."
In addition, he criticized Japan for its claim that the ashes North
Korea had handed to Japan as those of Megumi were someone else's,
calling it a lie.

The family reunion came as part of the family reunion project for
separated families. Some abductees had taken part in this project in
the past, but no participants have admitted to the abductions by
North Korea. This interview by Kim Young Nam is seen as North
Korea's attempt to demonstrate to South Korea the importance of
cooperation between the Korean peoples as well as to check Japan's
call for an early settlement of the abduction issue.

14) South Korean abductee Kim Young Nam's news conference: Megumi
Yokota's parents "boiling with rage," "expected his remarks"

ASAHI (Page 39) (Excerpts)
June 30, 2006

"Unfortunately, Megumi died in 1994. This is all I can say," South
Korean abductee Kim Young Nam, 44, believed to be the husband of
Japanese abductee Megumi Yokota, said during his news conference
held in North Korea. Megumi's father, Shigeru, 73, watched this news
conference on TV in Tokyo, biting his lip. Megumi's mother, Sakie,
70, breathed deeply. "This is what we expected," they said, but they
revealed their anger toward Young Nam, who mentioned the word
"death" with an attitude of unconcern.

"He leaves us with the impression that he came there (for a news
conference) after being trained hard. All he said was what we had
expected." "There's no new information in his remarks. We hope the
government will continue negotiations (with North Korea) on the
premise that Megumi is alive."

During a press conference, Shigeru and Sakie remained calm, noting,
"All the remarks are the same as what North Korea has insisted in
the past." Referring to Young Nam's remarks concerning the ashes
that "(Japan's) conclusion that the ashes are someone else's is an
insult to me and Megumi," they said: "He insisted that we should
accept someone else's ashes. This, too, is the same as that country
has done before."

In the middle of the conference, Shigeru and Sakie revealed their
parental and grandparental love for their daughter and
granddaughter. Referring to Megumi's illness, Sakie reiterated:
"I've always thought how hard it was for her to have a baby and take
care of a child without any knowledge and experience. She might have
suffered depression;" and, "She would have felt lonely but she had
to live. She led a happy life until she was 13. I thought it would
be only natural for her to have a happy life."

When they were asked about Young Nam, they said in a trembling
voice: "She'd have been forced to marry him because she happened to
be there. If she'd been in Japan, she'd have had a happy marriage
and children."

15) Chief Cabinet Secretary Abe: "Nobody is free to state his views
in North Korea"

ASAHI (Page 3) (Full)
June 30, 2006


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When asked by reporters at the Prime Minister's Official Residence
yesterday about South Korean abductee Kim Young Nam's news
conference, Chief Cabinet Secretary Abe said: "As repatriated
Japanese abductees have pointed out, nobody is free to state his
views in North Korea. Some in (Japanese government) organizations
point out there are some contradictions (in Mr. Kim's remarks)."

Abe also stated: "I hope we can close in on the truth by asking the
North Koreans about the contradictions. We'll continue negotiations
on the premise that all the abductees are alive."

The Japanese government will continue its efforts to (1) bring all
surviving abductees back to Japan; and (2) have North Korea hand the
abductors over to Japan. After watching the news conference, Deputy
Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiji Suzuki told reporters: "That is
completely unbelievable. We continue our efforts to resolve the
abduction issue."

16) WTO six-nation talks; Whether the US will make concessions is of
primary concern; Japan to confirm cooperation with France and
Canada

MAINICHI (Page 9) (Full)
June 30, 2006

Geneva, Yotaro Fujiyoshi and Katsumi Sawada

An informal ministerial meeting of six major economies (G-6)
yesterday kicked off at the multilateral trade talks (Doha Round) at
the World Trade Organization (WTO). The course of the meeting will
likely determine the fate of a formal ministerial meeting to be held
today with the participation of approximately 40 nations. The focus
was on whether the US could make concessions on domestic subsidies
for agriculture. The dominant view is that if the talks fail to make
progress this time, it will be impossible for the round to be
completed this year. A sense of alarm is growing.

The participants at the meeting were Japan, the US, the EU, Brazil,
India, and Australia. Meeting the press prior to the G-6, EU Trade
Commissioner Mandelson categorically said, "We are ready to make
concessions if conditions, such as a cut in domestic subsidies by
the US, are met." A senior US official called on the EU and Brazil
to cut tariffs but refrained from referring to domestic subsidies.

This has generated the view that since the US administration has a
weak base at present, it would be difficult for it to substantially
cut subsidies, as a senior British official put it. A senior
Japanese official pointed out that with the Japanese and British
administrations soon to be replaced and Brazil having a presidential
election close at hand, it is difficult for them to make a political
decision, because representatives to the meeting are feeling
pressure from their parliaments, or votes from agricultural
organizations are weighing on their minds.

The key point for Japan is the number of key trade items treated as
exceptions to liberalization, including rice, and the handling of
such items. The Japanese representatives will meet with their French
and Canadian counterparts on the 29th and reaffirm their
relationship of strategic cooperation. WTO Secretary General Lamy is
pressing the participating countries to boil down issues and make
political decisions. The cliff-hanger negotiations will likely
continue.

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17) WTO talks; US increasingly becoming firm, rejecting Japanese and
EU concession proposals for tariffs of farm produce

NIHON KEIZAI (Page 5) (Slightly abridged)
June 30, 2006

Geneva, Takeshi Kawanami

The US is seeking substantial liberalization of the agricultural
market at the multilateral trade talks (Doha Round) at the World
Trade Organizations (WTO). Its hard-line stance is now becoming even
clearer. Japan and the EU on June 29 indicated a decision to raise
the rate of cuts in tariffs, based on the precondition that the US
makes concessions. However, a US senior official rejected the
proposal, noting, "Proposals made by countries other than the US are
insufficient." Reaching an agreement on trade liberalization rules
at the ongoing meeting has thus become even more difficult.

The G-10 consisting of farm-produce importers, such as Japan and
Switzerland, yesterday held a ministerial meeting. They reaffirmed a
policy of making concessions to some extent over the rate of cuts in
tariffs, provided that the US lowers the level of its requests. EU
Trade Commissioner Mandelson stated, "We are ready to make a
compromise on the liberalization of the agriculture market, if the
US makes concessions on cuts in its domestic subsidies."

However, a senior US official expressed dissatisfaction: "Japan
imposes a tariff of more than 750% on rice. Even if it lowers that
tariff in accordance with a proposal made by countries other than
US, a triple-digit tariff will still remain." The US representative
underscored that the Japanese, EU, and Brazilian proposal for
cutting the rate of tariffs on agricultural products up to 45% -75%
is insufficient. The US is calling for a cut up to 90%. It has ruled
out the possibility of making substantial concessions, with that
official noting, "The proposal made by those countries and the
organization will not lead to true market liberalization."

The US is calling for the introduction of a tariff cap system
designed to hold tariffs on all agricultural products to 75% or
less. The G-10 member countries yesterday unanimously opposed the
introduction of such a system, as they have many high-tariff trade
items.

18) Government holds FTA talks with ASEAN in Jakarta

NIHON KEIZAI (Page 5) (Full)
June 30, 2006

The Japanese government and the Association of South-East Asian
Nations (ASEAN) on June 29 held the fourth round of free trade
agreement talks in Jakarta. The Japanese side called on 10 ASEAN
member nations to scrap tariffs on more than 90% of trade items. It
proposed holding talks on individual trade items, such as autos and
household appliances.

However, ASEAN side called for FTA negotiations based on a package
formula, as it employed in talks with China and South Korea. A
Japanese government official noted, "The two sides are still at odds
over how to proceed with negotiations." The next meeting will be
held in Jakarta as early as late July. Both sides will aim at
reaching a final agreement next spring, after holding a meeting of

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economic ministers this summer.

19) Japan, US agree to set up a US force realignment council

MAINICHI (Page 3) (Full)
June 30, 2006

The Japanese and US governments yesterday agreed to establish a US
force realignment council, a consultative panel to deal with the
realignment of US forces in Japan. The purpose of the panel is to
map out plans for individual implementation plans, such as the
transfer of the 1st Army Command to Camp Zama in Kanagawa Prefecture
and the transfer of a carrier-based air unit to the MCAS Iwakuni,
and also to confirm the progress of the plans.

Joining the panel from the Japanese side will be the director of the
Japan-US Security Treaty Bureau of the Foreign Ministry and the
director of the Defense Policy Bureau of the Defense Agency.
Participants from the US will include the chief of the US Embassy
Security Desk and the director of the Policy Planning Office in the
US Forces Japan Headquarters.

20) Inamine's decision to resign pushes ruling and opposition blocks
toward fierce maneuvering to determine his successor with Futenma's
fate at stake

TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Excerpts)
June 30, 2006

Okinawa Governor Keiichi Inamine announced before the prefectural
assembly yesterday that he will resign from the post without running
in the gubernatorial race in November. US force realignment will be
the largest campaign issue for selecting Inamine's successor. Fierce
bargaining is likely to occur soon in the political world in Tokyo
as well.

The political world in Tokyo takes a strong interest in the Okinawa
gubernatorial race, because the outcome will inevitably affect the
plan to relocate Futenma Air Station to Camp Schwab, a key factor in
US force realignment. The relocation plan will be affected by the
response of the governor, who has the authority to issue permission
to use public waters.

21) Okinawa governor announces he will not seek third term

SANKEI (Page 4) (Full)
June 30, 2006

Okinawa Governor Keiichi Inamine announced yesterday that he would
not seek a third term in the gubernatorial election on November 19.
Following this, the ruling and opposition parties will start work to
select candidates. In the gubernatorial election campaign, the US
force realignment issue will be the top issue, and the outcome of
the election is likely to affect the future of realignment.

22) GSDF drone crashes in Iraq

ASAHI (Page 38) (Full)
June 30, 2006

A Ground Self-Defense Force unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) on an
intelligence-gathering and scouting mission in the southern Iraqi

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SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 06//06

city of Samawah crashed at a point several kilometers north of the
GSDF's Samawah camp at around 4 a.m. on June 29 local time, Defense
Agency officials said yesterday. The crash is presumably
attributable to the vehicle's own trouble, not to an attack from the
ground, the officials said. This is the second UAV crash, following
the first one that took place on May 22.

23) MSDF destroyer heading home

ASAHI (Page 38) (Full)
June 30, 2006

The Maritime Self-Defense Force's Yokosuka-based Aegis-equipped
destroyer Kirishima has been abruptly ordered home from the US-led
Rim-of-the-Pacific joint maneuvers (RIMPAC 2006) currently going on
with the fleet participation of Japanese and other foreign naval
vessels in waters off Hawaii, MSDF sources said yesterday. The MSDF
destroyer is believed to be on stage in waters near Japan to keep
watch on North Korea because North Korea remains ready to launch a
Taepodong-2 long-range ballistic missile.

DONOVAN