JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 10/13/06

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E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 10/13/06 Index: 1) Top headlines 2) Editorials 3) Prime Minister's daily schedule North Korea nuclear threat: 4) US, Japan pushing for strong UNSC sanctions on North Korea, trying to persuade China, Russia to follow suit 5) Government plans to speed up introduction of missile-defense SM-3s next year 6) Government considering special law on rear support for US' maritime interdictions of North Korea ships 7) Government under pressure to act in case of maritime interdiction 8) Prime Minister Abe: Only natural for Japan to study notion of having enemy-base strike capability 9) Diet replies on regional contingencies, sanctions on North Korea, US-Japan alliance and missile defense 10) Minshuto (Democratic Party of Japan) split on Diet actions on security issues: against extending ant-terror law but would accept elevating JDA to a ministry 11) Abe was preparing in July for additional sanction measures on North Korea 12) Low-interest financing for companies hurt by ban on trade with North Korea 13) Current period of steady economic growth is about to become the longest in postwar Japan Articles: 1) TOP HEADLINES Asahi: Tokyo High Court orders hospital to pay compensation for baby switch Mainichi: Wakayama prefectural government involved in bid-rigging scandal: Chief cashier and other officials arrested; Osaka prosecutors to pursue governor's involvement Yomiuri: Government now discussing feasibility of refueling US vessels tasked with ship inspections Nihon Keizai: Fukuoka Bank to acquire Kyushu Shinwa Holdings as subsidiary Sankei: US does not rule out use of armed force in sanctions resolution on North Korea likely to be adopted as soon as today Tokyo Shimbun: LDP now discussing law on ship inspections; Government examining the applicability of contingency law Akahata: JCP's survey results: Consumer loan firms found to have provided 19.49 million yen to LDP, New Komeito in 2003-2005; Five current cabinet members received money TOKYO 00005956 002 OF 010 2) EDITORIALS Asahi: (1) Japan's unilateral sanctions: International unity first priority (2) Newspaper week: We want to tell the readership about importance of facts Mainichi: (1) Japan's unilateral sanctions: Joint action with China, South Korea essential to enhance effectiveness (2) Tokyo air pollution suit: Settlement needed for early relief of victims Yomiuri: (1) Sanctions on North Korea: New legislation needed to prepare for current crisis (2) Full discharge of debts: We hope for better service from banks Nihon Keizai: (1) Four-year-and-nine-month economic recovery? Britain now in its 14th year of growth (2) Be cautious about oilfield project in Iran Sankei: (1) Japan's unilateral sanctions: We support Abe administration's decision (2) Return of captain of the boat shot by Russian Coast Guard: This is not the end of the story Tokyo Shimbun: (1) Current expansion ties the longest in postwar era (2) China's plan to narrow social disparities: Is it possible to achieve fairness? Akahata: Mutual relief: It's unacceptable to smash mutual aid associations 3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) Prime Minister's schedule, October 12 NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2) (Full) October 13, 2006 08:01 Met Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Suzuki at the Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei). 09:00 Upper House Budget Committee meeting. 11:58 Arrived at the Kantei. 13:00 Upper House Budget Committee meeting. 17:04 Met Cabinet Intelligence Director Mitani. Then meeting of cabinet minister related to monthly economic report. TOKYO 00005956 003 OF 010 18:28 Met State Minister for Economic and Fiscal Policy Ota. 19:00 Received telephone call from Indonesian President Yudohoyono. Chief Cabinet Secretary Shiozaki and Special Advisors to the Prime Minister Koike and Seko were present. 19:56 Returned to private residence at Tomigaya. 4) Japan, US launch swift offensive against North Korea at UNSC with harsh sanctions YOMIURI (Page 2) (Excerpts) October 13, 2006 Yoshikazu Shirakawa, New York The United States circulated a final draft resolution calling for sanctions against North Korea for its nuclear test to the permanent member nations of the United Nations Security Council on Oct. 12. The US revised the original draft to reflect the concerns of China and Russia. By coming up with a final draft resolution calling for harsh sanctions under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, the US demonstrated its determination to bring about powerful, swift action from the UNSC. China and Russia now have no excuse for opposing the heightening of pressure on North Korea for its provocative act, losing ground to the quick offensive taken by Japan and the US. Speaking to reporters on the evening of Oct. 11, Ambassador to the UN John Bolton indicated a willingness to accelerate procedures for adopting the resolution, saying, "Although we are ready to respond to further discussion, it is necessary to take quick action tomorrow (the 12th) in order to have the resolution adopted by the weekend." The US has constantly taken the initiative at the UNSC in dealing with the issue of North Korea's nuclear test. Within 24 hours after the North announced it had conducted a nuclear test, the US presented a draft resolution calling for sanctions. While China and Russia were reserving a reply, the view that "a tough resolution should be quickly taken" dominated the UNSC. The resolution includes wide-ranging measures, such as ship inspections, a ban on arms exports, and financial sanctions, in addition to measures to prevent the transfer of weapons of mass destruction. These measures show that the US had started carefully drafting the resolution even from before the North conducted the nuclear test. In the final version, the words "within 30 days" inserted in the draft resolution as the deadline for implementing sanctions were erased, reflecting the proposals by China and Russia to some extent. 5) Gov't to introduce SM-3 missiles next year for earlier-than-scheduled deployment ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) October 13, 2006 TOKYO 00005956 004 OF 010 In the wake of North Korea's proclamation of a nuclear test, the government decided yesterday to frontload its planned introduction of sea-based Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) missiles for missile defense (MD) and will introduce the SM-3 earlier than scheduled within the calendar year of 2007, Defense Agency Director General Kyuma stated before the House of Councillors Budget Committee in its meeting yesterday. Japan's SM-3 introduction was initially scheduled for late fiscal 2007. Asked about MD deployment, Prime Minister Abe vowed to expedite Japan's MD deployment. "The budget is limited, but we would like to make efforts to push for it in response to such a situation," Abe stated in his reply before the committee. Kyuma also stated that the government would have to consider moving up the schedule in order to remove public anxiety. He then clarified that the Defense Agency would introduce the SM-3 within 2007. They were replying to questions from Jiro Aichi of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Meanwhile, in response to North Korea's missile launches in July, the government has already decided to move up its planned acquisition of ground-based Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) missiles for earlier-than-scheduled deployment. The government plans to purchase PAC-3 missiles in fiscal 2008 and afterward but will purchase some of them in fiscal 2007. 6) Government eyes special law for rear support for maritime interdictions ASAHI (Page 1) (Full) October 13, 2006 The government yesterday launched a discussion on special legislation to enable the Self-Defense Force to offer rear support for ship inspections being carried out on vessels traveling to and from North Korea. The rear support would focus on fueling and other services. The United Nations Security Council will soon adopt a resolution calling for sanctions against North Korea because of its announced nuclear test. Japan expects the resolution will include a ship-inspection measure. The Liberal Democratic Party also asked the government yesterday to prepare special legislation to enable Japan's rear support for such maritime interdictions. In a House of Councillors Budget Committee meeting yesterday, Prime Minister Abe said, "Assuming various contingencies, we must look into what measures Japan will be able to take." An aide to the prime minister also admitted that the government started a discussion on response measures, including a special law, and said, "The prime minister should make a final decision." Under the current relevant law, the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) is allowed to carry out its own ship searches on the high seas on the condition that there is a contingency going on near Japan. The government, however, has judged it difficult to come up with this definition under the current situation. Regarding rear-support fueling services as stipulated in the Regional Contingency Law, as well, such services are limited to the US military and they must occur in Japan's territorial waters. Given this, the government has started mapping out a special law. In a meeting yesterday of the Policy Research Council to Deal with North Korea's Nuclear Test, the LDP also called for legislation to be prepared to allow Japan to support maritime interdictions being TOKYO 00005956 005 OF 010 carried out by vessels of other countries. Defense Agency Director General Kyuma said in the Upper House Budget Committee meeting yesterday: "Nobody knows what would happen when countries begin to take action in accordance with the UN resolution. There is even the possibility that areas near Japan might fall into a state that can be recognized as an emergency." 7) UNSC resolution on maritime inspections: Government forced into difficult choice; Recognizing contingency key to support TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Slightly Abridged) October 13, 2006 Maritime inspections of ships to ensure enforcement of economic sanctions can involve the use of force, such as firing warning shots and seizing ships. Though the government has thus far characterized such actions an unconstitutional, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is now discussing inspections of ships to and from North Korea. Following these moves, the possibility has emerged that the Abe administration will be forced to steel itself for the challenge and make a difficult choice. In the event of the UNSC incorporating maritime ship inspections in its resolution, options available to Japan in compliance with the existing law will be: (1) carrying out ship inspections; (2) providing logistical support; or (3) not taking part in such inspections. The circumstances are, however, complex. International law defines maritime inspections as naval ships stopping vessels and checking whether they are transporting banned good. If the vessel does not follow the order to stop, warning shots might be fired. If banned goods are found, the vessel could be seized. Based on the interpretation that firing warning shots and seizing vessels fall under the use of armed force or the threat to do so, acts banned under Article 9 of the Constitution, the government has thus far taken the position that maritime inspections of ships are unconstitutional. For this reason, Japan has established the Vessels Inspection Activities Law, which allows it to board and inspect the vessels of third countries in the event of a contingency in an area surrounding Japan, thereby positioning such an act as replacing conventional naval inspections. However, doubts have been cast about the efficacy of this kind of ship search, because unlike naval inspections, firing warning shots is not allowed. They have no power of coercion, either. That is why the range of options available to Japan includes providing logistical support to US military vessels carrying out maritime inspections of ships. However, in both cases the government needs to recognize a contingency in an area surrounding Japan before the Maritime Self-Defense Force can operate. The Law Concerning Measures to Ensure the Peace and Security of TOKYO 00005956 006 OF 010 Japan in Situations in Areas Surrounding Japan stipulates a contingency in an area surrounding Japan as a situation that could lead to a direct armed attack if it is left unheeded. As to whether that would include the current situation, the prevailing view in the Defense Agency (JDA) was at first that the situation was not that serious, according to a senior JDA official. However, the situation has changed due to sanctions discussions by the UNSC. There are six categories for the recognition of a contingency in an area surrounding Japan, including the outbreak of an armed conflict or the acts of a specific country being determined by the UNSC to be a threat to peace and the subject of economic sanctions. In North Korea's case, there is the possibility of that maritime inspections of ships could lead to an exchange of fire. There is also a growing consensus that the UNSC's sanctions resolution following North Korea's announcement that it has carried out a nuclear test falls under some of those six categories. 8) Attack on enemy bases: "Considering such a possibility is natural," says prime minister; JDA director general remains cautious TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Excerpts) October 13, 2006 Regarding Japan's response in the event of an imminent missile launch against Japan, Prime Minister Abe during yesterday's Upper House Budget Committee meeting stated, "It is only natural for us to always consider and study what should be done in order to defend out country." He thus indicated his position supporting study of the idea of obtaining the capability to strike enemy bases. At the same time, Defense Agency Director-General Akio Kyuma expressed caution about the use of force, noting: "Our country's position has been that it uses a shield but does not possess arms. We will, in principle, relegate the job of attacking enemy bases to the US military." 9) Abe: Japan to enforce sanctions due to growing threat from North Korea; Japan-US alliance's deterrence rock solid ASAHI (Page 4) (Abridged) October 13, 2006 The following is a gist of Diet interpellations from yesterdays' House of Councillors Budget Committee session. Situations in areas surrounding Japan Keiichiro Asao (Democratic Party of Japan-Minshuto): Does North Korea's conduct this time fall under the category of "situations in areas surrounding Japan" as a legal grounds for ship inspection? Prime Minister Abe: The situation is changing every moment, so we will have to consider at all times how Japan can respond while anticipating every possible situation. Defense Agency Director-General Kyuma: I don't think the present situation falls under the category of situations in areas surrounding Japan. However, when various countries are beginning to TOKYO 00005956 007 OF 010 take actions in line with a United Nations resolution, circumstance may emerge that require recognition as a situation (i.e., a contingency) in areas surrounding Japan. Abe: Even if the circumstances are recognized as a situation in areas surrounding Japan, there are limits to the enforcement of ship inspections. At this point, we will need to consider how to respond to such a situation in the international community. That's a major challenge. Sanctions Asao: Japan is asking the United Nations Security Council to adopt a resolution, but Japan will not participate (in maritime intercept operations). Do you think this will pass muster in the international community? Abe: One may say Japan can't do anything in light of its law, so we don't recognize it (as a contingency) and we don't agree (to participate in maritime interdictions). That's another problem. Each country has its own capability. Katsutoshi Kaneda (Liberal Democratic Party): Why did the government decide to go ahead with unilateral sanctions? Abe: North Korea has improved its missile capability and proclaimed that it conducted a nuclear test. When we think about this, Japan is facing a doubly serious threat. It's a threat to the region. At the same time, Japan is the very country facing the threat. In such a situation, the government decided on severe measures. Japan-US alliance Gotaro Yoshimura (LDP): If and when Japan faces an increasing danger of a nuclear attack, how will the government respond? Abe: The United States has declared that an attack on Japan is the same as an attack on the United States. The presence of the United States and the deterrence of our alliance with the United States are rock solid. When I talked with President Bush over the phone, the president told me that US deterrence is rock solid. It's a message to North Korea and the world. Missile defense Jiro Aichi (LDP): We will have to consider destroying missiles as an emergency option within the bounds of invoking the right of self-defense. Abe: I take it for granted that we will always discuss and study what to do in order to defend our country. We've now already set about missile defense. The budget is limited, but I'd like to make efforts to push for it in response to such a situation. Aichi: What about the government's plans for missile defense? Kyuma: The MD deployment plans have been budgeted since fiscal 2004 and will be completed in eight years. The SM-3 (sea-based missiles to be mounted on Aegis ships) is currently scheduled to be introduced in late fiscal 2007, but I'd like to do it within (the calendar year of) 2007. TOKYO 00005956 008 OF 010 10) Minshuto's security policy now wavering, with opposition to extension of Antiterrorism Special Measures Law but favoring upgrading JDA to ministerial status SANKEI (Page 5) (Full) October 13, 2006 North Korea's recent announcement that it set off a nuclear test not only puts to the test the government's security policy but also rocks the Democratic Party of Japan's (Minshuto) security policy. Yesterday, the party adopted a policy course of opposing an amendment to the Antiterrorism Special Measures Law, but DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa supports a bill to upgrade the Defense Agency (JDA) to ministry status. The party's Policy Committee to Take the Reins of Government held its first meeting yesterday, but it is unlikely to reach a decision on basic policy until the end of the year, while being forced until then to deal with bills in an ad hoc manner. The Antiterrorism Special Measures Law serves as the legal grounds for refueling by the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) now continuing in the Indian Ocean for US and other countries' vessels. As that law is due to expire on Nov. 1, the government has submitted to the Diet a bill extending the law for another one year. The Lower House Steering Committee in its board meeting yesterday decided to have the government explain the purpose of the bill and take questions at a plenary session today. Meanwhile, Minshuto in its Foreign and Defense Council meeting yesterday confirmed a policy course of opposing the bill, saying that continuing to extend it piecemeal and that the GOJ has yet to sufficiently explain what the law has accomplished. There is, however, deep-rooted sentiment within the party in favor of a realistic approach, with one junior lawmaker warning, "That would give the impression that our party has turned its back on fighting terrorism." When the same law was amended last year to extend it for one year, then DPJ President Seiji Maehara worked to coordinate views in the party so as to approve the amendment, but he changed course afterward to oppose it in order to preserve harmony within the party. The party's stance this time is to save face, with a mid-level lawmaker noting: "Given that our party has opposed the bill to date, if we now come out in favor of it, our policy consistency will be called into question." At the same time, upgrading the JDA to ministerial status has been one of Ozawa's pet arguments continued since he was the president of the Liberal Party (Jiyuto). In fact, Ozawa stated on a commercial TV program in late September: "It's not a good thing that the agency in charge of national defense is under the Cabinet Office and is unable to take the initiative in making policy proposals." Yesterday, the party's Parliamentary Group Aiming to Establish a Defense Ministry at an Early Date met yesterday and confirmed that the group endorsed upgrading the JDA to a ministerial status. But some lawmakers are opposed, citing the bid-rigging scandals involving the Defense Facilities Administration Agency and arguing that promotion to ministry status would only reward the JDA after this malfeasance. So, at the Foreign and Defense Council meeting yesterday, the party put off the conclusion. TOKYO 00005956 009 OF 010 In response to North Korea's announcement of a nuclear test, Ozawa said on Oct. 9: "We must take strict containment measures." Adding, "North Korea will react (to the measures taken by the international community)," he called on the government to take a resolute response. But when the government announced a set of additional sanctions on Oct. 11, the party did not issue an official statement. Ozawa and his party are now being tested over whether party members can unite on security policy. 11) Prime Minister preparing additional sanctions measures against North Korea from July, decision given momentum by change in China's attitude YOMIURI (Page 4) (Excerpts) October 13, 2006 In the background of the government's decisions to impose on its own additional sanctions measures against North Korea only two days after that country announced it had carried out a nuclear weapon test lies the fierce determination of Prime Minister Abe, who decided to take a strong stand as quickly as possible. The Prime Minister already in July (before his election) had anticipated such a crisis situation, and directed related bureaus to start preparations. "North Korea's next card is likely to be a nuclear test, so I want you to start considering our response should that contingency occur," Abe, then chief cabinet secretary, directed Deputy Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary Ando, who was in charge of foreign affairs, only a few days after North Korea launched missiles on July 5. 12) Government helps domestic firms suffering from embargo against North Korea, plans to extend low-interest loans SANKEI (Page 5) (Full) October 13, 2006 At the first meeting yesterday of the government's task force on an embargo on North Korea (chaired by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki) at the Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei),the government decided to take such measures as extending low-interest loans via government-affiliated banking institutions to domestic firms suffering an economic blow from a total import ban on North Korean products. The government will today decide on assistance measures to be taken immediately. The total import ban on North Korean products is one of Japan's additional sanctions. Such measures were announced on Oct. 11 and will be put into action tomorrow. In the meeting, Shiozaki stated, "They are necessary for the sake of security, but we want to offer considerate assistance to firms that have suffered a blow." He received reports forecasting the impact as well as suggesting assistance measures from relevant ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. Imports from North Korea for fiscal 2005 amounted to some 14.5 billion yen. Of them, seafood, such as crabs and clams, accounted for 28% or so, and matsutake mushrooms and other agricultural products accounted for about 12% . 13) Monthly economic report: Period of current expansion stretches TOKYO 00005956 010 OF 010 to 57 months, as long as "Izanagi boom" SANKEI (Page 1) (Excerpts) October 13, 2006 The current economic expansion is equal to the "Izanagi boom" (November 1965 - July 1970),and it is almost certain that it will be the longest postwar boom next month. State Minister in Charge of Economic and Fiscal Policy Hiroko Ota submitted the October economic report in a meeting of relevant cabinet ministers yesterday. The report left unchanged the government's basic assessment of the economy as "being on the recovery track." The current economic expansion that began in February 2002 has stretched to 57 months. SCHIEFFER