JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 05/01/07-3

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E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 05/01/07-3 Defense Minister Kyuma to USA: 24) Defense Minister Kyuma meets Defense Secretary Gates, promises to stop leaks of defense secret 25) Kyuma, visiting Tampa, explains his critical remarks of Iraq war 26) Kyuma in Pentagon meeting seeks F-22 data, reaches agreement on GSOMIA 27) US at 2-plus-2 meeting to refer to "nuclear umbrella" 28) Japan to strengthen nuclear-cooperation ties with Kazakhstan 29) US, Japan begin talks on simplifying cargo inspection exported to US, limited to superior companies Diet agenda: 30) Last half of regular Diet session: backlog of important bills and signs of renewed clashes with opposition parties pushing own agenda 31) Ruling parties agree on amendments to Political Funds Control Law that would require office expense receipts for items of 50,000 yen 32) Demonstrations of interest groups against easing of conditions for imports of US beef Articles: 24) Kyuma vows to prevent classified info leakage ASAHI (Page 1) (Full) May 1, 2007 WASHINGTON-Defense Minister Kyuma met with US Defense Secretary Gates at the US Defense Department on the morning of April 30 or late at night on the same day. In the meeting, Kyuma explained Japan's information security setup in connection with the recently exposed case of information leakage that resulted from a Maritime Self-Defense Force petty officer second class' taking home of Aegis vessel data. Kyuma promised to uncover the whole truth and to prevent such information leakage from recurring. "I'm sorry to have bothered you while we were now going to share intelligence," Kyuma said. In the meeting, the two exchanged views in a wide range of areas, including the planned realignment of US forces in Japan and the two countries' respective policies toward Iraq. Kyuma asked the US side to provide information about the United States' newest stealth fighter, the F-22 Raptor, which is a potential candidate fighter model for the Air Self-Defense Force's follow-on fighter (FX) to be determined in the summer of next year. This is the first time for Kyuma and Gates to meet in their defense summit. Kyuma reported the Defense Ministry's current status upgraded from its previous agency status. The Japanese and US sides also agreed to take steady steps, based on their agreement, to relocate the US Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture and to transfer USMC troops from Okinawa to Guam in the process of realigning US forces in Japan. Concerning the leakage of information, the US side took the position that it is important to share information in bilateral cooperation. In this connection, the US side called on Japan to protect TOKYO 00001934 002 OF 008 confidential information in an even more effective way. Japan vowed SIPDIS to make efforts from now on. Japan expressed its support for the United States' stance of stabilizing Iraq in trying to dispel the US side's distrust caused by Kyuma's critical remarks about the Iraq war. The two sides also confirmed that Japan and the United States would ready themselves to share missile launch information in connection with ballistic missile defense (BMD) as a pillar of defense cooperation. In addition, Kyuma also asked the US side to provide information about the F-22 for Japan's process of screening and selecting the FX model. The F-22 features its high stealth from radar and its supersonic cruise capability. However, the United States is prohibited under its domestic law from exporting the F-22. Moreover, the United States also embargoes its data for export. The Japanese side asked the US side for detailed information about the F-22's performance and about its manufacturer's maintenance backup. 25) Kyuma in US apologizes for criticizing Iraq war ASAHI (Page 2) (Full) May 1, 2007 TAMPA, Florida-Defense Minister Kyuma, now visiting the United States, explained his standpoint on April 29 about his remarks in which he criticized the United States' decision to start the Iraq war as "wrong." Kyuma explained, "At that time I didn't say the decision to use force was right or not right." Kyuma told this to Japanese reporters when he visited the US Central Command (CENTCOM) at its headquarters, which oversees US forces in Iraq and other regions. Referring to his remarks made at the Japan National Press Club in January, Kyuma explained, "I said there that I was thinking to myself at that time that there were no nuclear weapons." Kyuma also told reporters that he "did not comment" on the US government's decision or the Japanese government's support. Meanwhile, he also said his remarks "caused misunderstandings in some respects." In addition, Kyuma also declared his support for US military operations in Iraq. Touching on US President Bush's plan to send more troops to Iraq, Kyuma said: "It's his last gamble, perhaps -- his commitment to send even more troops. I think highly of the president's resolve." The Japanese side hoped to meet CENTCOM Commander Fallon. However, the commander was absent as he was on his way back from the Middle East, according to Kyuma. In Fallon's stead, CENTCOM Deputy Commander Nichols met Kyuma at the headquarters. The deputy commander explained, "Commander Fallon was supposed to speak, but he could not come back in time from the area we cover." 26) Kyuma, Gates agree to ink info security pact; Japan asks US for F-22 data TOKYO (Page 2) (Full) May 1, 2007 WASHINGTON-Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma, now visiting the United States, met for the first time with US Secretary of Defense Gates at the US Department of Defense on the morning of April 30 (late at TOKYO 00001934 003 OF 008 night on the same day). Kyuma expressed his regret for a Maritime Self-Defense Force member's leakage of Aegis vessel data. In this regard, Kyuma vowed to make his utmost efforts to uncover the truth about the incident and prevent such an incident from recurring. With this, Kyuma sought understanding from the US side growing distrustful of Japan's information control. Kyuma and Gates concurred on toughening information security and agreed to enter into a general security of military information agreement (GSOMIA). In addition, the two also confirmed that Japan and the United States would step up bilateral cooperation on a missile defense (MD) system. Kyuma asked the US side to provide detailed information about the US Air Force's newest fighter jet, the F-22, which is likely to become a candidate in the process of screening and selecting candidate models for the Air Self-Defense Force's follow-on mainstay fighter (FX). Meanwhile, the issue of relocating the US Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, has been stalemated in connection with the planned realignment of US forces in Japan. On this issue, Kyuma told the US side that Japan, based on its agreement with the United States, would push ahead with a plan to build a V-shaped pair of airstrips in a coastal area of Camp Schwab in the island prefecture's northern coastal city of Nago. In addition, Kyuma also clarified that Japan would extend its Iraq reconstruction assistance special measures law for two years to continue the ASDF's airlift support. They reconfirmed the two countries' bilateral alliance. 27) US to refer to "nuclear umbrella" in 2 + 2 SANKEI (Page 5) (Full) May 1, 2007 Hiroyuki Kano, Washington In a Japan-United States Security Consultative Committee meeting (2 + 2) to be held in Washington on May 1, local time, the foreign and defense ministers of the two countries will agree to strengthen cooperation in operating a missile defense (MD) system. The US is expected to stress its continued deterrence for Japan, including its "nuclear umbrella," focusing on North Korea's development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. Behind the US reference to the "nuclear umbrella" seems to be a desire to hold in check arguments for Japan becoming a nuclear power that have begun to be heard in Japan since North Korea's nuclear test last year. Participating in the upcoming 2 + 2 meeting will be Foreign Minister Aso and Defense Minister Kyuma from Japan and Secretary of State Rice and Defense Secretary Gates from the US. Both Gates, who assumed office last December, and Kyuma will participate in the 2 + 2 for the first time. In the 2 + 2 meeting, Kyuma, as he did in a meeting with Gates on April 30, will refer to the recent leak of Aegis information by a TOKYO 00001934 004 OF 008 Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) seaman and promise to prevent the recurrence of a similar incident. Giving consideration to the fact that the US has expressed concern about the Defense Ministry's loose handling of defense intelligence, as seen from the leak of Aegis intelligence. Kyuma will reveal that he has established a taskforce under his lead in the Defense Ministry and reiterate his determination to take every possible measure to protect military secrets. Kyuma is also expected to touch on his own remarks this January criticizing President Bush's decision on the Iraq war as a mistake. He is willing to obtain understanding from the US by relaying the Japanese government's willingness to make utmost efforts to enact a bill amending the Iraq Reconstruction Assistance Measures Law to extend the law by another two years in order to continue to help reconstruct Iraq. Many Liberal Democratic Party members attribute the delayed holding of the 2 + 2 meeting to Washington's displeasure at Kyuma's controversial remarks. Meanwhile, Aso and Kyuma will explain that the government has submitted a USFJ realignment special measures bill to the Diet and intends to steadily push ahead with the plan to relocate the US Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture, to a coastal area of Camp Schwab in Ginowan, Okinawa, as agreed on between Japan and the US last May. The two countries are also expected to agree to conclude a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) to enhance the protection of their intelligence. 28) Japan to secure 30% of its uranium demand through strengthened tie-ups with Kazakhstan ASAHI (Page 1) (Full) May 1, 2007 Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Minister Akira Amari, now visiting Kazakhstan, on Apr. 30 met with Prime Minister Karim Masimov in Astana, the capital of the nation and signed a joint statement advocating the strengthening of broad-based bilateral relations in the atomic energy area. The Japanese side with a delegation of about 150 members from the government and the private sector, including presidents of nuclear power-related companies, obtained the right to procure more than 30% of its annual demand for uranium used for atomic power generation - 9,500 tons in fiscal ¶2005. Japan has thus paved the way for a stable procurement of uranium, whose prices are skyrocketing following the fierce scramble. Amari during a joint press conference stressed, "We have made a major achievement in only six months." Masimov expressed hopes for Japan's technical assistance, noting, "The two countries have taken a step forward for the stage for new cooperation in qualitative terms." The two leaders have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations characterizing each other as a strategic partner in the joint statement. They also reaffirmed their determination to start talks in order to sign a nuclear cooperation pact intended to smoothen TOKYO 00001934 005 OF 008 exchanges of nuclear substances and technical cooperation. A total of 29 nuclear power-related and government-affiliated companies, and the Resources and Energy Agency signed 24 contracts the same day with such companies as Kazatomprom, Kazakhstan's national atomic company that monopolizes uranium in that nation. The leaders and cabinet ministers of the two countries participated in the signing ceremony. Four companies, including Marubeni Corporation and Tokyo Electric Co., have joined a uranium mines development project and obtained stake equivalent to 20% of Japan's annual demand for the material. Itochu Corp. also signed a long-term procurement contract for a uranium concentrate. Kazakhstan accounts for 1% of uranium supplies to Japan. However, the outlook is now more than 30% of Japan's annual demand can be secured from that nation within several years. Toshiba is considering sealing a tie-up deal with Kazatomprom for the construction of a nuclear power generation plant. Mitsubishi Nuclear Fuel Co. will consider transferring technology for the construction of uranium recycling and processing plant by Kazatomprom. 29) Japan, US to start discussions on simplifying cargo inspections for superior export agents NIHON KEIZAI (Page 1) (Excerpts) May 1, 2007 The governments of Japan and the United States will launch official talks aimed to simplify examinations in Japan of US-bound cargoes. Cargo inspections have been tightened as part of antiterrorist measures. The two sides will discuss measures to ease the existing rule requiring the notification of cargo shipments to the US Customs at least 24 hours before they are loaded onto freighters. Japan also hopes to lower the ratio of cargoes subject to strict sampling tests to the total. The eased rules, if agreed on, will only apply to superior export agents who have abided by rules. The Asia Gateway Strategy Council, chaired by Tokyo University Professor Motoshige Ito, will specify the government's proposals in its final report due out later this month and present them to the US. The Japanese and US leaders agreed in their latest meeting to start government-level talks on this matter. Japan and the US will shortly launch a study group of their experts. The government-envisioned framework will only apply to export agents that fulfill certain conditions, such as no record of violating rules. Japan also hopes to lower the ratio of cargoes subject to inspection to the total and to have cargoes from Japan inspected at the US Customs on a priority basis. 30) Fierce battle expected between ruling and opposition camps during latter half of Diet session NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2) (Excerpts) May 1, 2007 A fierce tug-of-war will occur between the ruling and opposition parties in the second half at the current session of the Diet with the focus being on the House of Councillors election in July. The ruling coalition intends to take a bullish posture of not hesitating to railroad votes on such important bills as a national referendum TOKYO 00001934 006 OF 008 bill and three bills related to education reform. The main opposition party Minshuto (Democratic Party of Japan) plans to strengthen a stance of opposing the ruling coalition, focusing on the pension issue, as well as the issue of "politics and money," in which the public has a strong interest. Since Prime Minister SHINZO ABE has indicated that he would set a constitutional reform issue as a campaign issue for this coming summer's Upper House election, passing a bill outlining procedures for a national referendum to amend the Constitution is the top priority for the ruling parties. The Upper House Special Committee for Research on the Constitution will hold public hearings on May 7 in the cities of Sapporo and Fukuoka and call experts to testify as Diet witnesses on the 8th. The ruling camp is eager to run the bill through the Diet as early as mid-May. The ruling parties aim to pass the three education reform-related bills and a bill revising the Iraq Special Measures Law through the House of Representatives in mid-May. They aim to push a bill on the realignment of US forces in Japan through the Diet in mid-May. Deliberations on a measure to reform the Social Insurance Agency will start in a plenary session on May 8 of the Lower House, with the aim of passing it through the chamber before the end of May. Determined that a tactic of boycotting Diet debates would not be wise to obtain understanding from voters, Minshuto will set a policy course of making a clear distinction between the party's position and that of the ruling coalition, presenting counterproposals. The largest opposition party will submit its own bill on a national referendum as early as the end of the Golden Week Holiday period, aiming at putting off taking a vote on the government-sponsored national referendum bill. As the party has already submitted its own education reform bill and a bill to revise the Iraq Special Measures Law, it will not respond to taking a vote on these bills. However, there is a sense of frustration in Minshuto as the party remains unable to find any good tactic. Although the party has called for rectifying the income gap in society, one of the party's members has said: "It is too abstract for voters to understand the policy." President Ichiro Ozawa has ordered to narrow down the focus with an eye on the Upper House election. One of Minshuto's major issues is the pension issue, which became driving force for the party's leap in the 2004 Upper House race. The party will submit a set of three bills to recover public trust in the pension system on May 7 as a counterproposal toward the ruling coalition's bill to reform the Social Insurance Agency. Major bills at the second half of the current Diet session ¶1. Bills sponsored by government and ruling parties ¶2. Minshuto-sponsored bill National referendum bill ¶1. Sets procedures for a national referendum. The minimum age for granting voting rights should be 18? ¶2. Submit to the Upper House counterproposal as early as sometime after the Golden Week Holidays. National referendum should be expanded to other national issues. Three education reform related bills TOKYO 00001934 007 OF 008 ¶1. Introduce teachers' license renewal system and reform of the board of education system. ¶2. Term of teachers' training should be extended to six years from four years. Bill to reform the Social Insurance Agency ¶1. The agency should be a new organization. Increase consignment of public pension business to the private sector. ¶2. Set up a new organization by merging the agency into the National Tax Agency (bill to establish a revenue agency). 31) Ruling coalition agrees to require receipts for office expenses exceeding 50,000 yen TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 1) (Excerpts) April 28, 2007 The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior coalition partner New Komeito have reviewed the Political Funds Control Law. The expectation is that the two ruling parties will agree to require political fund management organizations to attach receipts for office expenses and utility charges, excluding staff costs, that exceed 50,000 yen to their reports on political funds to the government. They will reach a final agreement in a meeting early in next week of their project team on reform of political funds and submit a proposal to the government in mid-May. The New Komeito had called for the attachment of receipts, while the LDP had opposed the idea, claiming that the requirement would hamper the freedom of political activities. 9) US beef: Shokkenren, Nominren, Chikuzenkyo protest against easing of import conditions AKAHATA (Page 5) (Full) April 28, 2007 Protesting against the easing of US beef import conditions, the National Liaison Council to Protect Food and Health of the People (Shokkenren),the National Federation of Farmers Movement 32Nominren) and the National Association of Livestock Farmers (Chikuzenkyo) on Apr. 27 submitted an emergency request seeking the suspension of US beef imports to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) and held talks with the MHLW. Import conditions have been violated, as can be seen in the fact that the frozen beef shipped by Tyson Foods included sausages - processed food -- and tongues from cattle of unknown age in its shipments to Japan, violating the import condition that limits beef eligible for exports to Japan to cattle aged 20 months or younger, a measure to prevent BSE infection. However, MAFF Minister Toshikatsu Matsuoka and US Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns during a telephone conversation held prior to the bilateral summit reached an agreement that Japan complies with the US government's request to ease its import condition in return for the US government accepting the inspections of 21 meat-processing facilities by Japan. Shokkenren made the following requests: (1) total suspension of US beef imports; (2) continuation of inspections of all boxes and budget appropriation to local governments for blanket cattle TOKYO 00001934 008 OF 008 inspections; and (3) request to the US to carry out BSE-preventive measures similar to those taken in Japan and rejection to the US request to ease import conditions. In the talks with the MHLW, a representative of Shokkenren asked, "The implementation of inspections of meat-processing facilities eligible for exporting to Japan and all boxes containing imported US beef was a condition for resuming US beef imports. Has the government been importing US products disregarding these promises?" and "What is the reason for ending inspections of all boxes?" An official in charge at the MHLW replied, "The violations were isolated cases. We will not conduct inspections of all boxes shipped by meatpackers, whose products have so far been safe." Participants in the talks lodged a strong protest, noting, "Violations of the import conditions have been discovered during inspections of all boxes shipped by meatpackers, whose products had been considered safe before that. It is not possible to protect the lives and health of Japanese people without all-box inspections" or "It is absolutely impermissible to reconsider the easing of the import conditions." DONOVAN