JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 09/21/07

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 12 TOKYO 004400 SIPDIS 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 09/21/07 Index: 1) Top headlines 2) Editorials Prime Minister's daily schedule: Hospitalized 3) Cabinet Office poll: 80 PERCENT of public anxious about terrorist threat Antiterrorism Law: 4) In interview, Deputy Secretary Negroponte expresses hope that Japan's refueling service in the Indian Ocean will continue 5) Japan unable to persuade Russia to go along with the UNSC resolution praising the Indian Ocean effort 6) DPJ President Ozawa sends list of questions to US Embassy on Afghan campaign, ignores UNSC resolution 7) DPJ's Naoto Kan in news conference demands full disclosure from government of data on fuel supplied to multinational forces on Indian Ocean 8) Vice defense minister again denies diversion of Japan-supplied fuel to the Iraq conflict 9) Civic group Peace Depot gets hands on US Navy ship log that contradicts refueling data supplied by Japanese government 10) Government continues to hope that Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ),as well as public opinion, will be swayed by UNSC resolution praising anti-terror effort 11) Prime Minister ABE in summit meeting with President Bush directly asked for help on the MSDF mission as "my final job" 12) New anti-terror bill will contain reference to the new UNSC resolution praising Japan's efforts 13) Chief Cabinet Secretary Yosano sees re-voting on the new anti-terror bill in the Lower House as a routine procedure 14) DPJ readies bill that would force ASDF troops to return from Iraq 15) Foreign Minister Machimura to attend UN meetings Abe in hospital: 16) Prime Minister ABE spends his 53rd birthday in a hospital bed 17) As criticism mounts about ABE in hospital with no acting premier appointed, government repeatedly assures that there is no problem LDP presidential race: 18) Fukuda maintains his commanding lead as the race winds down 19) Fukuda takes cautious stand on Constitution, pledges to keep commitment to bring national finances into black by 2011 20) Fukuda no longer talking about making only small changes to the cabinet 21) When he was chief cabinet secretary, Fukuda took annual donations from a North-Korea-connected pachinko company Articles: 1) TOP HEADLINES Asahi & Nikkei: Sharp, Pioneer to enter into business tie-up Mainichi: Novartis Pharma to exempt Ritalin from medicines for depression TOKYO 00004400 002 OF 012 Yomiuri: Ruling coalition to freeze medical and social welfare policy leading to increase in public burdens Sankei: Corrupt SIA: Tolerant of bureaucrats with no punishment imposed on corrupt officials and retirement money given even to embezzler bureaucrats Tokyo Shimbun: Environment Ministry to work together with China and Taiwan to find out sources of air pollution Akahata: LDP presidential election symbolizes how the LDP is declining politically 2) EDITORIALS Asahi: (1) UN resolution: Substantive debate instead of formalities (2) Economic policy: Plans to put the public at ease necessary Mainichi: (1) Refueling mission: Compete on antiterrorism measures (2) Can police regain the public's confidence? Yomiuri: (1) UN resolution: Strong expectations of MSDF continuing its refueling mission (2) Nuclear waste: Government should take the lead to look for site for disposal Nikkei: (1) UNSC resolution puts Ozawa's logic at disadvantage (2) We worry about New Komeito's lenient attitude toward fiscal reconstruction Sankei: (1) UN resolution can help Japan continue refueling mission (2) Punishment of superintendent general of MPD Tokyo Shimbun: (1) UN resolution a makeshift measure (2) Publication of boy's deposition: Don't seal off information Akahata: (1) UNSC resolution can't justify assistance 3) Poll: Over 80 PERCENT worried about terrorism SANKEI (Page 3) (Full) September 21, 2007 Over 80 PERCENT are concerned about foreign armed attacks or major terrorist attacks, the Sankei Shimbun found from a special public opinion survey released yesterday by the Cabinet Office. North Korea's missile launches and nuclear test last year have apparently affected national sentiment. The survey was conducted across the nation in August with 3,000 persons aged 20 and over. The retrieval rate was 60.2 PERCENT . In TOKYO 00004400 003 OF 012 the survey, respondents were asked if they were concerned about armed attacks, such as ballistic missiles and guerrilla commandos. In response to this question, "yes" totaled 80.2 PERCENT , broken down into "very much" at 34.0 PERCENT and "somewhat" at 46.2 PERCENT . Respondents were also asked about terrorist attacks targeting atomic power plants or using biochemical weapons. To this question, "yes" totaled 81.4 PERCENT , broken down into "very much" at 38.0 PERCENT and "somewhat" at 43.4 PERCENT . In 2004, the government created the so-called public protection law. This law stipulates measures for state, local, and other authorities to deal with armed attacks and terrorist attacks. However, a total of 70.2 PERCENT answered that they knew "little" or "nothing" about the law. 4) Negroponte expresses hope for Japan's continued refueling mission NIKKEI (Page 1) (Full) September 21, 2007 Tetsuya Jitsu In an interview with the Nikkei on Sept. 19, Deputy Secretary of State Negroponte expressed his strong expectations for Japan's continued antiterrorism effort. He said: "Japan's refueling operation in the Indian Ocean based on the Antiterrorism Special Measures Law is a critically important contribution to the international community. We hope Japan will decide to continue the mission as soon as possible." On North Korea's nuclear development, he said: "It is important to move the six-party talks forward. I think that holding the talks is a good means to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula." He then stressed his willingness to make utmost efforts to make progress in the six-party talks. After serving as the first national intelligence director, Negroponte has managed the US government's Asia and Iraq policies under Secretary of State Rice. Negroponte emphasized in the interview that the maritime interdiction operation in the Indian Ocean and assistance for Afghanistan are activities supported not only by the US but also by the international community, remarking: "They are an international challenge." Asked about the possibility of delisting North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism, Negroponte replied: "We pledged in February to start preparations for delisting, but we did not set any deadline. We are also monitoring progress on other issues." He thus indicated that the US would not delist North Korea while ignoring the issue of North Korea's past abductions of Japanese nationals. The deputy secretary, however, added: "We do not want to think that there is an SIPDIS absolutely strict interrelationship between the two issues (progress on the abduction issue and delisting the North)." Some observers anticipate a delay in Japan's economic reform under a new administration in Japan. Negroponte expressed his expectation that the reform line promoted under the lead of the Koizumi administration will continue into the future, saying: "We strongly support a free and open market. I believe it will benefit other TOKYO 00004400 004 OF 012 countries if Japan takes a similar policy stance." Regarding a proposal floated recently for Japan and the US to conclude a free trade agreement (FTA),the deputy secretary stated: "If the Japanese government proposes discussing the possibility, we will respond to it with pleasure." On the Iranian nuclear issue, Negroponte indicated his view that new investment by Japan in Iran is undesirable, saying: "I think that now is not a proper time for creating a new economic axis with Iran." 5) UNSC adoption of resolution of appreciation for MSDF mission a favor for Japan; China, Russia unhappy with failure to produce unanimous vote MAINICHI (Page 2) (Abridged slightly) September 21, 2007 Takayasu Ogura, New York The UN Security Council adopted on Sept. 19 a resolution to extend the activities of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. But the failure to adopt it by a unanimous vote has made some UNSC members unhappy. The UNSC adopted the resolution when the ISAF's deadline was still three weeks away by giving priority to the domestic circumstances of Japan and Germany. A UN diplomatic source indicated that the UNSC now owes the international community a favor. It was unusual for the consensus-oriented UNSC to fail to approve an unobjectionable resolution by a unanimous vote. Russian Ambassador to the UN Churkin complained after the adoption that the decision took a toll on the unity of the UNSC. The Chinese representative, who voted for the resolution, also warned, saying: "Every resolution should be adopted by a unanimous vote in principle. I hope this will not create precedence." Asked why the UNSC had to adopt the resolution so early, President Ripert of France explained that receiving requests from member countries that have deployed troops to Afghanistan, such as Japan and Germany, the body had had to make concessions. It was ironical that the resolution, which was supposed to confirm the solidarity among member countries against terrorism, has exposed discord due to circumstances in Japan and Germany. A UN diplomatic source took this view: "Diplomacy is about giving and taking. It is a fact that Japan now owes the UNSC a big favor." 6) DPJ holds line; Ozawa sends inquiry to US Embassy, ignores UNSC resolution on appreciation for Japan's efforts SANKEI (Page 5) (Abridged) September 21, 2007 Ichiro Ozawa, president of the leading opposition Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto),has sent a letter to the US Embassy in Tokyo, requesting the US government to provide information about military operations conducted by US naval vessels refueled by the Maritime Self-Defense Force in the Indian Ocean, sources revealed yesterday. TOKYO 00004400 005 OF 012 The United Nations Security Council has now adopted a resolution incorporating "appreciation" for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), including the MSDF's refueling activities in the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, the DPJ has been standing firm against continuing the MSDF's refueling mission. The government and the ruling parties want the DPJ to soften its attitude in response to the UNSC resolution. However, Ozawa is now calling for the United States to disclose information. Ozawa sent the letter of inquiry last weekend after he met with US Ambassador to Japan Schieffer on Aug. 8. In that meeting, Schieffer sought Ozawa's understanding on continuing the MSDF's refueling mission. Schieffer then told Ozawa that the United States was ready to provide classified information. The letter, based on Ambassador Schieffer's statement, urges the US government to answer questions about how US naval vessels in the Indian Ocean from the US Navy's 5th Fleet and other fleets have been using the MSDF's fuel supplies. The letter requests answers to three different questions: 1) Afghanistan; 2) Iraq; and 3) other purposes. Ozawa has also called for the US government to clarify how it has disclosed information on its websites about the MSDF's refueling activities. The DPJ has raised questions about the MSDF's refueling activities, citing what the US Navy's 5th Fleet said on its website. "They're suspected of using the fuel for the Iraq war," a DPJ executive says. The Japanese government has denied that US naval vessels used the MSDF's fuel supplies for the Iraq war. The US 5th Fleet has already deleted its website's description. However, the DPJ is poised to pursue the government in the extraordinary Diet session. The DPJ has now directly requested the US Embassy to provide information. "I don't know if they will say that's a military secret and they will cover up the information," a DPJ executive said. "That is also intended to measure the United States' sincerity to our party," he added. 7) DPJ calls for disclosure of the results of the MSDF's refueling mission NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) September 21, 2007 The main opposition Democratic Party of Japan's (DPJ) Deputy President Naoto Kan mentioned the Maritime Self-Defense Force's (MSDF) refueling mission in the Indian Ocean at a press briefing yesterday and called for disclosure of every aspect of the mission, telling reporters: "The government needs to reveal what results the mission has produced over the past six years and show the results to the public." Deputy President Azuma Koshiishi, too, indicated an intention to exercise the right to investigate state affairs to deal with this matter, noting: "(The government) has so far put an end to it by insisting, 'We can't adduce such information.' But we can now (exercise that right) in the Upper House." 8) Vice defense minister denies diversion of oil provided by Japan TOKYO 00004400 006 OF 012 for Iraq war NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2) (Full) September 21, 2007 At a press briefing yesterday, Administrative Vice Defense Minister Kohei Masuda denied the rumor that oil provided by the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MFDF) to US vessels was converted for the Iraq war, arguing: "Diplomatically, we have exchanged notes with the countries that receive refueling services from the MSDF. This matter has been also understood by personnel on the scene of the refuelings. There shouldn't be a problem." 9) Civic group obtains US logbooks that say MSDF provided 800,000 gallons of fuel -- four times the volume claimed by government -- to US naval vessels MAINICHI (Page 2) (Abridged slightly) September 21, 2007 The civic group Peace Depot announced yesterday that it has obtained the logbooks of a US refueling ship indicating that it had received about 800,000 gallons of fuel from the Maritime Self-Defense Force under the Antiterrorism Special Measures Law. The amount is four times what was announced by the government. Representative Hiromichi Umebayashi said: "There is a huge gap. A large part of the fuel from Japan might have been used for the operation in Iraq in violation of the Antiterrorism Law." The government's explanation in the Diet in May 2003 was that the MSDF had provided about 200,000 gallons of fuel to a US supply vessel on February 25, 2003, shortly before the opening of the Iraq war. Peace Depot said that the logbooks belonged to a US refueling ship that had provided fuel to an aircraft carrier and that the group obtained them under the Information Disclosure Law. The logbooks said the US vessels had received 18,704 barrels (about 786,000 gallons) of DFM (Diesel Fuel Marine) from the MSDF refueling ship Tokiwa. Under the Antiterrorism Law, the MSDF is allowed to provide fuel only to naval vessels engaged in the antiterrorism operation in the Indian Ocean. 10) Government expects new UNSC antiterrorism resolution to influence public opinion, DPJ on MSDF refueling mission YOMIURI (Page 2) (Excerpts) September 21, 2007 The UN Security Council (UNSC) adopted on Sept. 19, local time, a resolution expressing appreciation for the maritime intercept operations, in which the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) has participated on a refueling mission in the Indian Ocean. The government and the ruling camp look upon the resolution as a "trump card" to solicit more support from the public for the government's plan to extend the MSDF mission. They expect the adoption of the resolution will work to apply pressure on the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ),with a government source remarking: "The majority view at home and abroad is that the Antiterrorism Special Measures Law, which authorizes the dispatch of MSDF vessels, should be extended." Chief Cabinet Secretary Yosano said in a press conference yesterday: TOKYO 00004400 007 OF 012 "UNSC members have given high marks to the MSDF mission. Now we have no doubt that we have taken action in accordance with the wishes of the UN." He then renewed his call for the DPJ's understanding, saying: "DPJ President Ozawa advocated an UN-centered policy in a book he authored about 15 years ago. I wonder whether he is thinking of the lack of consistency." New Komeito Secretary General Kitagawa also made this comment yesterday: "We hope DPJ members will discuss the matter in earnest and also hold consultations with us (ruling party members)." DPJ Deputy President Kan, though, categorically said in a press briefing yesterday: "Our party's policy will not be directly affected (by the adoption of the resolution)," adding: "We should accept the UNSC's appreciation with an open mind. But this is a separate matter from the question of whether it is proper to extend the Antiterrorism Law or to enact a new law." 11) ABE directly asked Bush for cooperation in Sept. 8 Japan-US summit as his "last mission" MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) September 21, 2007 Prime Minister SHINZO ABE directly asked President George W. Bush for US cooperation for an extension of the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling operations in the Indian Ocean. Abe's direct appeal was the Japanese government's trump card. A Japan-US summit took place on Sept. 8 on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, and the following conversation took place between ABE and Bush, according to a Foreign Ministry source: Abe: "If possible, I would like to see a UN resolution authorizing the MSDF operations." Bush: "I will order diplomatic authorities, including Secretary of State Rice and Foreign Minister Machimura, to make contacts at the United Nations." Starting in late August, the Foreign Ministry prepared a plan to have the United Nations adopt a resolution in late September mentioning the maritime interdiction operations. Foreign Minister Machimura and others then presented the Foreign Ministry plan to the Kantei (Prime Minister's Official Residence),and this led to Abe's direct appeal to Bush. At a press conference on the following day, Sept. 9, ABE indicated that his cabinet would resign en masse if he failed to continue the MSDF operations. The prime minister announced his intention to step down three days later. The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution including words of appreciation for the antiterrorism operation. Thus Abe's last mission bore fruit. 12) New antiterrorism law to refer to UNSC resolution appreciating MSDF refueling mission YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) September 21, 2007 Following the UN Security Council's (UNSC) adoption of a resolution TOKYO 00004400 008 OF 012 including a phrase expressing appreciation for the maritime intercept operations, which the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) has joined, the government decided yesterday to specify the new resolution in an antiterrorism bill it plans to submit in the current Diet session. To enable Japan to extend the MSDF refueling and water-supply mission in the Indian Ocean beyond the expiration of the Antiterrorism Special Measure Law on Nov. 1, the government plans to prepare new legislation. A government source said yesterday: "The new UNSC resolution refers to the need for continued international efforts, such as the maritime intercept operations, so we will specify this resolution in the bill." 13) "Re-voting is not a special procedure" NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) September 21, 2007 At a press briefing yesterday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Kaoru Yosano spoke of re-voting in the Lower House if new legislation allowing the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) to continue the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean is rejected in the Upper House and he reiterated this way of thinking: "The provision on (re-voting) is not intended for an emergency. It is a common procedure. It is common to apply it." 14) DPJ approves legislation for withdrawal of ASDF from Iraq SANKEI (Page 5) (Full) September 21, 2007 At a session yesterday of its Foreign and Defense Department, the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) approved a bill for repealing the Iraq Special Measures Law in order to withdraw Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) troops now deployed in Iraq for transportation services. The DPJ plans to introduce the bill to the current session of the Diet. The party's Deputy Defense Minister Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi noted, "The international view is that the Iraq SIPDIS war is wrong." The DPJ intends to pass the bill in the Upper House, which the opposition bloc controls, and send it to the Lower House and pressure the ruling bloc to approve it. 15) Foreign Minister Machimura to attend UN session SANKEI (Page 5) (Full) September 21, 2007 Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura yesterday decided to attend a high-level session of the United Nations on Iraq and Afghanistan in New York. The session is to occur on Sept. 22-23. His itinerary is now under coordination for him to meet with UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and Afghan President Karzai. After voting by absentee ballot for the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election, he is to depart for New York on Sept. 22 and return home on Sept. 24. 16) Prime Minister turns 53 today: Cabinet resignation en masse likely while ABE in hospital NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) September 21, 2007 TOKYO 00004400 009 OF 012 Prime Minister SHINZO ABE turned 53 today. When he was hospitalized on Sept. 13, it was announced that he would stay in hospital for three to four days. However, his condition has not improved. There is no telling when he can be discharged. The view is spreading that the cabinet will resign en masse on Sept. 25 while the prime minister is still in the hospital. Cabinet decisions were yesterday made in the form of an official of the Prime Minister's Office obtaining a signature of each minister. This is quite a change from his birthday last year, which he spent mulling the lineup of his cabinet following his landslide victory in the LDP presidential election the preceding day. Chief Cabinet Secretary Kaoru Yosano told a news conference yesterday, "I think the right thing the prime minister should do, if he wants to continue as a politician, is to have an opportunity to explain the situation in his own words. I believe the prime minister thinks the same way." September 20 was Secretary General Aso's, who is now running in the LDP presidential race, birthday. He was happy to receive a flower bouquet from party staffers, noting, "I am glad you remembered my birthday." 17) Government reiterates it does not need to appoint acting prime minister TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Slightly abridged) September 21, 2007 More than one week has passed since Prime Minister SHINZO ABE was admitted to a hospital in Tokyo on Sept. 13 after announcing his intention to step down the day before. The government has left many of Abe's responsibilities to Chief Cabinet Secretary Kaoru Yosano since the hospitalization, without appointing an acting prime minister. Although some have pointed to the crisis-management problem, such as a response to a major disaster, the government has reiterated that under existing rules, the present situation does not require the appointment of an acting prime minister. The Cabinet Law stipulates that in case the prime minister is prevented from carrying out his duties, or the prime minister's post is vacant, the minister of state designated by him in advance shall perform temporarily the prime minister's responsibilities. Masayoshi Ito, chief cabinet secretary in the Ohira government, and Mikio Aoki, chief cabinet secretary in the Obuchi cabinet, were appointed as acting prime ministers when prime ministers Ohira and Obuchi were hospitalized. Yosano, however, has repeatedly said since ABE entered the hospital that Abe's hospitalization does not meet the requirement for appointing an acting prime minister. The chief cabinet secretary cited the doctor's diagnosis that ABE needs to take rest but since he has no problem with making decisions, appointing an acting prime minister is not necessary. In fact, Yosano met twice in the hospital with ABE to receive directions from him regarding such issues as personnel changes. He obtained the prime minister's approvals. 18) Fukuda continues to maintain lead in the LDP presidential race MAINICHI (Page 1) (Excerpt) September 21, 2007 TOKYO 00004400 010 OF 012 With the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election about to take place on Sept. 23, the Mainichi Shimbun carried out news coverage of the situation at the final phase of the race. Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda has firmed up approximately 70 PERCENT of the 387 LDP lawmakers' votes, and he and LDP Secretary General Taro Aso have split the 144 regional votes. Fukuda's position as the frontrunner has not changed. Aso has not been successful in capturing more votes from LDP lawmakers. 19) Fukuda cautious about constitutional revision, determined to maintain goal of balancing budget by fiscal 2011 MAINICHI (Page 1) (Full) September 21, 2007 Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda and Secretary General Taro Aso, both of whom are running in the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) presidential race, yesterday responded to separate interviews by the Mainichi Shimbun. Regarding the proposal to revise the Constitution in 2010 as incorporated in the party's manifesto for the Upper House election, Fukuda indicated a stance of making a decision in a cautious manner, based on the trading of places between the ruling and opposition camps in the Upper House. He noted, "The major premise is whether the situation permits moving on such an issue. It's possible that I would not be able to do so even if I wanted to." Concerning the inclusion of gratitude for the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling operation in the Indian Ocean in the resolution adopted by the UN Security Council (UNSC),Fukuda said, "Expectations have been expressed. I would like to make it possible for the MSDF to continue its mission as planned." The New Komeito has called for putting off the government goal of bringing the primary balance of the central and local governments into the black by 2011. Fukuda responded, "It is only natural for the government to do its utmost to achieve the goal. I have no intention whatsoever of postponing the target year." To a question about a 1 PERCENT hike in the consumption tax, which he has earlier mentioned, Aso said, "If a consumption tax hike puts a dent in the economy once again, the public would not want it." He thus indicated his perception that it would be premature to raise the consumption tax in the annual tax code revision for fiscal ¶2008. 20) Fukuda corrects remarks that he would replace only small number of cabinet ministers, stressing he will make decision after LDP presidential election SANKEI (Page 6) (Full) September 21, 2007 Interviewed by Sankei Shimbun and other news companies last evening, former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda, who is now running in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election, indicated that he would consider the scale of a reshuffle of the cabinet ministers and whom he will appointment as cabinet ministers after seeing the result of the LDP presidential race. He stated: "I will think about it after seeing the result of the election. I may give political consideration in view of various aspects. TOKYO 00004400 011 OF 012 Appearing on a NHK program last night, Fukuda said: "I will make a decision after considering the circumstances. Now is not the time to talk about the scale of a cabinet reshuffle. I think I will fairly busy for a day or two." Fukuda previously indicated that a large-scale reshuffle of the cabinet ministers would be difficult, saying: "Since the Diet is in session, the new cabinet ministers would have to take the floor immediately to answer questions by party representatives. So I won't be able to make big changes." In the ongoing presidential contest, Fukuda is backed by eight factions in the LDP, excluding the Aso faction, as well as the so-called "Koizumi children," who were elected for the first time to the Diet in the 2005 House of Representatives election. The factions of Koga, Yamasaki, and Tanigaki, which were regarded as non-mainstream or anti-mainstream factions, are looking forward to landing key posts. Fukuda has now stressed that he will decide after the presidential race on the scale of a reshuffle of the cabinet ministers, correcting his earlier remarks that only a small number of the cabinet ministers would be replaced. He appears to be aiming to have his faction members steel themselves by brandishing the threat of carrying out reward-oriented appointments. Regarding the New Komeito's view that the government's plan of achieving a primary balance surplus in fiscal revenue and expenditure in fiscal 2001 is too late, Fukuda stated: "It is only natural to make an utmost effort to achieve that goal. I will exert every possible effort so as not to (have it delayed)." 21) LDP branch headed by Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Fukuda receives donation from company chaired by person with North Korean nationality YOMIURI (Page 39) (Full) September 21, 2007 It was learned from the political fund report of the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) branch in Gunma Constituency No. 4, headed by former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda (elected from the same constituency) that the branch received donations totaling 200,000 yen in 1996 and 2003 from a pachinko parlor company in Takasaki City, Gunma. The company is wholly owned by the chairman with North Korean nationality and his relatives with South Korean nationality. The chairman served as advisor to the Gunma chamber of commerce and industry connected with the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, or Chongryon until he died in 2005. The donation in 2003 was made right after North Korea admitted to abducting Japanese nationals during Prime Minister Koizumi's (at the time) visit to Pyongyang. Fukuda served as chief cabinet secretary during the Koizumi administration. The Political Funds Control Law bans in principle politicians from receiving donations from foreigners and companies whose majority of stocks are owned by foreigners. A person in charge at Fukuda's office explained, "We did not check the nationality of the donor, as we thought it rude to ask his nationality. We will check whether there were similar cases. If there are, we would like to return them." Offenders against the law are subject to such penalties as imprisonment. However, in this case the statute of limitations (3 TOKYO 00004400 012 OF 012 years) has run out. According to the branch fund report, it received a donation worth 100,000 yen on Nov. 5, 2003 four days before the Lower House election day. It again received 100,000 yen in 1996, the year a general election took place. The company replied that it was not possible to confirm whether it made those donations. It was found that in 2001, when the Upper House election took place, the chairman donated 100,000 yen to the election campaign headquarters of Giichi Tsunoda, an Upper House member of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ or Minshuto) at the time. The donation was not entered into Tsunoda's political fund report. SCHIEFFER