DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 11/02/07

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 15 TOKYO 005099 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: DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 11/02/07 Index: (1) Dispatch of SDF overseas under a permanent law would be "conditioned on a UN resolution," says Foreign Minister Koumura (Yomiuri Online) (2) Japan's calling-off of MSDF refueling activities: US irritated at do-nothing policy; Japan urged to take next step (Mainichi) (3) MSDF pullout from Indian Ocean (Part 1): SDF adrift over international contributions; With series of scandals involving Defense ministry, organizational reform being called for (Nikkei) (4) Steep road ahead for resumption of refueling operation (Nikkei) (5) MSDF pullout: Japan's role hardly replaceable with another country (Yomiuri) (6) Path to resuming refueling operation not in sight (Asahi) (7) End of MSDF refueling mission: Enormous national interests to be lost, including military intelligence, relationship of alliance; crude oil, etc (Yomiuri) . (8) Editorial: Prime Minister Fukuda should show resolve to pass new refueling bill (Sankei) (9) Futenma alternative: Gov. Nakaima proposed offshore relocation up to 215 meters (Ryukyu Shimpo) (10) Fukuda, Ozawa desperate to put cap on rumor on LDP-DPJ "grand alliance" (Sankei) ARTICLES: (1) Dispatch of SDF overseas under a permanent law would be "conditioned on a UN resolution," says Foreign Minister Koumura (Yomiuri Online) YOMIURI ONLINE (Full) November 2, 2007 Meeting with the press after a cabinet meeting this morning, Foreign Minister Koumura expressed his view that in case a permanent law (regular law) for overseas dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) is enacted, the dispatch of the SDF should be conditioned on a United Nations resolution. The foreign minister said: "Although there is a problem of setting the conditions so strict that the law would actually never be used, it would be difficult to create (a permanent law) without adding the condition of a UN resolution. In case we wanted to send out the SDF without a UN resolution, that would be done by a political decision at the time (such as to enact a special measures law)." On the other hand, Defense Minister Ishiba at his press conference said: "For various reasons, there is not always a UN resolution issued. The way Japan determines it fate is to entrust it to the Diet, which represents the Japanese people. That seems to be way we TOKYO 00005099 002 OF 015 do things." In his view, therefore, (SDF dispatches) should be premised on the involvement of the Diet and not necessarily on a UN resolution. On this issue, Democratic Party of Japan President Ozawa has indicated his view that in case a general law is enacted, the condition should be a UN resolution. (2) Japan's calling-off of MSDF refueling activities: US irritated at do-nothing policy; Japan urged to take next step MAINICHI (Page 3) (Full) November 1, 2007 Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force has been tasked with refueling operations in the Indian Ocean for about six years under the Antiterrorism Special Measures Law. Today, the MSDF's refueling mission there will end as the antiterror law runs out. The MSDF's refueling in the Indian Ocean came up as a point of contention between the ruling and opposition blocs in the Diet, with the leading opposition Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto) winning a landslide victory in this summer's election for the House of Councillors. Shortly thereafter, Prime Minister SHINZO ABE stepped down. Japan will now lose the pillar of its activities in the war on terror. Other countries are having a hard time of it. They are also getting troubled. Even so, they are hanging in there on the battlefield. Where will Japan go in its international cooperation? The government has now introduced a new antiterror legislative measure to the Diet in order for Japan to resume refueling activities. The legislation, however, is not expected to get through the Diet. In the Diet, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the DPJ are trying to find a way out of the impasse. "We hope all Japanese lawmakers will understand that this operation is an international mission. This is an issue beyond political parties." On the morning of Oct. 13, the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo hosted an international joint briefing. There were ambassadors from 11 countries, including the United States, Britain, Germany, and France. Those 11 countries are participating in Operation Enduring Freedom and Maritime Interdiction Operations (OEF-MIO) in the Indian Ocean. The Afghan ambassador was also there. In the briefing were about 70 Japanese lawmakers from the ruling and opposition parties. In their presence, the diplomatic corps from those OEF-MIO constituent members emphasized the need for Japan to keep up the MSDF's refueling activities in the Indian Ocean. After the briefing, US Ambassador to Japan Schieffer made the foregoing remarks as he met reporters. Even so, the war on terror is led by the United States. US oilers are expected to reschedule their missions in order to make up for the gap after Japan's pullout. Japan's breakaway will compel the United States to bear the burden. This is the way the alliance actually is. Meanwhile, US warships are suspected of having used MSDF-supplied fuel for the Iraq war. This suspicion also irritates the US government. Any chance for Japan to resume its refueling activities at an early date, or otherwise switch to something new? Japan will now call off the MSDF's refueling mission. What is the next step for Japan to rejoin the war on terror? The ruling and opposition parties are both TOKYO 00005099 003 OF 015 tasked with such a challenge. On Oct. 30, Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa met in a hurry. That is also because they were urged to do so for Japan's international obligations. "About the idea of creating a general (permanent) law, there were proposals from DPJ people and many others in the process of deliberating on the Iraq Special Measures Law. This is an important challenge in store for the future. We will have to create an opportunity as soon as possible (to discuss the idea)." With this, Fukuda, in his parliamentary reply to a question asked by Akihisa Nagashima from the DPJ, emphasized his view before the House of Representatives Special Committee on Antiterror Measures during its meeting right after his meeting with Ozawa. Nagashima, in his interpellation, called the government's new antiterror legislation "too shortsighted." Fukuda was once in the post of chief cabinet secretary. In those days, Fukuda asserted that Japan-instead of creating a time-limited law each time-should have a permanent law that stipulates general requirements for Japan to send the Self-Defense Forces for overseas missions. His philosophy remains unchanged. This time around, Fukuda came out of himself. "This is where we should discuss something like that." So saying, Nagashima tuned in to Fukuda. Then, a big hand arose from the LDP bench. Originally, the LDP and the DPJ are close to each other in their respective mindsets for international contributions. Now that Japan will actually discontinue its refueling activities, the LDP and the DPJ are now finally in a mood to talk. In Diet discussions, Fukuda often said, "I'm always thinking about what Japan can do on the land in Afghanistan, as well." In this way, Fukuda strongly implied his willingness to embark on civilian assistance and other activities in addition to continuing the MSDF's refueling mission. Under the current situation of public security in Afghanistan, however, Japan will need to send SDF troops. In this case as well, the problem is the government's conventional way of interpreting the Constitution. Fukuda and Ozawa will meet tomorrow again. The United States and other countries are also paying close attention to their meeting. (3) MSDF pullout from Indian Ocean (Part 1): SDF adrift over international contributions; With series of scandals involving Defense ministry, organizational reform being called for NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) November 2, 2007 The Maritime Self-Defense Force's (MSDF) vessels wound up their refueling operation in the Indian Ocean, which started in December 2001 as part of the antiterrorism campaign in Afghanistan, and began heading home. The government is stepping up efforts to enact its new legislation to quickly resume the MSDF mission, but the opposition camp, which won a landslide victory in the recent House of Councillors election, remains opposed to the bill. Under this situation, the fate of the legislation remains uncertain. Also affected by a series of scandals, such as the alleged cover-up of MSDF-supplied fuel and cozy ties between a former vice defense minister and a defense contractor, the Defense Agency and the Self-Defense Force, which are responsible for national security policy, are drifting around TOKYO 00005099 004 OF 015 Yesterday afternoon, the crewmembers of the supply ship Tokiwa and the destroyer Kirisame in the Indian Ocean got a video message by Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba saying: "I want you to have confidence and pride in having accomplished your mission." When the refueling mission was halted at zero hours of Oct. 2, Tokiwa's 6th escort division commander Toshitaka Ojima said in a speech: "I believe that this was an important mission in which we participated in the war against terrorism in a responsible way." Japan loses symbol of alliance with US MSDF Chief of Staff Eiji Yoshikawa boasted the results the SDF had achieved over the past about six years, saying: "The mission helped the MSDF build up its foundations." But the Antiterrorism Special Measures Law, which can be called "the symbol of the alliance" with the US and endorsed Japan's participation in the US-led war against terrorism, became invalid on Nov. 1. Japan has lost the basis for the international contribution that is as important as reconstruction assistance operations in Iraq. The defense minister said: "International contributions being made by the SDF at present are only United Nations peacekeeping operations (PKO) on the Golan Heights, transport service by Air Self Defense Force (ASDF) between Kuwait and Iraq, and PKO in Nepal (monitoring by Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) officials of the moves of weapons)." Suspicions deepen Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura emphasized: "To shorten the period of suspension of the MSDF refueling service as much as possible, the government will make utmost efforts to have its new antiterrorism bill passed in the Diet." Even so, such allegations as cover-up of misreporting of the amount of MSDF-supplied fuel and diversion of fuel for use in the Iraq war have come up. The opposition camp, including the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ),now sees that suspicions have deepened. Under the present situation, prospects are dim for a resumption of the refueling operation. Collusive relations between former Vice Defense Minister Takemasa Moriya and an interested party have also been exposed. A Liberal Democratic Party member quipped, "The Defense Ministry should be demoted to agency status." The nature of the ministry itself is being questioned. The issue of a data error left uncorrected and unreported took place when Ishiba was defense minister. Defense Minister Ishiba had to say in a meeting of the committee tasked with working out bold measures to maintain the principle of civilian control last night: "We will shed light on the truth without concealing anything. Taking the series of scandals as stemming from structural problems, we will also reform the ministry itself." (4) Steep road ahead for resumption of refueling operation NIKKEI (Page 3) (Abridged) November 2, 2007 Japan is now under pressure to come up with a new plan for contributing to the "war on terror," since it has just ended the Maritime Self-Defense Force's (MSDF) refueling operations in the Indian Ocean. The government and ruling parties aim to enact a new bill to allow resumption of the refueling service, but it is TOKYO 00005099 005 OF 015 difficult to resume the mission without the cooperation of the opposition parties, which control the upper chamber of the Diet at present. Will the second round of a one-on-one meeting between Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda (president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)) and the major opposition Democratic Party of Japan's (DPJ) President Ichiro Ozawa lead to a breakthrough in the situation? Horse-trading between the two could be premised on the dissolution of the Lower House for a snap general election and the formation of a "grand alliance" of major parties. Scenario 1: If party-head talks break down, it will be difficult to enact new legislation during current Diet session There is only a slim possibility that Ozawa, who has insisted that the MSDF's operations in the Indian Ocean are in violation of the Constitution, will turn around in the planned one-on-one meeting to favor the new refueling bill. If Ozawa does not budge from opposing the new bill, it will be difficult to enact it during the current session of the Diet. But if the new bill is put aside for a lengthy period, Japan will be give the impression to other countries that it lacks the will to continue to fight in the war on terror. The current Diet session will end on Nov. 10. Given the need to discuss the new refueling bill, not to mention other legislation, it is highly likely that the government will decide to extend the Diet session for a month or so. The LDP's General Council Chairman Toshihiro Nikai insists that "the ruling bloc should be more active about the new refueling bill." He envisions applying the provision that if a bill passed by the Lower House is rejected by the Upper House it still can become law if passed a second time by the Lower House by a majority of two-thirds or more of the members present." On the other hand, many in the LDP are cautious about applying that provision, because if the opposition bloc, which is opposed to the new refueling bill, introduces a censure resolution against the prime minister, the move could trigger a dissolution of the Lower House. If the new refueling bill fails to be enacted during the current Diet session, the bill will be reintroduced in next year's ordinary Diet session. But in such a case, debate on the bill is not likely to begin before April, because the highest priority in the ordinary Diet session will be passage of the fiscal 2008 budget bill. If Diet deliberations on the refueling bill go smoothly in or after April, Japan will be able to resume the refueling mission around June. However, if the DPJ is adamant in opposing the new refueling bill, there would be no other choice but to apply the abovementioned provision on a second decision by the Lower House. The opposition bloc may delay deliberations on the bill, but failure by the Upper House to take action on the bill within 60 days after its receipt may be determined by the Lower House to constitute a rejection of the bill there, and the Lower House can then take a second vote on the bill. In such a case, the refueling mission is likely to be resumed in or after August. Scenario 2: LDP, DPJ compromise, look for common ground by enacting permanent legislation If Fukuda and Ozawa were to be able to reach a compromise, it would involve the ruling and opposition blocs shelving the refueling bill during the current Diet session and holding some kind of consultations in next year's ordinary Diet session. TOKYO 00005099 006 OF 015 Such consultations could be on making revisions to the refueling bill or the DPJ's counterproposal. In such a case, the focus of debate will be on whether Japan would take part in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, about which Ozawa is positive. The question of whether to establish a permanent law allowing Japan to dispatch the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) abroad as needed is now drawing public attention. At a press briefing yesterday, Ozawa made mention of a permanent law and suggested that he was ready to discuss it if the prime minister brings it up during today's one-on-one meeting. Regarding a permanent law, Fukuda previously tried to bring the DPJ into debate on it, saying in the Diet: "It is an important subject when we look to our future. I think it is necessary to have an opportunity to discuss the propriety of such a law." Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura, as well, indicated at a press briefing SIPDIS yesterday that (a permanent law) would be a future task to handle after the passage of the new refueling bill, but that the government wanted to have an arena for the ruling and opposition parties to discuss it. The realization of a permanent law could become one example of successful consultation between the ruling and opposition parties at a time when the ruling bloc holds a majority of seats in the Lower House but it lacks a majority in the Upper House. In such a case, some may call for creating a gigantic coalition government as often speculated. Damage to Japanese diplomacy The suspension of the MSDF's refueling mission could do a great deal of damage to Japans foreign policy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is worried about a possible decline of Japan's influence in the international community and the possible ill effect on the Japan-US alliance. The prime minister's statement released yesterday and the government's decision to boost economic assistance to Afghanistan are both aimed at highlighting Japan's will to continue to fight against terrorism. But a sense of crisis about a decline in Japan's human contribution is growing in the government. Foreign Minister Masahiko Koumura stressed in his Diet reply yesterday; "We should remember that Japan received no appreciation in the Gulf war, despite (its huge monetary contribution)." Relations with the US, which stands at the front of the war on terror, cannot be ignored. In fact, a high-level US government official recently told a senior MOFA official: "One of the bonds between the two countries is about to be lost." Fukuda intends to ask President Bush to understand the domestic situation in Japan during their upcoming summit meeting on Nov. 16. (5) MSDF pullout: Japan's role hardly replaceable with another country YOMIURI (Page 9) (Full) November 2, 2007 Keiichi Honma, reporting from the Maritime Self-Defense Force's supply ship Tokiwa in the Indian Ocean's northern waters TOKYO 00005099 007 OF 015 MSDF supply ships, which have been sent to the Indian Ocean for nearly six years, are extremely important vessels that are indispensable for the MSDF's seaborne task of backing up maritime interdiction operations (MIO) for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan. The multinational coalition forces are now considering replacements. Among the major countries participating in the coalition forces, however, there are few countries with supply ships that can take over the MSDF's refueling mission. There is no underestimating the strategic loss resulting from the MSDF's pullout. A supply ship replenishes friendly vessels at sea with materials that are needed for them to carry out their missions. The naval forces of major countries cannot operate without supplies, so a supply ship is an integral part of their naval operations. For example, a US carrier battle group boasts of its overwhelming military power. What buttresses it up is the presence of a gigantic supply vessel. This supply vessel makes it possible for the USS Kitty Hawk, a US Navy aircraft carrier that was once sent on a mission for the Iraq war, to operate at sea for about 20 days. The MSDF has been participating in maritime interdiction operations (MIO). OEF-MIO coalition vessels made about 140,000 radio inquiries about suspicious ships and more than 10,000 ship inspections as of the end of August this year. Behind the scenes, the Tokiwa and other supply ships were on stage around the clock. There are now four supply ships operating to back up MIO. They are from Japan, the United States, and Britain. As it stands, an MSDF ranking officer onboard the Tokiwa was concerned about repercussions on MIO, presuming that other countries will be burdened with the MSDF's refueling role after its withdrawal. In fact, one officer from Pakistan's navy, which received the last refueling from the Tokiwa on Oct. 29., asked Japan to continue its activities. At the same time, though, this officer reportedly asked MIO headquarters in Bahrain to have another country supply fuel. However, none of the major countries engaging in MIO has enough supply vessels. According to an MSDF source, only seven major countries-including Japan, the United States, and Britain-have a minimum necessary lineup of four or more supply ships for their national defense. The source says none of these countries can afford to actually send supply ships as a matter of fact. Defense Minister Ishiba, in his video message yesterday, stressed: "Underway replenishment requires high skills and capabilities. In the world, only several countries can steadily carry it out over a long period of time." In the Indian Ocean, MIO covers a vast expanse of waters, at least 4 million square kilometers, centering on northern waters. The Tokiwa's breakaway means so much. "The Tokiwa's operational capability is very high," says Alex Neill, a chief researcher at the Royal United Services Institute for Defense Studies (RUSI). "So," Neill went on, "the United States will now be compelled to increase its supply costs." MIO headquarters seems to have plans to employ a replacement after the Tokiwa's withdrawal. However, it does not seem to be easy. (6) Path to resuming refueling operation not in sight ASAHI (Page 3) (Abridged slightly) November 2, 2007 TOKYO 00005099 008 OF 015 The Maritime Self-Defense Force unit dispatched (to the Indian Ocean) began pulling out yesterday, winding up its refueling operation to support the US-led war on terrorism, due to the expiration of the Antiterrorism Special Measures Law. The government has come up with economic assistance in place of the refueling operation that has been suspended. Although the coalition of the willing taking part in the war on terrorism in and around Afghanistan, for fear of a withdrawal domino effect, is hopeful that the MSDF will resume its operation, there are no prospects for resumption. Government eager to come up with alternative plans Akihiro Yamada, Keiichi Kaneko Foreign Minister Masahiko Koumura expressed concern yesterday that the discontinuation of the MSDF operation might have adverse effects on the diplomatic front, saying: "The international community would take it as Japan becoming less committed to the war on terrorism. It would affect other countries' stances toward Japan." The government yesterday came up with a number of alternative plans to the refueling operation. The Council for Overseas Economic Cooperation announced enhanced economic assistance to Afghanistan. Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura in a press conference yesterday revealed a plan to incorporate in a supplementary budget bull funds for vocationally training Afghan refugees. The government also produced a plan to considering a large increase in financial aid to Pakistan, which has relied on MSDF oil. Regarding those diplomatic efforts intended to make up for the MSDF withdrawal, a senior Foreign Ministry official said: "Economic assistance will not be able to substitute the MSDF. Japan would be criticized as trying to settle the matter with money." He also took this view about the Democratic Party of Japan's (DPJ or Minshuto) proposal for civilian assistance: "An improved security situation is a prerequisite. At this point when the ministry's evaluation recommendation is still alive, Afghanistan is not in a condition to accept civilians (from Japan)." Meanwhile, DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa, who has been opposed to the new legislation, took this view: "It is unconstitutional to dispatch SDF troops overseas to support some country's military operation. It's not good. I have nothing to say about the withdrawal." The government and ruling parties intend to resume the MSDF operation as early as possible by swiftly enacting the new legislation designed to allow providing fuel oil and water alone. But there are no prospects that the legislation will clear the Diet. Severe views by Japan experts in US Yoichi Kato, Washington, and Kitagawa Manabu, Islamabad Regarding the discontinuation of the MSDF operation, US State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey said yesterday: "It is regrettable. We hope to see Japan enact the new legislation swiftly and resume the (SDF) operation as early as possible." His comment clearly reflected Washington's effort to avoid criticism in consideration of future Diet deliberations in Japan, though it is feeling dissatisfied. TOKYO 00005099 009 OF 015 Some Japan exerts in the United States regard the expiration of the Antiterrorism Law as somewhat inevitable, with Center for Naval Analyses Strategic Studies Director Michael McDevitt saying: "This sort of policy change could occur in a democracy." At the same time, Japan exerts take severe views about future developments. Former Pentagon Japan desk director James Auer said: "If the new legislation is enacted right away, there won't be any problem. But if the government gives it up, Japan's credibility would be called into question severely as an ally." Former White House National Security Council Senior Asian Director Michael Green indicated that in the event the new legislation was voted down in the House of Councillors and the ruling camp consequently did not take a second vote in the House of Representatives, many people in the world would conclude that Japan has no intention of playing a leading role in international security. Royal United Services Institute for Defense Studies Director Michael Clarke, now visiting Japan, indicated in an interview with the Asahi Shimbun yesterday that the impact would be greater politically than militarily, saying, "If Japan withdraws, that would be taken as raising a question about the legitimacy of the Afghan operation; such will not be welcomed." A Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman told the Asahi Shimbun yesterday: "Japan is an important antiterrorism partner. The discontinuation of the refueling operation will have a serious impact on us. We ask Japan to resume the operation." Explanation of need for the operation insufficient Commentary The MSDF's withdrawal from the Indian Ocean is attributable to opposition to its operation by the DPJ, which has become the largest party in the Upper House. But more fundamentally, it is because the government has failed to offer a sufficient explanation of the need for the refueling operation amid the deadlocked war on terrorism led by the US military. Once Japan's provision of oil dropped to one-tenth of that of the peak time, the government, concluding that citing the war on terror alone was not enough to try to convince the public, even brought up the defense of sea lanes, with Foreign Minister Koumura saying, "The operation is important for the transport routes of Japan, who imports 90 percent of oil from the Middle East." The government's failure to completely wipe out suspicions that Japanese fuel was used in the Iraq operation by deviating from the objectives of the Special Measures Law also caused the public to harbor doubts about the "aim" of the refueling operation. Preoccupied with the ruling camp's call for an extension of the refueling operation, the Ozawa-led JDP's adamant opposition for a lack of clear UN resolution, the United States, and the United Nations, the government has not conducted full-fledged debates on how Japan should strategically deal with that region. With no prospect in sight for the enactment of the new "stopgap" legislation, the government is set to increase economic assistance to relevant countries to make up for the SDF withdrawal. Although "independent commitment" to the eradication of terrorism is TOKYO 00005099 010 OF 015 underlined in the new legislation, the government is not armed with any clear rule on the overseas dispatch of the SDF or an exit strategy. On the occasion of the law's expiration, the ruling and opposition parties must discuss matters, including how special measures laws should be, all over again. (7) End of MSDF refueling mission: Enormous national interests to be lost, including military intelligence, relationship of alliance; crude oil, etc. YOMIURI (Page 13) (Full) November 2, 2007 By Hidemichi Katsumata, Yomiuri Shimbun Senior Writer The Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) has been continuing refueling operations in the Indian Ocean as part of Japan's efforts to support the war on terror. However, an order to end the mission was handed down to the MSDF. The damage to Japan's national interests will be huge with the ending of the MSDF operations. A senior Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) officer, who is engaged in Kuwait-based airlift operations in Iraq, said, "I can only hope that halting that mission will not affect our operations." He made this comment because recently, just prior to an ASDF airlifting of senior United Nations officials, the American military stopped transmitting operational intelligence on Baghdad and nearby areas. The intelligence was transmitted only to British and Australian forces. An ASDF officer said, "We cannot engage in airlift operations unless we know where the battles are going on." The ASDF lodged a protest with the US Department of Defense. The intelligence was disclosed three days later, and ASDF aircraft resumed operations. However, as far as this ASDF officer is concerned, "The SDF will now no longer be able to participate in meetings of the troops of the various countries engaged in the war on terror. The amount of Middle East-related intelligence we receive will be considerably decreased." The SDF under the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law and the Iraq Assistance Special Measures Law has dispatched about 20 liaison officers to four locations, such as the US Central Command in Tampa, Florida, and the Multinational Naval Forces Central Command in Bahrain. The purpose of the dispatches is to share various kinds of intelligence with the US and members of the Coalition of the Willing. However, Brigadier General Swift at the US Naval Forces Central Command categorically said, "If the MSDF pulls out, the real problem would be that Japan will lose the opportunity for dialogue in the Middle East, which it is now enjoying." It is a common military practice not to transmit intelligence to countries that are not expending sweat together. But the damage to national interests does not end with just being excluded from the "intelligence community." Japan's greatest threat now is North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. A Nodong missile landed in the Sea of Japan in ¶1993. In 1998, a Taepodong missile passed over Japan. That country carried out a nuclear test last year. If it succeeds in making a miniaturized nuclear weapon that can be fitted on a missile warhead, that nation's nuclear threat would become a reality. It can only be TOKYO 00005099 011 OF 015 prevented from doing so by the military power of the US and a solid Japan-US alliance. Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ or Minshuto) Chairman Ichiro Ozawa claims that it is not possible for Japan to cooperate in the war in Afghanistan because it was started by the US independently. The UN has acknowledged that the US fight against terror is a self-defense war, and yet if Japan cannot help its ally fight a self-defense war, what is the meaning of the alliance? The MSDF has been carrying out refueling operations to support the US and cooperate for the international community within the limits of the Constitution, though such activities are not obligatory. Since Japan has continued to provide such support to the US, it can seek solid cooperation from the US in making North Korea totally abandon its nuclear programs through the six-party talks, which started in the summer of 2003. Japan can file a harsh complaint or make requests to the US, if it takes an ambiguous stance in the process of forcing North Korea to abandon its nuclear program. Even though the ASDF is continuing transport operations in Iraq, with the disappearance of the Hinomaru flag or Japan's presence in the Indian Ocean, doubts will arise the value of the alliance and Japan's national security will suffer a setback. There is another blow coming to Japan's national interest. For Japan, which relies on the Middle East for 90 PERCENT of the crude oil it imports, it is vitally important to prevent the Indian Ocean from becoming a sea of terrorists. This has not been discussed much, because it has been considered that doing so is irrelevant in view of the spirit of the special measures law. But it is whole different story when the fact is taken into account that Japan's super-tanker Takasuzu (280,000 tons) was attacked by terrorists in the Persian Gulf and suffered damage. Three persons, including US Marines, were killed in that suicide bombing. Multinational naval forces have been on strict alert near oil embarkation ports in the Persian Gulf since this incident. Though the MSDF is unable to engage in such operations due to constitutional restrictions, many countries have acknowledged its refueling operations as activities to support part of such international cooperation and appreciate them. About 25 PERCENT of crude oil exported by Gulf countries is bound for Japan. The Financial Times of Britain criticized Japan for pulling out, calling it a "coward." This perhaps epitomizes how the international community sees Japan. How to continue the war against terror is a major theme for many countries. Only countries taking part in antiterrorist operations have the right to have their say. Japan's national interests gain nothing by ending the MSDF operations. (8) Editorial: Prime Minister Fukuda should show resolve to pass new refueling bill SANKEI (Page 2) (Full) November 2, 2007 Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda posted an article titled "Finally November 1" on the latest issue of the Cabinet's E-mail Magazine. TOKYO 00005099 012 OF 015 With the expiration of the Antiterrorism Special Measures Law that allowed the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling operations in the Indian Ocean, two MSDF ships currently deployed -- the supply vessel Tokiwa and destroyer Kirisame -- began heading back to Japan after receiving their orders (from the defense minister). Some members of the ruling coalition are even calling for putting off the enactment of the new antiterrorism bill. It is highly doubtful that the government and ruling parties put in their utmost efforts prior to Nov. 1 to avoid a vacuum being created in the war on terror. The law expired immediately before the second meeting of the prime minister and Ichiro Ozawa, president of the largest opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ or Minshuto). How will the two party leaders take Japan's failure to respond to the expectations of the international community by allowing the MSDF to withdraw from the maritime interdiction operation (MIO),which has dealt a blow to Japan's national interests? Fukuda and Ozawa should frankly talk about not only the new antiterrorism bill but other issues, as well. It is extremely regrettable that Japan suspended its refueling mission that was carried out for nearly six years. We highly praise the MSDF operations that were appreciated by other countries involved. We also should recall the SDF's other overseas activities in Iraq and other areas. The Bush administration has said that it is possible to cover the MSDF refueling operation through alternative measures. But the time for surveillance activities will be inevitably decrease because vessels have to return to port to be refueled. The US government released a comment that said the Japan-US alliance would not be effected, but the Japanese government should consider that the present situation requiring Washington to release the comment might hamper the upholding and strengthening of the bilateral relationship. The DPJ has opposed to the refueling operation claiming that it is aimed at supporting the US' war. Guessing at the meaning from the context, the party does not seem to care about whether the United States and the international community are disappointed at the MSDF pullout. Prime Minister Fukuda said in a statement that the war on terror is still underway, and that he would do his best to enact a new antiterrorism law as quickly as possible so that refueling can be resumed. In order to carry out its intention, the Fukuda cabinet has no other choice but to pass the new legislation by extending the current Diet session. Unless the DPJ changes its response to the legislation, the bill should be put to a second vote after it is voted down in the Upper House. The day has come for the prime minister to make a decision on the new bill, without worrying about political arguments in the ruling and opposition camps. (9) Futenma alternative: Gov. Nakaima proposed offshore relocation up to 215 meters RYUKYU SHIMPO (Page 1 & 2) (Abridged) November 2, 2007 TOKYO 00005099 013 OF 015 On the issue of relocating the US Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station (in the city of Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, to a coastal area of Camp Schwab, a US military base in the prefecture's northern coastal city of Nago),Okinawa Prefecture's Governor Hirokazu Nakaima has been calling for the government to move the site of a newly planned facility to an offshore area as an alternative for Futenma airfield. The government is now going through procedures with Okinawa Prefecture to assess the possible impact of Futenma relocation on its site and environs. In this process, Nakaima met with Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura on Oct. 31. On that occasion, Nakaima asked the government to retouch its Futenma relocation plan. Specifically, Nakaima proposed moving the relocation site to an offshore area within the scope of a "slight change," sources revealed. If the change is slight (up to 215 meters),the government may revise the plan with no need for another environmental assessment, according to the sources. On the other hand, Nakaima has also told Machimura that a change to the extent of 50 meters or so does not satisfy Okinawa's demand. This is the first time that Okinawa Prefecture has disclosed a specific figure in its demand for Futenma relocation to an offshore site. Machimura came up with the Defense Ministry's view, saying the government plan cannot be revised, according to the sources. Okinawa Prefecture and the Defense Ministry have broken off in their talks over the issue of Futenma relocation. However, the government is expected to resume its consultative meeting with Okinawa on Nov. 7 after a hiatus of 10 months. Tokyo and Okinawa are now beginning to move behind the scenes for new developments. Nakaima, according to his aide, has also told the government that he wants the alternative facility located within an offshore area that is somewhat away from Hirashima, an island floating off Henoko Point. In the case of the Futenma alternative facility, its airstrips portion is subject to Okinawa Prefecture's environmental assessment ordinance. Regarding the scope of a "slight change" that is allowable with no need to carry out another environmental assessment, Okinawa Prefecture's environmental assessment ordinance provides that the area of an airfield is less than 10 hectares. The planned alternative facility has an overall length of 1,800 meters. Judging from this length, Okinawa Prefecture calculates that the range of the alternative facility's move is less than 56 meters. In the process of going through the procedures, Nakaima is expected to come up with three statements about the government's relocation plan. Okinawa Prefecture deems it possible to move up to 55 meters each time. A senior official of Okinawa Prefecture explained Nakaima's demand and its background, saying: "Three 55 meters are 165 meters. In addition to that, it's possible to move about 50 meters at the governor's discretion through some adjustments, so the figures add up to 215 meters. If the government is willing, it's possible to move 200 meters or so without starting all over again. There are scientific and rational reasons, so the governor will state his views. If the government bases its plan on the governor's views, it's possible to reach a settlement." Commentary: Nakaima backs down Tokyo and Okinawa have been at a deadlock in their talks over the TOKYO 00005099 014 OF 015 pending issue of relocating Futenma airfield. Okinawa Prefecture's Governor Hirokazu Nakaima has been calling for the government to move the site of a planned alternative facility to an offshore area for Futenma airfield. In this connection, Nakaima showed an upper limit of the relocation site's move within a range of up to 215 meters. It can be taken as a revision in the process of going through the procedures for an environmental assessment. This, however, is the governor's de facto retraction of his call for the site's pre-assessment move. In the eyes of local residents, the governor undeniably backed down. Nakaima has been calling for the government to move the Futenma alternative facility to an offshore site. In the past, Nakaima was asked about the range of the alternative facility's move. However, he has not specified anything about it. If he comes out with a figure, he will be asked to account for that figure. This was a matter of concern to him. (10) Fukuda, Ozawa desperate to put cap on rumor on LDP-DPJ "grand alliance" SANKEI (Page 5) (Full) November 1, 2007 The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ or Minshuto) agreed on Nov. 31 to hold a second meeting between their leaders -- Yasuo Fukuda and Ichiro Ozawa. The second meeting between the prime minister and the DPJ president will start at 3:00 p.m. on Nov. 2 in the Diet building. A grand coalition concept of the LDP and the DPJ, which has become a real possibility after the first Fukuda-Ozawa talks on Oct. 30, will likely create quite a stir in the ruling and opposition camps. All the more because their meeting was held behind closed doors, the grand alliance concept, a speculation creates another speculation. Turbulence seems to be continued in the ruling and opposition blocs. "What is a grand alliance? We can do anything in our minds. But I wonder if it is realistically possible," Fukuda told the press at noon yesterday, as if he didn't know. When asked by the press about his meeting with Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima, he cynically responded: "The meeting was held for the first time. Is this a grand alliance?" Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura south to check the grand alliance concept that has wings, saying, "There are persons talking about a grand alliance, but it is not that easy (to form such) under the single-seat election system." The reason for Fukuda and others being nervous about the grand alliance concept is that response from the ruling and opposition was bigger than expected. Lawmakers of the ruling and opposition parties are now often talking about the grand alliance concept and early Lower House dissolution as issues. The New Komeito, the LDP's coalition partner, is especially alarmed. Secretary General Kazuo Kitagawa expressed displeasure in a press SIPDIS conference, noting, "I wonder if parties that fight in elections can form an alliance and think that the public can understand it." He then played up his party's political presence, saying, "I think there should be an opportunity for the New Komeito to make efforts for consensus-building between the LDP and the DPJ." DPJ lawmakers have become nervous. In a meeting yesterday afternoon TOKYO 00005099 015 OF 015 of the "Next Cabinet" held in the Diet building, one member questioned: "Did you talk about a grand alliance concept with the prime minister?" Ozawa replied: "We did not at all talk about it. Mr. Fukuda repeatedly said, 'I rely on you.' He seems to be in a fix." In a meeting of the DPJ secretary general and deputy secretaries general, one deputy secretary general said, "I want to know what the two party leaders talked about in their meeting yesterday." Secretary General Yukio Hatoyama then responded with annoyance: "I SIPDIS don't know either." At the Japan National Press Club yesterday, Japanese Communist Party chairman Kazuo Shii criticized the Fukuda-Ozawa talks, saying, "The LDP and DPJ violated the Diet rules and held the closed-door meeting." In a meeting of the opposition parties' Diet Affairs Committee chairmen, Yasumasa Shigeno of the Social Democratic Party said, "I have to question why the largest opposition party suddenly held the meeting." Shizuka Kamei, deputy head of the People's New Party, which has formed a parliamentary group with the DPJ in the Upper House, expressed displeasure, noting, "It is outrageous that they held the closed-door meeting, skipping the planned one-on-one meeting at the Diet. The DPJ did not notify my party even though we have formed a parliamentary group. I think such a political method is not good." SCHIEFFER