JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 12/04/07

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E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 12/04/07 Index: 1) Asahi poll asks voters their choice if general election held today: 32 PERCENT each pick LDP, DPJ, indicating race would be a dead heat at this time (Asahi) Fate of the new antiterrorism bill: 2) Ruling camp reaffirms determination to pass the new antiterrorism bill without fail this Diet session to allow MSDF to return to Indian Ocean for refueling service (Tokyo Shimbun) 3) Democratic Party of Japan study group plots ways to constrain LDP from Lower House re-voting on antiterrorism bill once it is rejected by Upper House (Nikkei) 4) Opposition camp's top priority is to pursue defense scandals in the Upper House and not deliberate the antiterrorism bill (Yomiuri) 5) DPJ's Kan: If the Diet is extended for passing the antiterrorism bill, strong possibility this will lead to Diet dissolution and snap election (Mainichi) Defense scandals: 6) Former defense chief Kyuma, now out of the hospital, denies any money-for-favor deals with defense procurement trader, Yamada Corp. (Nikkei) 7) Former Defense Vice Minister Moriya admits to prosecutors taking 3.6 million yen in bribes from Yamada Corp. that went into wife's, relative's bank account (Nikkei) 8) Led by the Prime Minister's office, reform of the Defense Ministry's procurement system starts, but debate time is short and road to reform steep (Nikkei) 9) Japan plans additional 24 billion yen in foreign aid for Afghanistan, mostly for refugee relief and agricultural production support (Sankei) China ties: 10) China's President Hu in meeting with Foreign Minister Koumura is upbeat about resolving gas-development dispute (Tokyo Shimbun) 11) DPJ leading huge delegation to China that will put the Diet on hold for a week; Trip seen as "lacking common sense" by the ruling camp (Sankei) COP13: 12) U.S., Japan prior consultation on COP13 leads to agreement on setting voluntary reduction targets, which EU is unhappy about (Tokyo Shimbun) 13) U.S. clash in COP13 over handling China, which objects to reduction framework (Tokyo Shimbun) Articles: 1) Poll: LDP, DPJ even at 32 PERCENT in popularity rating for proportional representation ASAHI (Top play) (Abridged) December 4, 2007 The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the leading opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ or Minshuto) paralleled each other at 32 PERCENT in popularity rating for proportional representation, the Asahi Shimbun found from its telephone-based nationwide public TOKYO 00005429 002 OF 009 opinion survey conducted Dec. 1-2. In the survey, respondents were asked which political party they would like to vote for if a general election were to be held now for the House of Representatives. Respondents were also asked about the desirable form of government. In response to this question, a total of 37 PERCENT chose an LDP-led coalition government, with 36 PERCENT opting for a DPJ-led coalition government. As seen from these figures, the LDP and the DPJ were dead even. The Diet, in its current extraordinary session, is focusing its deliberations on a government-introduced bill for special measures to resume the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling activities in the Indian Ocean. On this issue, respondents were asked if they thought the MSDF's refueling mission should be resumed. In response to this question, "yes" and "no" paralleled at 44 PERCENT . In the last survey for November, 43 PERCENT answered "yes," with 41 PERCENT saying "no." In the survey this time as well, public opinion was split over the advisability of resuming the MSDF's refueling mission. Respondents were further asked if they supported the MSDF refueling bill. To this question, 36 PERCENT answered "yes" (35 PERCENT in the last survey),with 43 PERCENT saying "no" (43 PERCENT in the last survey). Meanwhile, the question is what to do if the bill is voted down in the opposition-controlled House of Councillors. In this case, the government and the LDP are looking into the possibility of taking a vote again on the legislation in the House of Representatives for its passage with a concurring vote of two-thirds or more. In the survey, respondents were asked if they thought it would be appropriate to take a vote again on the legislation in the Diet's lower chamber. To this question, 46 PERCENT answered "yes," with 37 PERCENT saying "no." In response to a question asking whether to support the bill, negative answers outnumbered affirmative answers. However, when it comes to the question of whether it is appropriate to take a vote again, affirmative answers outnumbered negative answers. Even among those opposed to the legislation, 27 PERCENT answered that it would be appropriate to do so. The figures show their approval of taking a vote again as a procedure stipulated in the Constitution. The rate of public support for the Fukuda cabinet was 44 PERCENT (45 PERCENT in the last survey). The nonsupport rate was 36 PERCENT (34 PERCENT in the last survey). In the breakdown of public support for political parties, the LDP stood at 31 PERCENT (31 PERCENT in the last survey),with the DPJ at 23 PERCENT (24 PERCENT in the last survey). 2) Government intends to settle new refueling legislation during current Diet session; DPJ geared up to arm itself with all information it can gather with introduction of censure motion in mind TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Excerpts) December 4, 2007 The extended Diet session is to end shortly on Dec. 15. Bargaining between the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ or Minshuto) is heating up with major focus on the handling of the new antiterror special measures bill (new refueling legislation) aimed at enabling the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) to resume refueling operations in the Indian Ocean. TOKYO 00005429 003 OF 009 The DPJ, which holds the post of chairman of the Upper House Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, is insisting that the Upper House should be allocated with the same length of deliberation time as given to the Lower House (about 41 hours). The committee is to meet every Tuesday and Thursday. There will be four regular deliberation days before the end of the Diet session. Even if there are seven-hour deliberations a day, total deliberation time will fall short of 30 hours. An increasing number of LDP members are calling for re-extending the Diet session to mid-January with passing the bill again in the Lower House in consideration. However, another extension of the Diet session will have a negative impact on the compilation of the fiscal 2008 budget. There is also concern that a mood for dissolving the Lower House for a snap election will rise in one sweep. As such, the LDP has decided to strongly urge the DPJ to promote deliberations on the bill for a settlement within the current Diet session. In that case, the new legislation is bound to be voted down. However, some noted that the government and the ruling camp would secure Diet approval even by adopting it again in the Lower House, because even if the opposition camp adopts in the Upper House a censure motion against Prime Minister Fukuda, they would be able to disregard it and obtain understanding from the public, if they indicate a stance of attaching importance to public life when compiling the budget. The DPJ stands firm regarding President Ozawa's view that there would not be enough time left to adopt the legislation during the current session. It is thus geared up to put in a lot of work in pursuing a series of scandals involving the Defense Ministry instead of deliberating on the new legislation. It is considering the possibility of summoning involved persons, such as Naoki Akiyama, senior managing director of the Japan-US Center for Peace and Cultural Exchange, as witnesses. However, since it was impossible to summon Finance Minister Fukushiro Nukaga as a witness due to opposition by other opposition parties, some DPJ members are pessimistic about a witness-summoning strategy. Some members are beginning to feel that their efforts would bog down with one senior Upper House member saying, "It would be difficult not to let the bill adopted indefinitely, if the Diet session is extended. 3) DPJ to launch a study group to forestall move for re-voting on new refueling legislation NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) December 4, 2007 The major opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) will shortly establish a study group of experts to discuss rules, such as re-adopting a bill by a two-thirds majority of votes in the Lower House. The purpose is to forestall the move by the government and the ruling coalition to re-adopt a new refueling bill to allow the Maritime Self-Defense Force to resume the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean. The DPJ wants to arouse public opinion by emphasizing this logic that if the public will shown in the recent Upper House election is ignored, that will lead to the notion that the Upper House is useless." 4) Upper House committee's question-and-answer session begins today TOKYO 00005429 004 OF 009 on antiterrorism bill; Opposition camp set to pursue Defense Ministry allegations YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) December 4, 2007 The House of Councillors Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee begins a question-and-answer session today on a new antiterrorism bill for resuming the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling operation in the Indian Ocean. The government and ruling camp are eyeing the bill's enactment in the current Diet session. On the other hand, the major opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ or Minshuto),which holds the chairmanship of the committee, is showing no signs of expediting the deliberations. There is no bright outlook for the bill's enactment. The committee regularly meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays. LDP Secretary General Bunmei Ibuki and Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka SIPDIS Machimura confirmed a policy course yesterday to lobby the opposition camp to hold sessions also on days other than Tuesdays and Thursdays in order to secure enough deliberation time. The DPJ is demanding 41 hours of deliberation time -- about the same hours spent at the House of Representatives Committee on Prevention of Terrorism -- before taking a vote on the bill. At the same time, the party has no intention of meeting on days other than Tuesdays and Thursdays, citing a custom. Today's question-and-answer session is scheduled to last six hours. In the event the same deliberation time is spent on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the total deliberation time before the current Diet session closes on Dec. 15 would be only 24 hours. The opposition camp plans to give top priority to pursing allegations over the Defense Ministry, with DPJ Diet Affairs Committee Chairman Kenji Yamaoka saying, "We must squeeze the pus out rather than providing oil." The opposition bloc is set to demand Diet testimony before the Upper House Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee by former Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma and director Naoki Akiyama of the Japan-U.S. Center for Peace and Cultural Exchange, for which LDP defense policy specialists are also serving as directors. 5) "If the Diet session is extended, the possibility of a Lower House dissolution would increase," says Kan on BS11 TV show MAINICHI (Page 5) (Full) December 4, 2007 Referring to a possible dissolution of the Lower House and a snap election, Naoto Kan, deputy president of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ or Minshuto),said on BS11 Digital news show "Inside Out" yesterday evening , "Whether the government and the ruling camp extend the Diet session will be one turning point. Chances are that if it is extend to mid-January, potential candidates may start running in anticipation of dissolution of the Diet at the end of the session. Both the ruling and opposition camps might roll into that direction." He this indicated his view that re-extension of the Diet session would increase the possibility of a dissolution of the Lower House." Concerning the new antiterror special measures bill, on which deliberations by the Upper House committee to be started on Nov. 4, TOKYO 00005429 005 OF 009 Kan noted, "It would be impossible for the bill to be adopted by the end of the Diet session on Dec. 15, no matter how much the government and the ruling parties try." 6) Kyuma denies provision of special treatment NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) December 4, 2007 Former Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma appeared on a TBS TV program late yesterday and rejected the possibility that he might have provided special treatment to firms having business relations with the Ministry of Defense. He said, "I've never (provided any special treatment) as a Diet member, not to mention when I served as defense minister and as Defense Agency director-general." 7) Moriya admits 3.6 million yen was bribery; Money sent to bank accounts held by family members, including wife NIKKEI (Page 43) (Excerpts) December 4, 2007 Former Administrative Vice-Defense Minister Takemasa Moriya, 63, has begun telling investigators that a total of 3.6 million yen sent to bank accounts held by his family members, including his wife, by Motonobu Miyazaki, 69, a former managing director of defense contractor Yamada Corp., was bribery, sources familiar with the case said yesterday. The special investigation squad of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office is investigating the case, believing the provision of cash was also bribery. Miyazaki admitted to investigators that the Moriyas had requested funds, the sources also said yesterday. According to the sources, Miyazaki, in compliance with Moriya's request, sent over 2 million yen on several occasions to a bank account of his wife Sachiko, 56, in 2004. He also transferred over a million yen to the bank accounts held by a number of Moriya family members, including Moriya's second daughter, between 2004 and 2006. In all cases, Miyazaki allegedly ordered Osamu Akiyama, 70, former president of a Yamada subsidiary in the United States who is under arrest on suspicion of corporate embezzlement, to send the money from the slush funds under his control. Of the 3.6 million yen, the portion transferred in 2006 to the bank account held by Moriya's second daughter was allegedly to cover expenses for her study in the United States. Miyazaki also allegedly sent money to a company run by Moriya's relative. 8) MOD reform panel set in motion under Kantei's leadership; Interim report due in three months NIKKEI (Page 2) (Abridged slightly) December 4, 2007 An experts' panel on reforming the Ministry of Defense (MOD) was launched yesterday with the aim of ensuing civilian control, information security, and increasing transparency in procurement of defense equipment at the scandal-prone MOD under the leadership of the Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei). The panel is scheduled to produce an interim report incorporating a basic reform TOKYO 00005429 006 OF 009 direction in February, which is only three months away. Some think the period is too short to come up with measures. A rocky road lies ahead of the panel. The former Defense Agency was hit in 1998 by a breach of trust case involving the now-defunct Central Procurement Office, and in 2006, by a bureaucrat-initiated bid-rigging scandal involving the former Defense Facilities Administration Agency. Although those organizations have now been dissolved, there seems to be no end to improprieties involving MOD personnel. Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda said to reporters yesterday, "I want the panel to review the ministry in its entirety." The panel is scheduled to meet twice a month to produce an interim report in February. The government will submit a final report to the prime minister based on concrete measures to be worked out by late March by three working groups each responsible for civilian control, information security, and defense procurement. There is skepticism in MOD, wondering if a fundamental plan can be produced with only six sessions. 9) Government decides to extend financial assistance worth 24 billion yen to Afghanistan mainly for measures for refugees, agriculture SANKEI (Page 1) (Excerpts) December 4, 2004 The government is expected to adopt immediate economic assistance to Afghanistan at the end of the year. It yesterday decided to set the amount at approximately 24 billion yen. Projects that will lead to securing jobs for those who made their way as refugees to Iran or Pakistan to take when they return home and improving public security will be included in the fiscal 2007 second budget and the fiscal 2008 budget. With deliberations on the antiterror special measures legislation for a resumption of refueling operations in the Indian Ocean by the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) having rough going, the government and the ruling parties want to obtain understanding in the deliberations on the bill, by improving assistance for basic human needs as called for by the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ or Minshuto). The government had at first undergone coordination with the possibility of incorporating into the fiscal 2008 budget to be compiled later in the month assistance measures for Afghanistan featuring bilateral grant aid cooperation worth about 5 billion yen. The Antiterrorism Special Measures Law, which served as the basis for refueling operations in the Indian Ocean, expired on Nov. 2, making it impossible for Japan to make personnel contributions. As such, the government has decided to extensively increase economic assistance instead. The government decided at a meeting of economic cooperation for foreign countries on Nov. 1 to implement new economic assistance to Afghanistan and Pakistan, which are engaging in the war on terror. Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura during a press conference the same day indicated the government's intention to swiftly work out specific measures and the amount of assistance and include the results in the fiscal 2007 supplementary budget. With an eye on an increasing number of refugees now returning to Afghanistan, the new package of economic assistance measures to be TOKYO 00005429 007 OF 009 included in the supplementary budget will focus on vocational assistance to them and development of agriculture and agricultural villages to create jobs for them. Another plan is to incorporate assistance to the Afghan government-led Disbanding of Illegal Armed Groups (DIAG) in order to improve public security in that nation. 10) President Hu positive about resolving the issue of joint development gas fields, expresses his plan to visit Japan at an early date in meeting with Foreign Minister Koumura TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 3) (Full) December 4, 2007 Yuji Hiraiwa, Beijing President Hu Jintao of China yesterday met with visiting Foreign Minister Masahiko Koumura and declared, "I'd like to officially visit Japan at a relatively early date next year." Hu indicated for the first time when he plans to visit Japan. Speaking of a visit to China by Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, which is expected to occur by the end of the year, Hu noted, "I want to exchange candid views with him," and indicated his intention to boost a strategic, reciprocal relationship through mutual visits. On the stalled talks on gas fields in the East China Sea, Koumura urged Hu to make a political decision on the issue, saying, "We hope to see the issue resolved by the time of Prime Minister Fukuda's visit to China. We pin our hopes on President Hu's leadership." In response, Hu indicated he would make efforts to break the impasse, telling Koumura: "I think it is important for both sides to put aside the disputed items and share the perception that both sides will jointly develop gas fields. I will accelerate the speed of the talks and finalize them promptly and appropriately." Although Hu did not mention historical perceptions, he referred to the Taiwan issue as a "delicate issue" lying between Japan and China. Touching on the move by the Chen Shui-bian administration of Taiwan to conduct a national referendum on Taiwan's membership of the United Nations, Hu made a much clearer request than before to Japan, saying, "I hope Japan will definitely oppose (Taiwan's joining the UN.)" In response, Koumura went no further than to say: "Japan has consistently followed the same policy toward the Taiwan issue since the release of the 1972 Japan-China Joint Statement. Please set your mind at ease." Hu also pointed out the need to continue the high-level economic dialogue between Japan and China, improve Japan-North Korea relations, and boost defense exchanges. 11) DPJ to send a grand delegation to China before end of Diet session, causing plenary sessions on Dec. 6-7 of both chambers of Diet to be cancelled and enraging ruling parties SANKEI (Page 5) (Excerpts) December 4, 2007 The major opposition Democratic Party of Japan's (DPJ) President Ichiro Ozawa is to make a three-day trip to China starting on Dec. 6 and meet with President Hu Jintao and Chinese Communist Party TOKYO 00005429 008 OF 009 leaders. Ozawa is to visit China in line with his lifework Japan-China exchange project "Great Wall Plan." The second purpose of his China visit is to attend the first meeting of the DPJ and the Chinese Communist Party under the "Exchange Organization." The delegation to China will be joined by a total of 46 Diet members, namely, 21 DPJ House of Representatives members, including Ozawa, former Prime Minister Tsutomu Hata, Deputy President Naoto Kan, and Diet Affairs Committee Chairman Kenji Yamaokaka, and 25 House of Councillors members (22 from the DPJ, one from the People's New Party, and two independents). During a meeting between Ozawa and Hu, they are likely to exchange views on security issues, including the North Korean situation, and economic and environmental issues. Some 400 persons, including members of the supporters' groups, will take part in an exchange event under the 15th Great Wall Plan. On his visit to China, Ozawa has said: "I simply want to see as many (Japanese) people as possible build a friendship with Chinese people." But a senior DPJ member noted: "China is attaching importance to the DPJ. The proof of this is a planned meeting with the Chinese president." Apparently, the DPJ intends to play up its ability to hold the reins of government. In the wake of a planned visit to China by 46 lawmakers, including Ozawa, both houses of the Diet have been forced to cancel their respective plenary sessions slated for Dec. 6 and 7. As a consequence, the timetable for the current session of the Diet, which is to close on Dec. 15, has become even more jam-packed. In fact, a vote on a bill amending the Broadcast Law at the Lower House plenary session has been put off to early next week. A number of complaints are heard in the ruling parties. 12) Japan, U.S. in meeting prior to COP13 agree on voluntary setting of targets to reduce CO2 emissions TOKYO SHIMBUN (Top Play) (Full) December 4, 2007 (Toshiya Kama, Nusa Dua (Bali, Indonesia)) The governments of Japan and the United States held talks in preparation for the 13th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP13) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. In the talks, both sides agreed on a plan under which countries would set their own targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through voluntary efforts. The U.S. has indicated a willingness to cooperate in drawing up a Bali roadmap for future negotiations on a new international framework to fight global warming beyond the 2012 timeframe set under the Kyoto Protocol, but the stance of Japan and the U.S. might encounter reactions from the European Union (EU),which has set a unified numerical target, and from developing countries. The Kyoto Protocol requires industrialized countries to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by about 5 PERCENT from 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. In the preparatory talks, Japan and the U.S. agreed that all countries, including developing countries, should address the issue of global warming under a framework of the UN. They also shared the view that greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced most effectively if countries voluntarily set their own binding targets, instead of being pressed with a mandatory numerical target. On the TOKYO 00005429 009 OF 009 timeframe and other details, Japan and the U.S. reportedly have yet to start negotiations. The Bush administration has promised a 20 PERCENT cut in consumption of gasoline over the next decade as a result of eagerly introducing renewable energy, such as photovoltaic power generation. To reduce CO2 emissions, the two governments will stress the need to disseminate technologies, as well as to review the current market mechanism and trade rules. Both will also cooperate in working out methods to effectively use nuclear power. A Japanese government source stated: "Observers see the United States as distancing itself from international conferences because it has left the Kyoto Protocol. But the United States, changing its attitude, has begun to show its willingness about efforts under a UN framework in discussion on a post-Kyoto framework." A U.S. government source commented: "It is reasonable for Japan and the United States to take the initiative in negotiations on the design of a new international framework to fight global warming." 13) In COP13, China reacts to UN framework for CO2 reduction TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 1) (Full) December 4, 2007 (Toshiya Kama, Nusa Dua) In a plenary meeting on Dec. 3 of the 13th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP13) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, government leaders expressed views on how to replace the Kyoto Protocol. China fiercely reacted to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions under the framework of the UN. China is expected to become the world's largest emitter of global warming gases. At the outset of the climate summit, China was in fierce conflict with Japan and the U.S., both eager to involve major emitters in an international mechanism. In the plenary session, a Chinese representative insisted: "Industrialized countries are required to reduce CO2 under the UN treaty. China will voluntarily make efforts, but such should be considered, separately from the discussion this time." Meanwhile, Japan and the United States assert that all major emitters of global warming gases must commit themselves to reducing emissions under the same framework of the UN." A delegate of the Japanese government emphasized: "It is still unknown whether the conflict on the first day will bring about a stalemate. We will make efforts so that a Bali roadmap for future negotiations on a new framework will be adopted." Participants in the plenary session also agreed to set up a subcommittee of major member countries to create a roadmap. SCHIEFFER