JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 09/29/08

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E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 09/29/08 Index: Aso's diplomatic debut: 1) Prime Minister Aso makes diplomatic debut at the UNGA, stressing in speech desire for Japan to use right of collective defense, strength of alliance with U.S. (Sankei) 2) Aso in UN speech makes continuing of oil refueling mission in Indian Ocean an international commitment, but fulfilling pledge depends of domestic politics (Nikkei) 3) Aso meets international leaders in bilateral meetings at the United Nations (Nikkei) 4) Foreign Minister Nakasone in meeting with Secretary Rice pledges effort to continue MSDF's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean (Nikkei) 5) Japan's North Korea policy line of "dialogue and pressure" will not change under the new Aso administration (Nikkei) Defense and security: 6) Defense Minister Hamada and U.S. Navy Secretary Winter agree to close cooperation in ensuring safety of newly deployed carrier George Washington (Tokyo Shimbun) 7) Navy Secretary Donald Winter in press conference calls on Japan to continue refueling operations in the Indian Ocean (Mainichi) 8) Political turmoil in the Aso government to have an impact on the relocation of Futenma Air Station (Yomiuri) 9) Major unit of the U.S. Marines to be left in Okinawa after troop transfer to Guam (Akahata) Political turmoil: 10) Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Nakayama quits for series of offensive remarks; Replaced by Kazuyoshi Kaneko; Diet dissolution on Oct. 3? (Sankei) 11) "Five day cabinet minister" Nakayama in resignation statement unrepentantly spends an hour repeating his anti-teachers' union tirade (Asahi) 12) Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers outraged at Nakayama's caper that led to resignation, one calling it a "suicide terrorist bombing" that damages the LDP (Asahi) 13) Nakayama caper sets off calls in ruling camp for an immediate Diet dissolution before passing extra budget in order to minimize political damage (Nikkei) 14) LDP Secretary General Hosoda sets a minimum goal in the Lower House election of a bare majority of seats (Mainichi) 15) Upper House lawmaker Naoki Tanaka, husband of Makiko Tanaka, quits the LDP (Mainichi) Articles: 1) Aso diplomacy shackled, despite emphasis on need to change interpretation on right to collective self-defense SANKEI (Page 3) (Excerpts) September 27, 2008 (Keiichi Takagi, New York) Prime Minister Taro Aso indicated in a press conference at UN Headquarters in New York on the night of Sept. 25, local time, that the government should change its interpretation of the Constitution to enable the Self-Defense Force to use the right to collective TOKYO 00002682 002 OF 012 self-defense. While in the U.S., which he visited to attend the 63rd UN General Assembly, Aso said: "I have consistently said that the interpretation should be changed. This is an important issue." On the issue of whether Japan should continue the Maritime Self-Defense Force's (MSDF) refueling mission in the Indian Ocean beyond its expiration on Jan. 15, however, Aso stressed no need for a change in the interpretation, defining the operation as constitutional. Delivering a speech at the UN General Assembly prior to the press conference, Aso revealed Japan's plan for continued contributions to the fight on terror in Afghanistan, virtually expressing a determination to continue the refueling service. Later, Aso held separate meetings with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Iraqi President Jala Talabani, and others. In the meeting with Talabani, Aso announced Japan's plan to withdraw Air Self-Defense Force troops engaged in airlift activities in Iraq later this year and instead to offer more cooperation in the economic area. The three-day trip with no overnight stay was an extremely hard schedule for the prime minister prior to his planned policy speech in the Diet session today. But he was eager to attend the UN assembly, because he was aiming at soliciting public support by making a brilliant diplomatic debut ahead of the next House of Representatives election. His performance seemed to have had a positive impact, but whether there were diplomatic results is questionable. A mid-ranking Liberal Democratic Party member said: "The prime minister is facing a dilemma as he remains unable to develop foreign policies as he desires," keeping in mind no prospects in sight for a bill to extend the MSDF refueling mission to clear the divided Diet. Aso emphasized in the UN speech: "The Japan-U.S. alliance is constantly the bedrock (of Japan's diplomacy)." But the alliance is beginning to waver. In actuality, Japan's international contributions are tapering off, as shown by its decision to pull ASDF troops out of Iraq by the end of this year. Given this, Japan's argument for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council has also been toned down. In his speech, Aso referred to UNSC reform only last, significantly lowering the weight of Japan's bid for a permanent seat than that in then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's speech three years ago. Aso places importance on Japan-U.S. alliance Prime Minister Taro Aso stressed in his UN speech the need to alter the government's current interpretation of the Constitution in order to enable the Self-Defense Force to use the right to collective self-defense. This remark reflects his stance of giving priority to the Japan-U.S. alliance. He has thus begun to demonstrate his own foreign policy identity that is greatly different from that of former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, who seemed to have no interest in this issue. On the issue of collective self-defense, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a friend of Aso, set up an expert panel in May of last year and instructed the panel to look into four scenarios that include one involving Maritime Self-Defense Force ships providing TOKYO 00002682 003 OF 012 cover to U.S. Navy vessels under attack in international waters near Japan. This move was aimed to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance by increasing bilateral responsibilities in the alliance and making relations with U.S. more equal. The panel changed the government's interpretation and submitted to Fukuda a report calling on the government to allow collective self-defense this June. But Fukuda did not take it up as a political agenda item. Aso is expected to promote discussion on the report. Even so, the New Komeito has opposed a change in the government's interpretation, and some LDP members are calling for caution, as Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura said: "Japan's defense only policies are very important." Thorny negotiations are expected on this issue from now. 2) Prime Minister announces continuation of refueling mission at UN General Assembly: Key to deliver on international commitment is domestic politics NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) September 27, 2008 Prime Minister has made his diplomatic debut. In winding up a speech at the UN Assembly, noting, "I have many things to say," he cited the continuation of Japan's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean as part of participation in the war on terror and its contribution to help resolve the turmoil in the financial markets. Leaders and ministers of various countries are paying attention to the implementation of those challenges by the prime minister. Aso came to the UN General Assembly on a 10-hour schedule, even before giving a policy speech in Japan, because there has been widespread disenchantment with Japan in the U.S because prime ministers are being replaced every year. The base of the Japan-US alliance has weakened due to the successive resignations of two prime ministers. There seem to be no key persons to tackle international issues. The Japanese prime minister's speech given at the UN General Assembly after a hiatus of three years indicated Japan's stance of re-involving itself in international issues. However, what is important are action and consequence. President Bush, who in a speech said at the UN General Assembly two days ago, "I guarantee that I will enact a financial stabilization package," is now having difficulty coordinating it with the Congress. Continuation of Japan's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean and the economic recovery, which Aso pledged at the UN, requires passage of a related bill and a supplementary budget bill in the Diet, respectively. Will the ruling and opposition camps reach an agreement in the divided Diet or will the ruling parties win the general election? Domestic politics holds the key to whether Aso can deliver on his international commitments. 3) Prime Minister Aso makes his diplomatic debut, holding series of bilateral talks NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) September 27, 2008 Prime Minister Taro Aso on the afternoon of September 25 (morning of TOKYO 00002682 004 OF 012 the 26th, Japan time) in New York met with Australian Prime Minister Rudd, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and Iraqi President Talabani. Aso's attendance at the UN General Assembly is the first by a Japanese prime minister since former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in 2005. Commenting on this, Aso emphasized to Ban, "I thought I should come by all means." He said, "I hope the UN will function vigorously." Since the meeting was brief, Aso did not refer to Japan's bid to seek a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. He introduced Foreign Minister Nakasone to Ban. Ban responded, "I know former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone. He is an international leader." It appears that Aso diplomacy using the high name recognition of former Prime Minister Nakasone, the aim of his appointing his son as foreign minister, turned out to be successful for the time being. Aso in a meeting with President Talabani conveyed a Japan's policy of pulling out Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) troops dispatched to Iraq before the end of the year. Talabani replied, "I understand Japan's decision. I appreciate Japan's assistance to date." Referring to reform of the UNSC, the prime minister in a speech given at the UN said, "Reform of the UN, based on an increase in the number of seats, must be realized at an early date." After making the speech Aso pumped into U.S. Secretary of State Rice and British Foreign Secretary Miliband. He exchanged words with them. Aso also had a short conversation with Korean Prime Minister Han Seun Soo. 4) Nakasone vows efforts to continue refueling NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) Eve., September 27, 2008 NEW YORK-Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone met with U.S. Secretary of State Rice at United Nations headquarters on the evening Sept. 26 (on the morning of Sept. 27 Japan time) and told her that he would make efforts in order for Japan to continue the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling activities in the Indian Ocean beyond January next year when a time-limited law for the MSDF's mission there is set to expire. Rice told Nakasone that she was well aware of the political difficulties, but she expressed hope that Japan would continue the refueling activities. Concerning the current financial crisis and other issues, Nakasone said Japan "would like to continue close cooperation on the financial problem and other issues facing the international community." Rice concurred. Meanwhile, North Korea is now about to resume operations at its nuclear facilities. Concerning this problem, Nakasone and Rice also agreed that the unity of countries participating in the six-party talks over North Korea's denuclearization is important. Rice stressed the importance of specific ways to verify North Korea's nuclear declaration in the second phase for North Korea's abandonment of its nuclear programs. Nakasone requested cooperation anew to make headway for a solution to the pending issue of Japanese nationals abducted to North Korea. Rice pledged cooperation, saying the United States' position remains firm. TOKYO 00002682 005 OF 012 Regarding United Nations Security Council reforms, Rice reiterated that the United States will support Japan's bid for a permanent seat on the UNSC. Nakasone touched on the fact that Japan has announced its candidacy for this fall's election of nonpermanent UNSC members. "When Japan is elected, we would like to work together with other nonpermanent members to carry out U.N. reforms," he said. Referring to the issue of Japan's ongoing restrictions on its U.S. beef imports, Rice requested Japan take appropriate action. Nakasone only said, "This is a matter of food safety, so we will hold interdepartmental discussions based on scientific evidence." 5) No change in dialogue and pressure policy line, says chief cabinet secretary on North Korea NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) September 29, 2008 Commenting on the government's North Korea policy, Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura in an interview with the Nihon Keizai Shimbun and other dailies stressed, "I do not think the dialogue and pressure policy line has changed. The North Korea issue has not yet reached the stage that allows Japan to ease sanctions against that nation." Regarding the abductions of Japanese nationals by North Korea, he said, "There is no change at all in the government position that the abduction issue is Japan's most important issue." He also expressed his intention to shortly meet with family members of abduction victims. He stressed a policy of maintaining in principle the government goal of moving the primary balance of the central and local governments into the black by fiscal 2011, saying, "We have no intention of revising the cabinet decision." However, he at the same time indicated a view that it would be difficult to achieve the goal, noting, "Economic growth has slowed significantly. It would be fairly difficult to achieve that end without economic growth." 6) Japan, U.S. reaffirm close cooperation on nuclear flattop TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full) September 27, 2008 Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada met with U.S. Secretary of the Navy Winter yesterday at the Defense Ministry and confirmed that Japan and the United States will cooperate closely to ensure the safety of the U.S. Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier George Washington, which has arrived at the U.S. Navy's Yokosuka base for deployment. "We have maximum confidence in safety," Winter said. "However," he added, "we will ensure transparency and will make efforts to exchange information closely." Hamada said, "There are also many people who are concerned about nuclear power." With this, he sought information disclosure. In addition, Winter called on Japan to continue the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling activities in the Indian Ocean. Hamada said, "We'd like to make our utmost efforts." 7) U.S. Navy Secretary calls for continued refueling mission MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) TOKYO 00002682 006 OF 012 September 29, 2008 By Hiroaki Wada U.S. Navy Secretary Donald Winter, meeting the press at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo on Sept. 26, strongly called for the continuation of the Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean, describing it as a symbol of Japan's support for (the war on terrorism in Afghanistan). At the same time, expressing concern over the recent buildup of the Chinese Navy, the secretary explained that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington has been deployed at Yokosuka with the aim of enhancing deterrence in the western Pacific. Secretary Winter also indicated that the coalition forces' activities in Afghanistan are internationally recognized and that they must be maintained and achieve a victory, adding that Japan's assistance carries great significance for the countries that have sent naval vessels. Touching on the buildup of the Chinese Navy, he also said: "Its intent is unclear and we are concerned." 8) Political turmoil casting pall over Futenma relocation issue, may also affect Japan-U.S. talks YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) September 28, 2008 With the inauguration of the Aso administration, major players who engaged in negotiations on the issue of relocating the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture, have now left the Prime Minister's Office. Officials connected to U.S. - Japan relations are paying close attention to how this issue will play out now. The U.S. wants to ascertain Japan position on the relocation issue as soon as possible, out of the need to hand down agreements with Japan from the Bush administration to the new administration, which is to be launched in January following the presidential election in November. A delay in negotiations on the issue would adversely affect bilateral ties. The governments of Japan and the U.S. agreed in 2006 to construct a Futenma replacement facility in a coastal area of Camp Schwab in Nago City. But local governments involved in the plan have been calling for moving the construction site into the ocean. Coordination between both sides has run into a road block. The Koizumi and ABE administrations, in a drive to have the local communities agree on the government's plan, froze economic development plans for the northern part of Okinawa and cut state subsidies under the lead of the Defense Ministry. These moves evoked strong reactions from Okinawa. The Fukuda government shifted the initiative in negotiations to the Prime Minister's Office. Then Chief Cabinet Secretary Machimura, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Futahashi, and Assistant Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Saka mainly engaged in negotiations with the Okinawa side in a flexible manner. This August, the central government, the Okinawa government, and relevant local communities set up a working-level taskforce. With Machimura, Futahashi, and Saka leaving the Prime Minister's Office following the abrupt resignation of former Prime Minister Fukuda, however, many are worried that momentum for negotiations on the Futenma relocation issue might wane. TOKYO 00002682 007 OF 012 In Washington, the Department of Defense plans to start budgetary explanations to Congress in February. Since huge amounts of funds will be needed for plans to relocate the Futenma Air Station and to transfer Marines in Okinawa to Guam, it is necessary for the U.S. government to show its outlook for the relocation to Congress. Based on the view that "it will be impossible to change or delay the plan after the government does the spadework with Congress," said a government source, the Japanese government would like to outline a path for talks with the Okinawa side, but under the current situation, it is impossible to address the issue in earnest in the run-up to the dissolution of the House of Representatives for a snap election. The government plans to complete the environment impact assessment next spring and launch construction work in 2010. Some voice concern that if this process is delayed due to Japan's circumstances, it could throw ice on Japan-U.S. relations. 9) Mainstay troops to be kept in Okinawa even after Marine relocation to Guam AKAHATA (Page 1) (Full) September 28, 2008 Based on a plan to realign U.S. forces in Japan, the U.S. Marine Corps is going to construct a new base on the island of Guam for Okinawa-based U.S. Marines. In this connection, the U.S. Department of the Navy submitted a report to the U.S. Congress and the Guam governor on Sept. 15-16, unveiling the breakdown of U.S. Marines to be moved from Okinawa to Guam. The Japanese and U.S. governments have so far explained that the U.S. Marines in Okinawa will move 8,000 troops and 9,000 family members to Guam. However, this is the first time that the United States has revealed such a breakdown in detail of troops to be relocated from Okinawa to Guam. According to the report, the U.S. Marines will continue to station frontline troops on Okinawa. The Japanese government has agreed to disburse approximately 6.1 billion dollars (about 646 billion yen) of Japanese taxpayers' money on the pretext of alleviating Okinawa's base-hosting burden. The money will be used to build office and housing quarters for Marines. However, the Japanese government has not revealed any details about the planned construction of new facilities on Guam, saying Japan is still consulting with the United States. The 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, or III MEF for short, is said to deploy a total of about 18,000 troops to Okinawa at present. Regarding their relocation to Guam, the report says III MEF will move a total of 8,620 troops, broken down into 3,050 command troops, 1,100 ground combat troops, 1,850 air combat troops, 2,550 logistics combat troops, and 70 others. The report also says the U.S. military plans to prepare 3,520 family housing units and 3,800 single rooms. The troops to be moved from Okinawa to Guam are mostly command and logistics personnel, with the exception of a helicopter company. Base control troops (at Camp Butler) will also be retained in Okinawa, thereby maintaining and consolidating necessary base functions. In fact, the greater part of those who will be moved from Okinawa to Guam belongs to Camp Courtney in the middle of Okinawa's main island. However, the base will not be returned. On the whole, the Guam relocation is not only a far cry from TOKYO 00002682 008 OF 012 alleviating Okinawa's burden but will also strengthen the U.S. military's strike functions in the Pacific region, along with the planned construction of a new airfield in a coastal area of Camp Schwab in the island prefecture's northern district. 10) Transport Minister Nakayama resigns, former Administrative Reform Minister Kaneko succeeds him; Oct. 3 Lower House dissolution highly likely SANKEI (Top play) (Full) September 29, 2008 Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Nariaki Nakayama, 65, yesterday formally resigned to take responsibility for a series of controversial remarks. He had only served in his post five days. Prime Minister Taro Aso immediately appointed former Administrative Reform Minister Kazuyoshi Kaneko, in an attempt to quickly put the incident behind him. Nakayama's resignation has shocked and shaken the ruling coalition, which is worried about any negative impact on the newly inaugurated cabinet. Although Aso has looked into the possibility of dissolving the House of Representatives after passing the 2008 supplementary budget through the Diet, the New Komeito, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's junior coalition partner, has hardened its stance toward Aso's Lower House dissolution plan, with one senior member saying: "If deliberations are held on the budget, we will have to suffer even more damage." Ruling coalition members already have started to pave the way for Lower House dissolution on Oct. 3 after the end of each party's representative interpellations in both chambers of the Diet. It is now looking more likely that the Lower House will be dissolved on Oct. 3. Nakayama called on Aso at the Prime Minister's Official Residence yesterday morning and he apologized for his remarks about local residents opposing the expansion of Narita International Airport, as well as about the Japan Teachers' Union. Nakayama then handed in his resignation, telling Aso: "I don't want to cause any more trouble." After quitting his post, Nakayama told a press conference: "I was determined to fulfill my mission in a key cabinet post, but I have now decided to step down from that post, since my remarks may undermine Diet deliberations, amid the growing economic crisis." The government and ruling coalition plan it to hold interpellations in both chambers of the Diet Oct. 10-3 after the policy speech by the prime minister today. They initially intended to start deliberations on Oct. 6 on the supplementary budget with an eye on the implementation of an emergency economic package. They hoped to pass the budget by Oct. 10. The Democratic Party of Japan and other opposition parties had sounded the ruling camp out on "Oct 10 Lower House dissolution through talks." Due to the Nakayama incident, the New Komeito began to balk at carrying out deliberations on the supplementary budget, with one senior member arguing: "If deliberations on the budget are started soon, the opposition will pursue the prime minister's responsibility for appointing him. As a result, the cabinet support rate could drop." The New Komeito has already ordered its lawmakers to stay around the Diet building on the afternoon of Oct. 3. The party appears to be preparing for Oct. 3 Lower House dissolution and the start of TOKYO 00002682 009 OF 012 official campaign on Oct. 21 for a Nov. 2 general election. However, Aso at present is still looking into the possibility of passing the supplementary budget. Asked by reporters last evening about the timing of Lower House dissolution and a general election, Aso said: "At the present stage, I am prioritizing passage of the supplementary budget." Asked about the possibility of Lower House dissolution on Oct. 3 soon after interpellations in both chambers of the Diet, he said in a strong tone: "The government has never made such a statement." The reason for Aso sticking to committee deliberations on the supplementary budget is because the possibility is strong that he will be criticized by the opposition for deserting a sinking ship. In a meeting yesterday with Aso, New Komeito Secretary General Kazuo Kitagawa stressed: "In order to implement our policy, we should ask for the people's vote of confidence as early as possible." He appears to have urged Aso to dissolve the Lower House as soon as possible, with "Oct. 3" in mind. Concerned about the opposition's attack on the Nakayama problem at budget committee sessions starting on Oct. 6, some LDP members are now calling for Lower House dissolution on Oct. 3. Aso has repeatedly stressed the importance of passage of the supplementary budget. However, he will likely be pressured into making a difficult judgment. 11) The five-day minister: Construction and Transport Minister Nakayama resigns from post in only five days; Rails the press with his stock argument for one hour ASAHI (Page 38) (Excerpts) September 29, 2008 Construction and Transport Minister Nariaki Nakayama resigned on Sept. 28, just five days after assuming the post, due to a series of controversial remarks. In a press conference to announce his resignation, Nakayama continued to criticize the Japan Teachers' Union, saying, "I made the statement with firm conviction," and "I wanted to draw public attention." His sharp tongue drew fire even from within the LDP. After tendering his resignation to Prime Minister Taro Aso on the morning of Sept. 28, Nakayama held the press conference at the ministry in which the former minister railed on with his stock argument for about one hour. 12) LDP members indignant at Nakayama, calling his action a "suicide terrorist bombing" ASAHI (Page 38) (Abridged slightly) September 29, 2008 Both disgust and anger toward Nariaki Nakayama are raging through the Liberal Democratic Party. Lower House member Seiji Kihara representing Tokyo Constituency No. 20 held a state affairs briefing session on the night of Sept. 28 in which he offered an apology, saying, "I am sorry for the construction and transport minister' series of remarks that lacked a TOKYO 00002682 010 OF 012 any sense of tension." After the meeting, Kihara said: "The prime minister's responsibility for appointing Nakayama might draw attention as the Aso administration's only accomplishment. Under the current circumstances, it is difficult to face the next Lower House election." At the same time, Kihara highly valued Prime Minister Aso's statement attaching importance to the supplementary budget, saying, "I think he intends to achieve results to impress the public even if it means postponing the dissolution of the Lower House." Masaaki Taira representing the Tokyo No. 4 district said angrily: "We have to fight in the election with the reins of government at stake. (Nakayama) is unable to sense that atmosphere. Many party members wonder whether the Lower House should even be dissolved when our chances of winning are so slim. I don't think this is the right timing to win." Masakazu Kakuma, secretary general of the Toyama prefectural chapter, said, "We are indignant because we cannot rule out an impact on the next election." Secretary General Hideaki Takeuchi of the Kanagawa prefectural chapter noted frustratingly: "(Mr. Nakayama) has dampened our motivation. He has caused too much trouble." Taimei Yamaguchi representing the Saitama No. 10 district, who is also chairman of the Saitama prefectural chapter, offered an apology as a guest at the New Komeito prefectural convention held on Sept. 28 in the Urawa district in Saitama City, saying: "I am afraid that Mr. Nakayama's remarks have caused you a great deal of trouble. Some urged Prime Minister Aso to dismiss (Mr. Nakayama) from his post rather than accepting his resignation." Katsuei Hirasawa of Tokyo Constituency No. 17, who has recently offered apologies on many occasions, such as at a respect-for-the-aged meeting, said: "What (Mr. Nakayama) did was no more than a suicide terrorist bombing, and we have to pay for it. He also expressed a desire for early Lower House dissolution, saying: "The cabinet cannot do its job unless we dissolve the Lower House and seek the views of the general public." 13) Repercussions of resignation of transport minister affect political timetable: Calls for dissolution prior to supplementary budget NIKKEI (Page 2) (Excerpts) September 29, 2008 Following the resignation of Transport Minister Nariaki Nakayama, voices calling for dissolution of the Lower House before starting deliberations on the fiscal 2008 supplementary budget in the current Diet session are gaining ground in the ruling camp. This is because holding a Diet debate will give an opportunity for the opposition camp to attack the ruling parties and adversely effect the ruling camp's chances in the Lower House election. Instead, a plan to incorporate a new set of economic pump-priming measures in their manifesto (campaign promises) for the Lower House Election has surfaced. The prime minister still insists on holding deliberations on the supplementary budget bill, but he is now being pressed to make a difficult decision. The government and the ruling parties have had in mind dissolution of the Lower House in early October and holding the national election on either November 2 or 9. Their basic strategy has been to TOKYO 00002682 011 OF 012 dissolve the Diet while support rates in the polls for the new prime minister are still high. Commenting on setting the election for November 2, which would fall in the the middle of a holiday weekend, Secretary General Hiroyuki Hosoda said on a Fuji TV program on September 28, "The consecutive holidays will basically not hamper us from setting the election for Nov. 2." Election Committee Chairman Makoto Koga of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in a speech given in Hokkaido said, "I believe the prime minister has determined the election schedule. He will presumably press ahead with that schedule." However, the resignation of Nakayama will likely affect deliberations on the supplementary budget bill, which the prime minister insists on holding. The ruling parties have had in mind the tactic of holding deliberations on the supplementary budget bill but dissolving the Lower House if the opposition camp opposes the bill. Now that Nakayama has stepped down, a growing view is that taking time before dissolving the Lower House would mean there would be more opportunities for the prime minister to be pursued in the Diet and the increased possibility of ministers' controversial statements or scandals being revealed. A view that it would be better to remove in advance any risk factors by dissolving the Lower House immediately after the questioning session by each political party on Oct. 3 has emerged in the ruling parties. 14) LDP Secretary General Hosoda: Target is to win majority MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) September 29, 2008 By Daisuke Kondo LDP Secretary General Hiroyuki Hosoda gave an interview to news companies, including the Mainichi Shimbun, at party headquarters on Sept. 26. About the victory-or-defeat line in the next Lower House election, he said: "There is no one who thinks the (ruling coalition) will be able to use a two-thirds overriding vote in the House of Representatives (after the election). Our target is for the LDP and New Komeito to win a majority and remain in power." He also indicated that the ruling coalition would feel out the opposition bloc's response to the possible timing for dissolving the Lower House by linking it to the fiscal 2008 supplementary budget, saying: "It is natural to discuss matters with the opposition bloc, but we have had bitter experiences since last year. We need to closely monitor the opposition bloc's moves." 15) Upper House member Naoki Tanaka to leave LDP MAINICHI (Page 5) (Excerpt) September 27, 2008 House of Councillors member Naoki Tanaka yesterday submitted a letter of departure from the Liberal Democratic Party. A spokesman of his local office said of the reason for leaving the party in an interview with the Mainichi Shimbun: "He made the decision from a comprehensive point of view, because he will back former Foreign Minister Makiko Tanaka, who will run in the next House of TOKYO 00002682 012 OF 012 Representatives election." SCHIEFFER