JCP to prime minister: Tell the United States to end air strikes at once

A Japanese Communist Party member of parliament who recently returned from a week's visit to Pakistan used his question time in the House of Representatives Budget Committee on November 12 to demand that the government pressure the United States to end the air strikes immediately.

Akamine Seiken emphasized how severely civilians, including children, are suffering from the havoc caused by cluster bombs and other weapons.

Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro in reply just stated, "Consideration for civilians will be necessary."

JCP Akamine urged the government to do something to help switch the course from one of military attacks to achieving a settlement based on international cooperation. (end)