2002 APR 3 - APR 6 JPS NEWS

JCP-BACKED CANDIDATE PUTS UP GOOD FIGHT IN KYOTO
In a fierce contest with a rival backed by six parties, candidate Morikawa Akira received 39.55 percent of votes cast in the Kyoto gubernatorial election. (April 8)

ISRAEL MUST WITHDRAW TROOPS
Akahata calls on Israel to pull out its troops from Palestinian-controlled towns, recognize the Palestinian rights to establish an independent state, and accept peaceful coexistence with Palestinians. Akahata editorial, April 7

JCP SHII HAS TALKS WITH VISITING LI PENG
JCP Chair Shii Kazuo and China's NPC Standing Committee Chairman Li Peng agreed to further strengthen relations between Japan and China as well as between the JCP and the CPC. (April 6)

*2 lawmakers summoned over aides' money scanda (April 9)

*Shii: Diet must summon Kato and Kano as witnesses under oath (April 9)

*Chaos at Mizuho shows banks must go back to basics -- Akahata editorial, April 8 (excerpts)

*300,000 people sign petition calling for public scholarship to continue (April 9)

*Japan Gensuikyo urges nuclear weapons states to implement promise to eliminate nuclear weapons (April 9)

37 Foreign Ministry officials punished over Suzuki scandals (April 3)

Punishment must not be used as cover: JCP Shii on Foreign Ministry punishment (April 4)

Unions and religious groups take action to foil wartime legislation
(April 4)

Parliamentarians league established to improve part-time workers' treatment (April 4)

Ruling parties reject censure motion against agriculture minister (April 6)

Faith-based groups establish peace network (April 3)

Wartime laws make criminals out of citizens refusing to cooperate with war: Akahata editorial, April 3 (excerpts)

Wartime bills also aimed at dealing with 'situations in areas surrounding Japan' (April 5)

Agriculture Ministry made grave mistake on BSE: Panel report (April 3)

Opposition parties jointly hold rally calling for a law to deal with BSE (April 5)

Major trade union center and a traders organization jointly survey recession and restructuring (April 5)

JCP message to 5th Congress of Communist Refoundation Party, Italy (April 6)