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2003 FEB 19-FEB 25 JPS NEWS

THERE IS NO REASON TO CUT SHORT INSPECTIONS
JCP Chair Shii Kazuo in a published statement expressed firm opposition to the moves toward ending inspections, saying that the U.S.-Britain resolution would go against a peaceful resolution of the Iraq question. more

LDP CONTINUES TO SEEK MONEY FROM CONSTRUCTORS
Contractor construction companies are cautious about responding to LDP requests for money because a court has ruled that it is illegal for companies to make political donations when they are in the red. more

TOWN AND VILLAGE HEADS GATHER TO OPPOSE COMPULSORY MERGERS
Determined to stop the government policy of forcing small municipalities to merge, about 620 people held a forum to discuss it. more

IRAQ
* Government must examine U.N. inspectors' report in its entirety: JCP (February 19)
* Japan should stand for peaceful resolution through continued inspections (February 20)
* Koizumi supports U.S. attempt to have new UNSC resolution adopted (February 24)
* There is no reason to cut short inspections -- JCP opposes UNSC resolution that paves way for the use of force: JCP chair statement (February 25)
* High school students petition foreign ministry for refusal of any cooperation in war (February 19)

U.S. FORCES IN JAPAN
* Residents in court denounce U.S. forces for causing unbearable noise (February 21)
* U.S. forces ignore residents' concern to resume live-fire drills (February 22)

POLITICS -Scandals-
* LDP ignores public criticism and continues to seek donations from contractor companies (February 19)
* Prime minister says LDP won't take money from companies in the red (February 19)
* Cabinet ministers in the midst of suspicion of money-involved scandals (February 19)

POLITICS -Municipal mergers-
* Town and village heads gather in Nagano to oppose compulsory mergers (February 24)

POLITICS -'Medical reform'-
* LDP and Komei leaders are busy suppressing rebellion over medical insurance (February 19)

POLITICS -National budget-
* JCP demands FY 2003 budget be recompiled to help improve living conditions (February 21)

ECONOMY -BOJ and banks-
* JCP on appointment of new Bank of Japan governor (February 24)
* JCP criticizes major banks for simultaneously increasing fees paid by customers (February 25)

ECONOMY -Apparel industry and JCP-
* Local business leaders attend a JCP symposium to revitalize local economy (February 25)

LABOR
* Spring Struggle: 400,000 take part in concerted action (February 21)

ANTI-NUCLEAR WEAPONS
* Gensuikyo to seize opportunity to develop anti-nuclear movement -- Bikini Day events (February 22)

TOKYO
* JCP and citizens group in Tokyo call for welfare program to be maintained
(February 20)
* JCP Tokyo prefectural committee chair runs for Tokyo governor (February 22)
* Tokyo governor denies Nanking massacre (February 25)

INTERNATIONAL
* Fuwa receives new Cuban ambassador (February 20)
* Fuwa and Shii congratulate Roh on inauguration as South Korean president (February 25)

Special Issue
CAPITALISM AND SOCIALISM IN THE 21ST CENTURY
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