JCP Shii criticizes seven contingency bills

The government on February 24 decided on seven war contingency-related bills to be submitted to the Diet in early March. These bills are intended to complete the system of mobilizing the Self-Defense Forces, local governments, and even the private sector for U.S. preemptive wars outside of Japan in accordance with the Law to Respond to Armed Attacks enacted in June 2003.

The bill to allow the Self-Defense Forces to directly support U.S. forces will enable Japan to provide the U.S. forces with munitions and other supplies as well as services if an outside armed attack is perceived in connection with U.S. military operations outside of Japan.

The government will also ask the Diet to approve the revision of the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) and the conclusion of the two Protocols Additional to the Geneva Convention.

A bill for "protection of the public" assumes major terrorist attacks and other "contingencies" as cases in which the war law is invoked.

Asked by the press to comment on the "Outline of the Bill to Protect the Public", Japanese Communist party Chair Shii Kazuo on February 24 said: "Not only the 'public protection bill' but the whole set of bills and agreements are unconstitutional."

"The essence of the war contingency laws enacted last year by the majority force of the Liberal Democratic, Komei, and Democratic parties is that Japan will take active part in U.S. wars and that the general public will mobilized for U.S. wars. Those who refuse to comply with orders will be penalized," Shii said.

He also stated, "These bills are the practical application of the war contingency legislation enacted last year. It will force Japan to take part in U.S. wars, carry out inspections of foreign ships with the aim of enforcing maritime blockade, and control and mobilize airports, seaports, roads, and radio waves."

"The so-called 'public protection bill' is nothing but a 'public mobilization bill' with the aim to effectively push forward such wars," Shii added, promising that the JCP will fight to block these war bills. (end)