  Right of collective self-defense has nothing to do with Japan's defense -- Akahata editorial, October 2 New Defense Agency director general Ono Yoshinori in an interview said, "Japan's sending the Self-Defense Forces to Iraq involves extreme restrictions. Can the SDF stand idle when troops of other countries are being attacked in Iraq?" This was in answer to a reporter's question: "What inconveniences will Japan have if it is barred from exercising the right of collective self-defense?" Ono is the first DA director general to state that the constitutional ban on exercising the right of collective self-defense is a restriction in relation to the state of affairs in Iraq. It's also serious in that he calls for constitutional revision to pave the way for exercising the right of collective self-defense. Constitutional revision at U.S. request Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'iciro expressed support for the U.S. war of aggression against Iraq at the outset and in late 2003 began to send the SDF to Iraq. The SDF remain in Iraq in support of military rule as a member of the multinational force. In explanations to the Japanese people, however, the government stressed that the SDF were not going there for combat but for humanitarian and reconstruction assistance that includes water supply in non-combat areas like Samawah. Under the Constitution the government is not allowed to send troops to Iraq which is in a state of war. It is also very clear that Japan cannot militarily assist U.S. forces in the light of the government's stated view that "Exercising the right of collective self-defense ... is unconstitutional" (Government written reply, May 29, 1981). This is why Prime Minister Koizumi had to stress that Japan will extend "humanitarian reconstruction support". But now Ono argues that this ban should be removed because it "restricts" SDF activities. After the Bush administration succeeded in having the Japanese SDF deployed in Iraq, it is attempting to have the Japanese Constitution revised with the aim of allowing the SDF to constitutionally fight in wars abroad alongside with U.S. forces. This was confirmed by the increasing pressure on Japan from U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage stating that "Article 9 stands in the way of strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance" and "a nation wishing to sit permanently on the council must be ready to deploy their military force in the interests of the international community", stating that it will be difficult for Japan to be a UN permanent council member without clearing the bar. Ono made the statement quoted above apparently to accede to the U.S. demand by promising to enable the SDF to take part in combat side by side with U.S. forces in Iraq or elsewhere. Ono's remarks represent the Koizumi Cabinet's obsession with a revision of the Constitution. In June, Koizumi stated that it is not right for Japan to be barred from exercising the right of collective self-defense when U.S. forces are fighting with us to defend Japan. The "right of collective self-defense"' will not be called into question if the SDF are to "defend Japan". Ignoring this, the prime minister moved to link the defense of Japan with the concept of the right of collective self-defense. Ono's latest statement has revealed that the aim of what the government calls "the right of collective self-defense" has nothing to do with "the defense of Japan" but is aimed tat enabling the SDF to protect U.S. forces in combat in Iraq or elsewhere. Boosted by 'two major parties' scheme Ono's remarks is also related to the view approving the SDF's use of force outside of Japan, a view shared by not only the LDP and Komei but by the Democratic Party of Japan. During this recent visit to the United States, DPJ President Okada Katsuya stated, "Japan should make an active contribution to maintaining world peace by changing the Constitution to make it possible for Japan to use force abroad provided that the United Nations Security Council adopts resolutions to this effect. This position is little different from Koizumi's in that Okada calls for the SDF to be allowed to "use force abroad" although he says a UNSC resolution is necessary. At a time when the "two major parties" are competing with each other for a constitutional revision to drag Japan into dangerous wars, we will work hard to make the people's wishes for peace heard. (end) |