 Changing Article 9 will render Japan untrustworthy in the world: JCP Japanese Communist Party Diet Policy Commission Chair Kokuta Keiji said to the prime minister that revision of the Constitution's Article 9 will render Japan untrustworthy in the world. Speaking in the House of Representatives plenary session on January 25 on behalf of the JCP, Kokuta also stated, "The government policy of shifting an increased burden onto the people by abolishing the fixed-rate tax reduction system and increasing the consumption tax rate will misdirect the economy. On security, foreign policy, and Constitution Kokuta criticized the government for moving to turn the Self-Defense forces into fully-fledged armed forces that can be deployed overseas and take part in U.S. wars on a global scale. Kokuta warned that if Japan changes Article 9 to achieve this aim, Japan will betray its postwar "no war" pledge and will eventually lose its position as a non-belligerent member of Asia. Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro said, "I want national discussion to focus on a constitution appropriate for a new period." On economic policy Kokuta said that the government plans to end the fixed-rate tax cuts and other measures that will impose an extra 7 trillion yen burden on the people will aggravate the economy as well as national finances. The prime minister just gave an optimistic view, saying, "The economy is on a recovery track, being led by private demand." Kokuta urged the government to stop the imposition of a 7 trillion yen burden and the planned consumption tax increase so that the past economic blunder of causing a major recession would not be repeated. On privatization of postal services Kokuta asked the prime minister if private companies that take over privatized postal savings and the post office life insurance program can ensure universal services throughout the country. "Considerations should be given to underpopulated areas." was Prime Koizumi's response. (end) |