 JCP calls for public assistance in reconstructing disaster-hit houses At the January 28 House of Representatives plenary session, Japanese Communist Party representative Takahashi Chizuko demanded that the government support disaster victims in the reconstruction of their houses. Takahashi insisted that Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro should listen to local governments calling for the Natural Disaster Relief Law to be amended, to include a provision under which disaster victims can receive financial assistance in reconstructing their houses. In answer to Takahashi, the prime minister said that it is necessary to discuss what amendments are needed based on the situations of disaster-affected areas. The Niigata prefectural governor had stated that the most important task for the government is to financially support disaster victims in the reconstruction of their houses. (end) |