diet3

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Amendment won't reduce negative impact of postal privatization: JCP

The Japanese Communist Party in the House of Representatives special committee said that the ruling parties' amendments to the postal privatization bill do not change its intent to force the people to pay the costs. The amendment was hastily drafted by the ruling parties to calm down objections within the Liberal Democratic Party.

JCP representative Sasaki Kensho in the special committee on postal privatization meeting on June 29 asked if the amendments would result in mandatory universal over-the-counter financial services.

Takenaka Heizo, minister in charge of postal privatization, answered, "Universality is not mandatory under the law," showing clearly that the amendments fail to guarantee universal nationwide services.

Sasaki also pointed out that provisions concerning funds to make up for the losses in depopulated areas, procedures for reviewing the privatization, and mutual ownership of stocks in the privatized companies include many points differing from the government explanations.

Sasaki stated, "The amendments do not change the fundamental character of privatization in which services to the people are dismissed and their assets are offered to profit Japanese and U.S. finance capital. The amendments are not worth voting for." - Akahata June 30, 2005