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

JCP Akamine criticizes Japan's diplomatic deadlock

Using his question time in the House of Representatives following Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro's report on the recent G8 Summit in Gleneagles, Japanese Communist Party member Akamine Seiken on July 26 demanded that the government act on Japan's diplomatic deadlock.

Yasukuni visits

Akamine demanded that Koizumi stop visiting Yasukuni Shrine that justifies Japan's war of aggression because it only creates tension between Japan and other Asian countries.

Troops in Iraq

Akamine called for a withdrawal of Japan's Self-Defense Forces, which are deployed at the U.S. beck and call, from Iraq. "Using from the government's logic, the SDF presence is unreasonable because the SDF camp in Samawah is frequently attacked."

U.S. forces in Japan

Concerning the global realignment of U.S. forces, Akamine cited a huge rally held in Okinawa on July 19 with 10,000 citizens in opposition to live-shell drills at an urban warfare training complex in U.S. Camp Hansen, and demanded that the government listen to Okinawans' call for a reduction and eventual removal of the U.S. military bases.

Prime Minister Koizumi only replied that he would duly decide whether or not to visit Yasukuni Shrine, and insisted that the SDF presence in Iraq is important for maintaining peace and stability in Middle East and the rest of the world. Regarding the live-shell drills in U.S. Camp Hansen, he said, "This is essential to achieve the goals of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty."-- Akahata, July 27, 2005