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

LDP and DPJ lawmakers together resolve to push U.S. military realignment in Japan

The Liberal Democratic, Komei, and Democratic party members of parliament representing the special interest of the arms industry and their U.S. counterparts have expressed their determination to implement the "interim report" agreed upon by the Japanese and U.S. governments in late October on the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan.

This was at the 6th Japan-U.S. Security Strategy Council meeting held in Tokyo on October 10 under the sponsorship of Japanese and U.S. munitions industries.

Takebe Tsutomu, LDP Secretary General, stated that he took the interim report seriously. Takebe is a member of the LDP-Komei-DPJ lawmakers' association on security affairs.

He mentioned that Nukaga Fukushiro, who handled an LDP joint panel on national security and the U.S. military realignment issue, has assumed the post of the Defense Agency director general, and former DA chief Ohno Yoshinori will chair the LDP Special Committee on Military Bases.

"The LDP is resolved to make every effort to use this lineup to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance and put into practice the U.S. military realignment plans around Japan," he said.

DA Directir General Nukaga stated, "The 'interim report' will set the tone for the Japan-U.S. alliance to play its global role and fulfill its responsibility not only for Japan's security but for the world."

DPJ President Maehara Seiji emphasized the need to enact a state secret protection bill in order to enhance U.S.-Japan military technological exchanges and increase intelligence capabilities, although he criticized the interim report for seriously lacking accountability.

The meeting took place at the state-run Parliamentary Museum. Boeing and other U.S. companies displayed state-of-the-art munitions and exhibit its such as one on missile defense. Boeing's executive member boasted that nothing but the interim report is as significant as the bilateral agreements on missile-defense. -- Akahata, November 11, 2005