JCP Shii calls for two principles to be applied to North Korea nuclear test issue

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JCP Shii calls for two principles to be applied to North Korea nuclear test issue

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo at a press conference on October 10 commented on the resolution that the House of Representatives adopted earlier in the day in protest against North Korea's nuclear test as follows:

Q: What do you think about the resolution that refers to "measures based on Chapter Seven of the U.N. Charter?"

Shii: Since the resolution states "including measures based on Chapter Seven," our understanding is that the resolution does not specify measures to be taken. The JCP considers it important for the international community to adhere to two principles in dealing with this issue, and submitted a request for amendment to the draft resolution from this viewpoint.

One is the maintenance of unity of the international community. This will convey the strongest message to North Korea necessary to achieve a breakthrough. Therefore, we have requested that the resolution needs to clearly state this point.

The other is the diplomatic and peaceful resolution. We believe that the whole world hopes that this problem will be resolved peacefully.

The JCP proposed the amendment to the draft resolution. Consequently, the resolution included in its conclusion the following phrase: "The international community should conduct concerted diplomacy and work for a peaceful resolution." I am satisfied with this.

Q: In the event that measures to be taken against North Korea develop from sanctions into an economic blockade requiring ship inspections, some foresee that the U.S. forces will come into the Sea of Japan leading to emergency "situations in areas surrounding Japan."

Shii: The only thing I can say now is that as a member of the international society the Japanese government should conduct negotiations adhering to the two principles.

The principle of maintaining the unity of the international community requires nations to work together, and the principle of diplomatic and peaceful resolution requires nations to avoid resorting to military measures.

Q: What do you want to say to North Korea now?

Shii: The most important point is that North Korea carried out this action in defiance of the unanimous international opposition as expressed in a U.N. Security Council resolution and a UNSC presidential statement.

At the same time, it violated international agreements North Korea had agreed on such as the agreement of the Six-Party Talks and the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration. Thus, North Korea's action cannot be condoned and needs to be severely criticized.

The JCP strongly demands that North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons program and immediately return to the Six-Party Talks without condition. I want to emphasize that only by adopting such a policy can North Korea enhance its national security.

North Korea carried out a nuclear test under the pretext of "self-defense" and "deterrence". In reality, however, North Korea has taken a step in the direction most harmful to its national security.

The problem North Korea is faced with is not lack of military power. North Korea does not have normal diplomatic relationships with neighboring countries. It has no reflection on its lawless international activities. This is the most serious problem it is faced with.

Therefore, I want to stress that rectifying this problem and building normal relationships with neighboring countries is the only reasonable way to serve the national security of North Korea.
- Akahata, October 11, 2006