Abe declares he will stake his prime ministership on anti-terrorism law extension

   At the end of his visit to Sydney, Prime Minister Abe Shinzo on September 9 held a press conference and declared that he will stake his prime ministership on acquiring the opposition parties’ understanding of the need for extension of the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law.

   Stressing that the law’s extension “has become an international pledge,” Abe stated, “I will make every effort to continue” the Maritime Self-Defense Force refueling of U.S. warships in the Indian Ocean.

   Amid international society’s collaboration in carrying out the war on terrorism, “to accomplish fulfilling international contributions is one of the fundamentals of the diplomacy I am promoting,” Abe added.

   Asked by reporters about the possibility of his cabinet’s wholesale resignation if he fails to get the special measures law extended, Abe said “I have to make the utmost effort under my own responsibility. I will not cling to my post,” hinting that his cabinet will resign en masse in that case.

   Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo in the JCP Dietmembers’ meeting on September 10 severely criticized the prime minister’s remarks as reflecting his policy of giving priority to serving the U.S. turning against the Japanese public.

   Pointing out that Abe made the remarks right after he held talks with U.S. President George W. Bush in Sydney, Shii said, “While having been holding onto his post in defiance of the severe public criticism delivered in the House of Councilors election, the prime minister now says he will resign if he cannot fulfill the promise with the U.S. These remarks alone constitute a good reason for the public to force this cabinet into resignation as early as possible.”

                   - Akahata, September 11, 2007