2008 MAY 14 - MAY20

LDP is desperate to tame DPJ
The Liberal Democratic Party is desperate to find ways to tame the opposition Democratic Party of Japan in order to pave the way for building a consensus on major issues before the next House of Representatives general election.


Change stance toward WTO trade talks
The Japanese government must end its defensive posture vis-a-vis WTO negotiations. In order to defend and reconstruct Japan’s agriculture, it should cooperate with other countries to change the way the WTO talks are held.


End corrupt relations between politicians, bureaucrats, and businesses circles
In discussing the institutional reform of the status of government employees, the major issue is how to get rid of corrupt relations between politicians, bureaucrats, and business circles.

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POLITICS
Rest of Diet session must focus on two major questions: JCP Shii
People-betraying policies accelerate a decline in cabinet approval rating: Akahata editorial (excerpts)
Ichida says LDP’s overtures to DPJ over consumption tax increase is dangerous
LDP is desperate to tame DPJ
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MEDICAL SYSTEM
Elderly carry out sit-in calling for an end to discrimination in medical-care
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AGRICULTURE
Change stance toward WTO trade talks: Akahata editorial
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CLUSTER BOMBS
Japan must withdraw its proposal running counter to treaty banning cluster bombs: Akahata editorial (excerpts)
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U.S. FORCES IN JAPAN
Government has overlooked motor vehicle registration requirement of parking space certificate for U.S. military personnel in Okinawa
LDP, Komei and DPJ block citizens’ call for referendum over deployment of U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
Japanese government’s submission to U.S. revealed in dealing with U.S. soldiers’ crimes
U.S. ambassador pressed Japan’s top court to reject lower court ruling that U.S. forces in Japan are unconstitutional
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LABOR
172 victims of asbestos exposure sue government and 46 companies
End corrupt relations between politicians, bureaucrats, and businesses circles: Akahata editorial (excerpts)
‘Nominal’ managers call for eradication of illegal labor practice
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WORLD CONFERENCE AGAINST A & H BOMBS
Organizing committee launches appeal for success of 2008 World Conference against A & H Bombs
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JCP
JCP announces Tokyo assembly candidates
JCP Shii sends telegram of sympathy to Chinese president
JCP Shii expresses sympathy for Sichuan quake victims
JCP Shii congratulates Paraguay's president-elect Lugo