2008 JUNE 11 - JUNE 17


DPJ was discussing policy coordination while submitting a censure motion against prime minister
Politicians of the opposition Democratic Party of Japan and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party were having meetings outside of the Diet in quest of cooperation on policies on June 11, the day when the full House of Councilors was in session to discuss a censure motion against Prime Minister Fukuda Yasuo, which the DPJ and some other opposition parties introduced.


Fukuda's CO2 proposal is thin and cunning
With the G8 Toyako Summit expected to discuss ways to stop global warming as its biggest agenda item, the “Fukuda Vision” raises doubts about Japan’s stance on the urgent issue that has an important bearing on the survival of humanity.


Fukuoka City to cut national health insurance premium rates
During the question time allotted to Japanese Communist Party representative Hiejima Toshikazu at a Fukuoka City Assembly session, a city official said that the city will cut this year’s premium rates by 0.52 percentage points from last year’s 13.01 percent.

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DIET

Censure motion against Fukuda
Upper House censures Prime Minister Fukuda
Shii comments on passage of censure motion against Fukuda
DPJ was discussing policy coordination while submitting a censure motion against prime minister
No confidence in PM Fukuda: JCP Kokuta

Health insurance system
Lower House unable to discuss bill to repeal notorious health insurance system due to DPJ boycott
JCP calls on other opposition parties to discuss Diet deliberation on bill to abolish health insurance system for elderly

Diet session extended
JCP criticizes extension of Diet session

Leprosy
New law to relieve former leprosy patients enacted

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EARTHQUAKE
Big quake hit northeastern region of Japan

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JAPAN-NORTH KOREA
North Korea promises to resume abduction probe
JCP has been calling for comprehensive settlement of North Korea issues

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GLOBAL WARMING
Fukuda's CO2 proposal is thin and cunning: Akahata editorial (excerpts)

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U.S.FORCES IN JAPAN
Japan Peace Committee demands government reveal all SOFA-related secrets

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HIBAKUSHA
Government gives up fighting against Sendai and Osaka decisions in favor of Hibakusha but continues to fight in others
Hidankyo calls for government’s political decision to settle Hibakusha lawsuits

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NHK
NHK was unfair in reporting court ruling: watchdog group
Top court overturns lower court ruling recognizing political interference in media
NHK must end its close relationship with politicians

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AINU
Ainu policy must be drastically reviewed to meet new Diet resolution: Akahata editorial (excerpts)

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LABOR AND PEOPLE’S STRUGGLE
Labor Standards Inspection Office recognizes Canon worker’s suicide as work-related
Fukuoka City to cut national health insurance premium rates

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JCP
JCP Shii delivers additional donations to Sichuan quake victims
UNHCR offers thanks to JCP for donation to Burma cyclone victims
JCP Shii visits Vietnamese embassy to express condolences