2008 JULY 30 - AUGUST 19

There can be no policy change
Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda Yasuo on August 1 reshuffled his cabinet, for the first time since he took office in September 2007. He also made changes in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party leadership.

U.S. nuclear-powered submarine has leaked radioactive water for more than two years
The U.S. government on August 7 notified Japan that trace amounts of radioactivity leaked from the nuclear-powered submarine Houston at Japanese ports between June 2006 and July 2008. During this period, the USS Houston made 11 port calls in Japan.

New international campaign launched for nuclear weapons abolition
The International Meeting of the 2008 World Conference adopted a “Declaration” that called for a global signature campaign for the abolition of nuclear weapons to be developed during the run-up to the 2010 NPT Review Conference.

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WTO TALKS
WTO must break with ‘free trade’ as principle: Akahata editorial

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CABINET RESHUFFLE
Fukuda reshuffles his cabinet
There can be no policy change: Akahata editorial (Excerpts)

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BUDGET
Fukuda defies public calls and retains policy of annual 220-billion yen cut in budget growth for social services

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U.S. BASES IN JAPAN
Shii meets with opposition members of Okinawa assembly
JCP criticizes Zama mayor for changing his mind and accepting U.S. base realignment

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WORLD CONFERENCE AGAINST A & H BOMBS
International Meeting
New international campaign proposed for nuclear weapons abolition
Listen to Hibakusha!
JCP Vice Chair Ogata speaks at International Meeting
Declaration of the International Meeting

World Conference-Hiroshima
World Conference pledges to build a stronger global movement toward nuclear weapons abolition
Hiroshima Day Rally marking the 63^rd anniversary of atomic bombing

World Conference-Nagasaki
Governments and NGO representatives discuss nuclear weapons abolition in Nagasaki
2008 World Conference sets out for new campaign for a nuclear-free world

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63^RD ANNIVERSARY OF ATOMIC BOMBINGS
Hiroshima
Hiroshima observes 63^rd anniversary of atomic bombing
Peace Declaration by Hiroshima Mayor

Nagasaki
Nagasaki marks 63^rd anniversary of atomic bombing
Peace Declaration by Nagasaki Mayor

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WAR’S END
JCP publishes statement on 63rd anniversary of WWII’s end
Give life to Japan’s post-war determination to make efforts in defense of peace: Akahata Editorial

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LABOR FOR PEACE
Zenroren holds international conference on peace

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RADIOACTIVE LEAKS
Radioactive leak confirms our rejection of coexistence with nuclear-powered warships
U.S. nuclear submarine enters Sasebo despite revelation of radioactive leak at the same port in March
JCP in Okinawa makes representations to Foreign Ministry against radioactivity leak
U.S. nuclear-powered submarine has leaked radioactive water for more than two years
Nagasaki Prefecture will not allow ‘Houston’ to call at Sasebo Port until cause of radioactivity leaks is determined

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WORKERS’ STRUGGLE
10,000 people attend meeting for better childcare system
15-yen increase in minimum wage is far from enough to eliminate poverty
No increase in government employee wages
Relief order issued for Nestle Japan workers

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JCP
JCP recruits over 10,000 new members in the last eleven months
JCP Shii attends Chinese ambassador’s reception in appreciation of aid to quake victims
JCP gives donation to Burma cyclone victims
Koike attends Tunisian ruling party congress
JCP sends condolences on former CPI (M) General Secretary Surjeet