2008 AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 2


Prime Minister Fukuda resigns
Prime Minister Fukuda Yasuo held a news conference on short notice at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence on September 1 to express his intention to step down, saying, “New policies should be followed under new leadership.”

Defense Ministry wants a 2.1% budget increase in FY 2009 while people are enduring economic hardships
The Defense Ministry emphasizes the need to strengthen the structure to “make Japan a peace fostering nation,” which is one of the major policy goals set forth last January by Prime Minister Fukuda Yasuo.

Block extension of new anti-terrorism special measures law that simply serves U.S. interests
There is no choice but for the Japanese government to stop assisting in the U.S. war and withdraw the Maritime Self-Defense Force from the Indian Ocean. It is called upon to fully use diplomatic means in order to achieve the peaceful resolution of the Afghanistan question.

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POLITICS
Prime Minister Fukuda resigns
Prime Minister Fukuda resigns
Deadlocked domestic and foreign policies led Fukuda to resign
JCP will call for change in government policies in its autumn struggle

Scandal
JCP says agriculture minister must come clean about allegation of inappropriate use of tax money
Another revelation of shady use of office expenses shows lack of honesty: Akahata editorial

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AFGHANISTAN
Shii laments the death of a young Japanese NGO aid worker in Afghanistan
Bullets for self-devotion: Akahata ‘Current’ column
Block extension of new anti-terrorism special measures law that simply serves U.S. interests: Akahata editorial (excerpts)

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U.S. FORCES IN JAPAN
JCP in Diet demands revocation of ban on access to document on secret arrangement with U.S.
JCP criticizes mayor for refusing to bar U.S. warships from entering Yokosuka Port
U.S. warship cancels visiting Tomakomai Port
Government: U.S. nuclear-powered submarine is safe

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BUDGET
Defense Ministry wants a 2.1% budget increase in FY 2009 while people are enduring economic hardships
U.S. Marine base in Guam to be constructed at Japan’s expense

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LABOR
Local government employees union holds its regular convention

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PEACE
Committee of Seven for World Peace calls for public to prevent use of space for military purposes

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DISASTER DRILL
JCP criticizes Tokyo governor for giving military role to play in annual disaster drill

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JCP
JCP Chair Shii meets with Nicaraguan Ambassador Arana
JCP Chair Shii attends UNHCR reception
JCP Vice Chair Ogata meets with Venezuelan Ambassador Ishikawa