2008 SEPTEMBER 10 - SEPTEMBER 16


Change policy to put the people first ? Shii on TV show
Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on September 14 appeared on the Fuji TV network’s political debate program “Hodo 2001” along with other opposition party leaders and gave his views on the ongoing Liberal Democratic Party presidential election and the upcoming general election.

What is behind LDP’s scenario to extend Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law?
The ruling Liberal Democratic and Komei parties agreed on September 9 to introduce in the upcoming Extraordinary Session of the Diet a bill to allow the Maritime Self-Defense Force to continue to engage in the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean after the present Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law expires next January.

Government has put safety on the backburner in sticking to rice imports
It has been found that imported rice contaminated with pesticides and mold has been used to make shochu (Japanese liquor) and cookies as well as foodstuffs for school lunch programs. The companies that have sold the tainted rice as food are primarily to blame. At the same time, the government must be held responsible for allowing these companies to distribute tainted rice instead of disposing of it.

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POLITICSLDP

presidential election
Journalists criticize media’s intensive reports on LDP presidential election
LDP is unqualified to take the helm of the administration: Akahata Editorial
Change policy to put the people first ? Shii on TV show

Political funds report
JCP finance is sound in sharp contrast with other parties
Political parties other than JCP received 44 billion yen in 2007 in government subsidy
Top 15 military suppliers donate 210 million yen to LDP in 2007

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‘ANTI-TERRORISM’
What is behind LDP’s scenario to extend Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law?
Put an end to war against terrorism: Akahata editorial (excerpts)
Japanese ASDF’s participation in assistance to Iraq proven to be a mistake: Akahata editorial

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U.S. FORCES
USS George Washington to arrive at Yokosuka at the end of September

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RICE IMPORTS

Failed minimum access
Government claim of ‘obligatory imports of MA rice’ proven to be groundless: Akahata editorial (excerpts)

Tainted rice
Government has put safety on the backburner in sticking to rice imports

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YOUTH
Shii calls on youth to join hands for decent work rules

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ELDERLY
Shii speaks in Tokyo’s shopping district popular with the elderly
‘Let’s revoke new medical system for elderly aged 75 and over’ -- National Convention of Elderly

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LABOR
Bank apologizes to workers for its unfair labor practice
Public turns their attention to Zenroren  --An interview with new Zenroren President Daikoku Sakuji

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TOKYO
JCP in Tokyo Assembly exposes Democratic Party’s plagiarism

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JCP
JCP delegation led by Fuwa to visit Vietnam for theoretical discussions