Shii tells Hatoyama that JCP will constructively engage with new government

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Shii tells Hatoyama that JCP will constructively engage with new government

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on September 10 held talks with Democratic Party of Japan President Hatoyama Yukio in the Diet to formally convey the JCP's position of constructively engaging with the incoming DPJ-led government. The two leaders agreed to meet from time to time to exchange opinions.

The talks were held at the request of the JCP.

Opposition party of constructive engagement

Shii explained that the JCP's position will be one of cooperating in a constructive manner with the new government in promoting policies that are in the public interest and making efforts to solve any problems related to policy-making.

He said that the JCP is ready to work with the government to revise the Worker Dispatch Law, repeal the discriminative health insurance system for the elderly aged 75 and over, abolish the "beneficiary-pays" principle of the law promoting the self-support of the disabled, restore additional payments of benefits for single-mother households receiving welfare assistance, and make high schools tuition-free.

"We will propose amendments for the purpose of improving these measures and join together with the government to oppose any moves obstructing such improvements," Shii added.

He said the JCP will oppose such policies as promotion of free trade agreement (FTA) talks with the United States, reduction in the number of House of Representatives seats allotted to proportional representation blocs, increase in the consumption tax, and adverse revision of the Constitution.

Regarding items on the agenda which the JCP will seek to modify, Shii cited the DPJ's proposal for making the nation's expressways toll-free and the proposal to introduce child allowances in tandem with tax increases for working people.

Shii said, "We believe that it is necessary for the government to recognize public concerns and listen to people's opinions so that problems can be addressed through nationwide discussions."

Hatoyama said, "I appreciate your offer to cooperate with us in promoting policies that are in the public interest."

He also said, "It is important to improve policies through discussions, all the more so because the Diet should be led by the public. It is natural that you consistently oppose policies that you disagree with."

Shii said that the need now is for Japanese politics to move away from the policy of putting priority to the defense of the interests of the business sector and the military alliance with the United States. He stated, "We hope that these fundamental political distortions be corrected through active discussions."

On environmental protection

Shii told Hatoyama that the JCP welcomes his call for Japan to set an intermediate goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent.

"We will work together with the government to actually develop ways to make efforts to achieve that goal," he added.

Responding to Shii's offer, Hatoyama said, "I am glad to hear that. There are tasks that we need to fulfill through cooperative efforts."

Shii added, "The business circles are voicing their opposition to this proposal. We will make our case based on scientific facts."

Investigation into the secret agreement on nuclear weapons with the United States

Shii took up the issue of the secret agreement that has been revealed to exist between Japan and the United States regarding the bringing of nuclear weapons into Japan.

He said, "It is very important that during a televised debate with other party leaders you stated, 'We will investigate the alleged secret agreement and hold talks with the United States with the aim of not allowing entry into Japan of U.S. nuclear weapons'."

Expressing his willingness to cooperate with the government in ascertaining the facts regarding the secret deal, Shii handed Hatoyama copies of declassified U.S. documents on the secret agreement which the JCP obtained in the United States.

Hatoyama said, "As I stated in TV debates during the election campaign, it is important to find the truth. Thank you for providing us with the documents. Fact-finding is more important than anything else."

Agree to meet from time to time

Shii told Hatoyama that he looks forward to exchanging views after he becomes the prime minister.

"It will be useful if you hold talks with opposition party leaders to discuss pressing issues. I will be glad to meet with you on such occasions."

Hatoyama said, "As an opposition party, we have not been invited to the Prime Minister's official residence for talks probably because of the arrogance of the ruling (Liberal Democratic and Komei) parties in running the government. We will consider the issue in line with what you have just requested."

Hatoyama willing to investigate secret nuclear deal

After the talks, Hatoyama told reporters that his government will investigate the alleged secret nuclear deals with the United States and make public its findings. He also said the investigation will be conducted in the United States as well as in Japan.

- Akahata, September 11, 2009