DPJ, SDP, PNP agree to form a coalition

Japan Press Weekly

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

DPJ, SDP, PNP agree to form a coalition

Heads of the Democratic, Social Democratic, and People's New parties on September 9 agreed to form a new coalition government. Senior members of the SDP and PNP are expected to become cabinet members.

Regarding the construction of a new U.S. base in Okinawa and the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), the three parties' policy agreement stated that from the standpoint of reduction of Okinawans' base burdens, a new government will propose revision of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and consider reviewing the realignment of the U.S. forces and their bases in Japan.

This is thought to be the DPJ's compromise with the SDP call for revision of the planned construction of a new U.S. base in Okinawa and the SOFA.

Stopping short of including concrete policies regarding the Self-Defense Forces' overseas dispatch, the agreement stated that a new government "will create measures in accordance with Afghanistan's situation to eradicate the hotbed of terrorism and take active roles in eliminating poverty and reconstructing the country."

The agreement included the DPJ's fundamental policy of "creating a close and equal Japan-U.S. alliance." Establishment of an East Asia Community and adherence to the three principles of the Japanese Constitution (pacifism, sovereignty of the people, and respect for fundamental human rights) were also mentioned.

- Akahata, September 10, 2009