2013/02/28

朴大統領就任 日韓関係の改善を期待したい

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 27, 2013)
Can Park open the door to better Japan-S. Korea ties?
朴大統領就任 日韓関係の改善を期待したい(2月26日付・読売社説)

We hope the chilled relationship between Tokyo and Seoul will thaw under the new South Korean administration.
 韓国新政権発足を機に日韓関係が改善に向かうことを期待したい。

On Monday, Park Geun Hye took office as the first female president of South Korea, a country currently facing plenty of challenges. Park's father is the late former President Park Chung Hee, and this is the first time an offspring of a former South Korean president has assumed the top post.
 課題山積の中で、韓国の朴槿恵氏が大統領に就任した。初の女性大統領であり、朴正煕元大統領との初の親子2代にわたる大統領だ。

The new president held talks with Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, who attended Park's inauguration ceremony. It is praiseworthy that the two agreed on the necessity of cooperating closely and building a future-oriented relationship between the two countries.
 朴氏は、就任式に出席した麻生副総理と会談した。日韓両国が未来志向で緊密に協力していく必要性で一致したのは評価できる。

However, the current state of Japan-South Korea relations is severe. It deteriorated rapidly after Lee Myung Bak, Park's predecessor, visited the Takeshima islands last year and demanded the Emperor apologize for the wartime past. Seoul recently lodged a complaint with Tokyo over the attendance of a Cabinet Office parliamentary secretary at a commemoration ceremony on Takeshima Day, an event hosted by the Shimane prefectural government.
 ただ、現状は厳しい。李明博前大統領の竹島訪問と「天皇の謝罪」要求発言で日韓関係は悪化したからだ。島根県主催の「竹島の日」式典への内閣府政務官出席に韓国政府は抗議したばかりである。

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Learn from past mistakes

Previous South Korean administrations also have trumpeted future-oriented relationships. However, in the end, they have derailed these diplomatic efforts through their actions on territorial issues and historical perceptions. Park's leadership will be tested over whether she can prevent her administration from repeating the mistakes of her predecessors.
 歴代の韓国政権は、未来志向をうたいながら、歴史認識や領土問題で結局は対日外交を暗礁に乗り上げさせた。その轍(てつ)を踏まないのか、朴氏の指導力が問われる。

Dark clouds are hovering over South Korea's economy, which had been performing solidly for years. That country's growth rate dropped to the 2 percent level last year, and its export-led economy has been buffeted by a headwind caused by the won's appreciation. South Korea's chaebol conglomerates have developed rapidly by riding the tide of globalization, but this has not led to the creation of jobs.
 好調を維持してきた韓国経済にはかげりも見える。経済成長率は昨年、2%台にまで落ち込んだ。輸出主導モデルにウォン高の逆風が吹いている。グローバル化の潮流に乗って財閥は発展したが、国内の雇用創出につながらない。

With a declining birthrate and aging population, South Korea needs to improve its pension and health insurance systems to dispel public anxiety over what life holds for them in old age.
 少子高齢化時代が到来し、老後不安の解消へ年金や医療保険制度の充実を図らねばならない。

Park pledged to tackle such problems in her inauguration speech. She referred to the "miracle on the Han River," the dramatic economic development achieved under her father's administration, and stressed she would bring about a "second miracle on the Han River."
 こうした課題の解決に向け、朴氏は就任演説で、経済発展を成し遂げた父・正煕氏の「漢江の奇跡」に言及し、「第2の奇跡」を起こすと強調した。

It will be crucial for her to materialize her plan to expand domestic demand and employment by reinforcing the competitiveness of small and midsize South Korean companies and nurturing venture firms.
 中小企業の競争力強化や、ベンチャー企業の育成によって、雇用と内需の拡大につなげる構想を、具体化することが必要だろう。

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Cooperate more with allies

Regarding diplomacy and national security, Park demanded North Korea "abandon its nuclear ambitions without delay." She also showed willingness to hold talks with Pyongyang by saying, "I will move forward step-by-step on the basis of credible deterrence to build trust between the South and the North."
 外交・安全保障を巡っては、朴氏は北朝鮮に「一日も早い核放棄」を求めた。「確実な抑止力を土台に、南北の信頼関係を積み重ねる」と、対話へ意欲も示した。

South Korea has recently accelerated the reinforcement of its defense capability, such as by extending the range of its ballistic missiles, as the security threat posed by North Korea grows. According to an opinion poll, more than 60 percent of respondents supported South Korea acquiring nuclear weapons.
 増大する北朝鮮の脅威に対し、韓国では弾道ミサイルの射程延長など国防力を強化する動きが顕著だ。世論調査では、韓国の核武装を支持する声も60%を超える。

It will be essential for countries neighboring North Korea to cooperate more closely to deal with heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Park was quite right to mention she will work to strengthen trust with countries including "the United States, China, Japan and Russia" to ease tensions and conflicts in Asia and promote peace and cooperation in the region.
 緊張が高まる朝鮮半島情勢に対処するには、周辺国の連携強化が欠かせない。朴氏が、アジア地域の緊張・対立の緩和と平和・協力の推進へ、「米国、中国、日本、ロシア」などと信頼を築き上げると述べたのは当然だろう。

China has a dominant presence in South Korea. South Korea's trade with China exceeds that with the United States and Japan combined. The annual flow of people between China and South Korea exceeds that between Japan and South Korea by more than 1 million.
 韓国で、中国の存在感は圧倒的だ。対中貿易は、対米、対日を合計した額を凌駕(りょうが)しており、中韓の人的往来は日韓のそれを年間100万人以上も上回っている。

All eyes are closely watching whether South Korea will cozy up more to China as it boosts its presence on the peninsula, as this issue certainly has security implications for Japan.
 韓国が、朝鮮半島で存在感を増す中国への傾斜を深めるかどうかは、日本の安全にも影響する問題だけに、目を離せない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 26, 2013)
(2013年2月26日01時21分  読売新聞)

2013/02/27

原発風評被害 放射能の基準から考え直せ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 26, 2013)
Time to overhaul radiation safety criteria
原発風評被害 放射能の基準から考え直せ(2月25日付・読売社説)

The government should make a sweeping review of safety standards for radioactivity. The recent change of administration offers a golden opportunity to do this.
 放射能の安全基準について政府は根底から考え直すべきだ。政権交代はその好機と言えよう。

The Consumer Affairs Agency will reinforce efforts to deal with damage caused by radiation rumors since the crisis began at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. Masako Mori, state minister for consumer affairs, said, "The Democratic Party of Japan-led administration increased consumers' anxieties." She has issued an order to study concrete measures to alleviate these fears.
 消費者庁が、東京電力福島第一原子力発電所事故による風評被害の対策を強化する。森消費者相は、「民主党政権は消費者の不安を募らせた」と述べ、具体策の検討を指示した。

Agricultural products harvested in Fukushima Prefecture are shipped after they have been confirmed safe to eat, but they do not sell well unless their prices are set lower than other products. Their distribution volume is barely expanding.
 福島県産の農産物は、検査で安全を確認し出荷されているが、価格を安くしなければ売れない。流通量もなかなか増えない。

Mori hit the nail on the head when she said a reason for this is that consumers harbor "doubts and concerns about the safety standards."
 森氏が、「安全基準への疑問や不安があると思う」と指摘したのは、もっともである。

The administration of former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda adopted stricter standards for radiation contained in food than those in place overseas. The Radiation Council, a government advisory panel, had warned about possible adverse effects this might cause, but then Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoko Komiyama pushed through the new criteria.
 野田政権は、食品中の放射能基準を海外より厳格化した。政府の放射線審議会は、弊害が出ると警告したが、小宮山厚生労働相(当時)が政治的に押し切った。

This resulted in more food containing radiation that exceeded the restricted levels. Shipments of wild mushrooms were even halted when a check detected a radioactive substance that could only have been caused by past nuclear tests.
 その結果、基準超過が増え、食品の信頼回復は進まない。過去の核実験の影響としか考えられない放射性物質が検出され、出荷停止となった野生キノコもある。

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Stricter threshold set

The problem is that the Noda government set the yearly radiation exposure of one millisievert as the threshold between safe and dangerous. The one millisievert a year level, which is nothing but a management standard legally set for facilities that handle radioactive substances, was adopted for food safety standards.
 問題なのは、野田政権が年1ミリ・シーベルトの被曝(ひばく)線量を安全と危険の境界線としたことだ。年1ミリ・シーベルトは法的に放射性物質を扱う施設の管理基準に過ぎないのに、この線引きを食品基準にも適用した。

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) also considers it advisable to set the permissible annual radiation dose at no more than one millisievert. But the difference between the ICRP's position and that of the Noda administration is that the former does not consider it dangerous immediately even if radiation exposure exceeds the threshold.
 国際放射線防護委員会(ICRP)も、年1ミリ・シーベルト以下が望ましいとしている。ただ、野田政権との違いは、これを超えても直ちに危険とは見なさないことだ。

The international commission believes health effects cannot be detected clearly if the total radiation exposure is held to 100 millisieverts. Thus, the one millisievert a year considered by the ICRP is a ceiling deemed far lower than its safety standard, and comes with the condition that the exposure target can be achieved reasonably.
 ICRPは総量で100ミリ・シーベルトまでなら明確な健康影響は検出できないとの立場だ。ICRPが考える1ミリ・シーベルトは、安全性に余裕を見込んだ数値で、合理的に達成できるなら、との条件も付く。

Some places in the world are exposed to radiation of 10 millisieverts a year that comes from the ground, among other sources. A radiological examination at a hospital exposes the patient to about seven millisieverts.
 世界には、大地などから年10ミリ・シーベルトの放射線を浴びる地域がある。病院の放射線診断で1回に約7ミリ・シーベルト被曝することもある。

The one-millisievert threshold also has become a factor delaying the return of nearly 160,000 evacuees from the nuclear crisis to their hometowns.
 1ミリ・シーベルトでの線引きは、16万人近くの避難者の帰還を遅らせる要因にもなっている。

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Gap with international standards

The commission considers that a radiation dose of up to 20 millisieverts a year is permissible when affected areas are in the reconstruction stage, and efforts must be made as much as possible to reduce the annual exposure to less than one millisievert.
 ICRPは、被災地の復旧過程では、年20ミリ・シーベルトまで許容し、可能な範囲で年1ミリ・シーベルト以下にするとの考え方を示している。

Then Environment Minister Goshi Hosono, however, stressed the importance of achieving the decontamination target of one millisievert or less. Unlike the ICRP's thinking that equally emphasizes protecting affected residents' daily lives and decontamination, the DPJ-led government gave too much weight to decontamination efforts.
 だが、細野環境相(当時)は、1ミリ・シーベルト以下への除染を強調した。ICRPの考え方は、住民の生活確保と除染の両立だが、除染が偏重される結果となった。

A mistaken political message also was given by Niigata Gov. Hirohiko Izumida. He condemned the disposal by the prefecture's Kashiwazaki and Sanjo cities of disaster debris from Iwate Prefecture as general waste as a "criminal act."
 政治の誤ったメッセージと言えば、泉田裕彦新潟県知事も同様だ。柏崎市、三条市が岩手県のがれきを一般ごみとして処理したことを「犯罪行為」と非難した。

But radiation levels of debris from Iwate Prefecture are the same as trash collected within Niigata Prefecture. We urge Izumida, the head of a local government, not to exacerbate damage caused by nasty radiation rumors.
 しかし、がれきの放射能は県内のごみと変わらない。首長が風評被害を増長させては困る。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 25, 2013)
(2013年2月25日01時19分  読売新聞)

2013/02/26

日米首脳会談 アジア安定へ同盟を強化せよ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 25, 2013)
Strengthen Japan-U.S. alliance to boost Asia stability
日米首脳会談 アジア安定へ同盟を強化せよ(2月24日付・読売社説)

 ◆TPP参加の国内調整が急務だ◆

The high expectations the U.S. government holds for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe became clear during his visit to Washington. To live up to the U.S. trust placed in him, the prime minister should restore the vitality of Japan's politics and economy.
 安倍首相に対する米政府の期待の大きさが鮮明になった。首相は政治、経済両面で「強い日本」を復活させ、その信頼に応えるべきだ。

Abe and U.S. President Barack Obama held their first talks at the White House and agreed to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance.
 安倍首相とオバマ米大統領がホワイトハウスで初会談し、日米同盟を強化することで合意した。

"The U.S.-Japan alliance is the central foundation for our regional security, and so much of what we do in the [Asia-]Pacific region," Obama said.
 大統領は「日米同盟はアジア太平洋地域の安全保障にとって中心的な礎だ」と述べた。

Abe replied that he wants to declare the strong bond of the Japan-U.S. alliance has been restored completely.
首相は「日米同盟の強い絆は完全に復活したと宣言したい」と応じた。

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Cooperation on energy
 ◆エネルギー協力も重要◆

Asia has many destabilizing factors, such as China and North Korea. To maintain peace and prosperity in this part of the world, Japan and the United States must properly play their respective roles based on the robust, stable bilateral alliance that is "public property" of the region.
 アジアは、北朝鮮、中国など多くの不安定要因を抱える。地域の平和と繁栄を維持するには、強固で安定した日米同盟という「公共財」を基盤に、両国がそれぞれの役割を果たすことが肝要だ。

Japan-U.S. ties became disoriented while Democratic Party of Japan-led administrations held power for more than three years. Seemingly going hand-in-hand with this, Japan's relations with China and South Korea also deteriorated.
 日本の民主党政権の3年余、日米関係は迷走し、連動するように日中・日韓関係も悪化した。

The Obama administration apparently believes that restoring U.S. relations with Japan under the Abe administration would bring greater stability to the entire Asian region and benefit its own strategy that gives greater priority to Asia.
 オバマ米政権も、安倍政権との間で日米関係を再構築することがアジア全体の安定につながり、自らのアジア重視戦略にも資する、と判断しているのだろう。

The two leaders issued a joint statement on Japan's possible participation in Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement negotiations. Abe and Obama confirmed "it is not required to make a prior commitment to unilaterally eliminate all tariffs upon joining the TPP negotiations," though they maintained the basic principle that all goods would be subject to the negotiations.
 焦点だった日本の環太平洋経済連携協定(TPP)交渉参加について、日米両首脳は共同声明を発表した。全品目を交渉対象にするとの原則を堅持しながら、全ての関税撤廃を事前に約束する必要はないことを確認した。

Before his visit to the United States, Abe reiterated he would uphold his Liberal Democratic Party's election pledge that the party opposes joining the TPP talks as long as it mandates all tariffs must be eliminated without exception.
 首相は訪米前、「聖域なき関税撤廃を前提とする交渉参加には反対する」との自民党政権公約を順守する方針を強調していた。

The latest Japan-U.S. agreement, which allows Abe to maintain his pledge and join the TPP talks, carries great significance.
 公約と交渉参加を両立させる今回の日米合意の意義は大きい。

TPP participation, which will enable Japan to harness the vitality of emerging Asian economies, is expected to become a major pillar for the growth strategy of the Abe administration's "Abenomics" economic policy and help the recovery of the nation's economy.
 成長著しいアジアの活力を取り込むTPP参加は、安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」の成長戦略の重要な柱となり、経済再生を促進する効果が期待されよう。

However, some LDP members and agricultural organizations remain strongly opposed to the TPP. Abe must exercise leadership and carefully explain the aims of the trade pact to calibrate opinions within the country as soon as possible to make Japan's participation in the agreement a reality.
 自民党内の一部や農業団体には反対論が根強い。だが、首相は、経済連携の狙いを丁寧に説明して指導力を発揮し、TPP参加へ国内調整を急がねばならない。

The participation of Japan, the world's third-largest economy, in the TPP will have advantages for the United States, too. Formation of a free trade area featuring the Japan-U.S. partnership will have the effect of putting pressure on emerging China.
 米国にとっても、世界3位の経済大国の日本がTPPに参加するメリットがある。日米が連携した自由貿易圏作りは、台頭する中国への牽制(けんせい)効果を持つからだ。

During their meeting, Abe asked Obama to promptly approve U.S. exports of shale gas to Japan. The president replied that his government always takes the importance of Japan as its ally into consideration.
 安倍首相が米国産シェールガスの対日輸出の早期承認を求めたのに対し、大統領は「同盟国の日本の重要性は常に念頭に置いている」と応じた。

Some observers said restrictions on shale gas exports could be lifted as early as March, opening a way for Japan to procure cheap natural gas.
3月にも輸出が解禁され、割安なガスを調達する道が開けるとの見方がある。

Abe also stressed that he would review the policy set under the DPJ-led government to shut down all of Japan's nuclear reactors by the end of the 2030s.
 首相は、「2030年代の原発稼働ゼロ」という民主党政権の方針を見直す考えを強調した。

It is important that Japan and the United States cooperate extensively on economic issues, including energy and nuclear policies.
 エネルギー・原発政策を含め、経済面での日米協力を幅広く進展させることが大切だ。

===

Increase pressure on N. Korea
 ◆対「北」圧力を強めよ◆

In the security field, Abe explained that he would proactively tackle such issues as a revision of the National Defense Program Guidelines, clarifying whether the nation can exercise its right to collective self-defense, and reviewing the Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation.
 安全保障分野で安倍首相は、防衛大綱の改定や、集団的自衛権の行使問題、日米防衛協力指針(ガイドライン)見直しなどに積極的に取り組む方針を説明した。

All of these issues are essential for reinforcing the substance of the Japan-U.S. alliance. We hope the government gives priority to these issues and steadily achieves tangible results.
 いずれも日米同盟を実質的に強化する重要課題だ。優先順位をつけて、着実に実績を上げたい。

The two leaders agreed to proceed with a plan to relocate the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station from Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, to the Henoko district in Nago, also in the prefecture, based on an agreement reached by the Japanese and U.S. governments.
 米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題では、日米合意に基づき辺野古移設を進める方針で一致した。

Although the Okinawa prefectural government insists the air station should be relocated outside the prefecture, the Henoko plan is the shortest way to reduce the burdens of communities that currently host the base. The government must steadfastly persuade people involved in this matter to support this option.
 沖縄県は「県外移設」を求める立場を崩していないが、地元の基地負担の軽減には辺野古移設が最も近道だ。粘り強く関係者を説得することが求められる。

As for North Korea's recent nuclear test, Abe and Obama confirmed such provocations cannot be tolerated, and that North Korea should not be rewarded for these actions.
 北朝鮮の核実験について、日米両首脳は「挑発行為を容認すべきではないし、報奨を与えるべきでもない」と確認した。

While both leaders agreed to seek the adoption of a U.N. Security Council resolution imposing additional sanctions on Pyongyang, they also agreed to consider sanctions independently enforced by such parties as Japan and the United States.
 国連安全保障理事会での追加制裁決議の採択を目指すとともに、日米などによる独自の制裁を検討することでも合意した。

After North Korea's first nuclear test in 2006, the administration of then U.S. President George W. Bush cut a deal in which Pyongyang said it would abandon its nuclear facilities and Washington removed North Korea from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. North Korea should not receive any such benefit for conducting its third nuclear test this year.
 2006年の北朝鮮の第1回核実験後、ブッシュ米政権は、核施設廃棄と「テロ支援国家」指定解除との取引に応じた。今年の第3回核実験によって、北朝鮮が利益を得ることは避けるべきだ。

===

Form intl tie-up on Senkakus
 ◆尖閣問題で国際連携を◆

Although the Security Council should adopt an effective sanctions resolution, China has shown a cautious stance. It is important that ways to apply "pressure," other than a Security Council resolution, be considered under the initiative of Tokyo, Washington and Seoul.
 本来は、実効性ある安保理の制裁決議を採択することが望ましいが、中国は慎重姿勢を示している。日米韓3か国を中心に、安保理決議以外の「圧力」を具体的に検討することが重要である。

During a bilateral foreign ministerial meeting held after the Abe-Obama meeting, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, in reference to Japan-China relations, expressed a view that the Senkaku Islands are covered by the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty and fall under the scope of U.S. defense obligations to Japan.
 首脳会談後に行われた日米外相会談では、ケリー国務長官が日中関係に関連し、尖閣諸島には日米安全保障条約が適用され、米国の対日防衛義務の対象に含まれるとの見解を表明した。

We welcome Kerry's adherence to the stance of his predecessor, Hillary Clinton.
 クリントン前長官の見解を踏襲したことを歓迎したい。

Japan, for its part, should calmly address this issue without being rattled by such provocations as the use of fire-control radar by Chinese forces. At the same time, Japan should strengthen the warning and surveillance operations conducted by the Self-Defense Forces and the Japan Coast Guard. To urge China to exercise self-restraint in its saber-rattling, Japan must deepen cooperation with the United States and other nations concerned.
 日本は、中国軍の火器管制レーダー照射などの挑発に動じず、冷静な対応を続ける一方、自衛隊と海上保安庁による警戒監視活動を強化すべきだ。中国に示威活動の自制を促すため、米国など関係国との連携も深めねばならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 24, 2013)
(2013年2月24日01時42分  読売新聞)

2013/02/25

北方領土交渉 「仕切り直し」へ戦略練り直せ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 24, 2013)
New strategy needed to resume talks over northern territories
北方領土交渉 「仕切り直し」へ戦略練り直せ(2月23日付・読売社説)

The government's aim of smoothing the way for future talks between Japanese and Russian leaders has been achieved. The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe now faces a test on whether it can devise a specific diplomatic strategy to make progress in negotiations to solve the dispute over the northern territories.
 日露首脳会談への地ならしという狙いは達成された。具体的に交渉をどう進めるか、安倍外交の戦略が問われよう。

Former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori met recently with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow.
 森喜朗元首相が、ロシアのプーチン大統領とモスクワのクレムリンで会談した。

During the meeting, Putin said it is abnormal that the two countries have yet to conclude a peace treaty due to the obstacle of the territorial issue.
 プーチン氏は、北方領土問題が障害となり、日露両国が平和条約をいまだ締結していないことを「異常な事態」と表現した。

Drawing a picture of a judo competition area on paper, Putin stated his intention to make a fresh start in the negotiations. He said Japan and Russia cannot compete because both countries stay at the edge of the competition area, and that they should be pulled to the center to start over.
 柔道の試合場をメモ用紙に描いて、「両国は試合場の端にいてプレーが出来ない。真ん中に引っ張ってきてそこから始めるということだ」とも語り、交渉を仕切り直す意向を明らかにした。

Putin's predecessor, Dmitry Medvedev, visited Kunashiri Island, one of the four islands in the northern territories, while he was Russian president. During the visit, Medvedev took a hard-line stance on the issue, saying: "This is our native land. We will not give away an inch."
 メドベージェフ前大統領は自ら国後島を訪問し、「我々の古来の土地だ。一寸たりとも渡さない」と強硬な姿勢を見せつけた。

===

Figure out Russia's real intent

Abe must appropriately interpret Putin's positive signal on the territorial issue. We hope the Abe administration will negotiate with Russia patiently while trying to figure out what Moscow really has in mind.
 安倍首相は、領土問題に前向きなプーチン氏のシグナルをきちんと受け止めなければなるまい。その真意を見極めつつ、粘り強く交渉に当たってもらいたい。

During the talks, Mori asked Putin to clarify his remarks in March last year that he would seek "hikiwake"--a judo term meaning a draw--to solve the issue. Putin reportedly said it was meant to be a solution that creates neither a winner nor a loser, but he did not elaborate.
 森氏はプーチン氏との会談で、北方領土問題について昨年3月「引き分け」を目指すと発言したことの意味を質(ただ)した。プーチン氏は「勝ち負けなしの解決だ」と述べるにとどめたという。

Putin apparently regards the 1956 Japan-Soviet Joint Declaration as a starting point for negotiations on the territorial row. The declaration stipulates the Habomai islets and Shikotan Island should be returned to Japan after the two countries sign a peace treaty. In recent years, Russia has allocated funding for developing infrastructure in the northern territories to steadily "Russianize" them, especially on the other two islands of Kunashiri and Etrofu.
 歯舞、色丹2島の引き渡しを明記した1956年の日ソ共同宣言が、領土交渉におけるプーチン氏の立場の原点だ。ロシアは近年、国後、択捉両島などの基盤整備に予算を投入し、北方領土の「ロシア化」を着々と進めている。

On a TV program last month, Mori mentioned the possible option of Russia first returning three of the islets--with the exception of Etrofu Island--not all four at once. He made such remarks apparently in the belief that the nation should quickly aim for a realistic solution.
 森氏が先月、テレビ番組で択捉島以外の3島の先行返還に言及したのは、現実的な解決を急ぐべきだと考えるからだろう。

When he was foreign minister, Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso floated the idea of dividing the four islands equally in terms of size.
 麻生副総理も外相時代に4島全体の面積を2等分する「面積等分論」に言及したことがある。

However, bilateral negotiations between the Abe and Putin administrations have yet to take place. If Tokyo takes a concessional approach before the talks start, Moscow may take further advantage of it. In the same way as previously, Japan should aim for the return of all four islands in the negotiations.
 だが、安倍、プーチン両政権による交渉はこれからである。交渉前から譲歩姿勢を示せば一層つけこまれかねない。従来通り4島返還を掲げて交渉に臨むべきだ。

===

Expanded cooperation key

At the meeting with Mori, Putin also expressed his hopes of expanded bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, such as in oil and natural gas. He also said his country wants to take advantage of Japan's agricultural technology in developing its vast Far East region.
 プーチン氏は、石油や天然ガスなど、エネルギー分野での日露協力の拡大に強い期待感を示した。広大な極東で日本の農業技術を生かしたいとも語った。

Japan's economic strength and technology would be attractive to Russia, which has increased its focus on development of the Far East and Siberia. If the territorial dispute is resolved, Japan and Russia will be able to cooperate in more areas beneficial to both countries. Such expanded bilateral cooperation also could put a brake on China, a growing economic and military power.
 日本の経済力や技術力は、極東・シベリア開発に力を入れるロシアにとって魅力だろう。領土問題が解決すれば、日露両国がともに利益を享受できる分野は一段と広がるはずだ。経済・軍事面で膨張する中国への牽制(けんせい)ともなる。

It is vital for both Japan and Russia to increase their shared awareness that bilateral cooperation is strategically important. This could pave the way to solving the territorial issue.
 日露協力の戦略的重要性について共通認識を深めていくことが大切だ。それが、北方領土問題解決への環境整備につながろう。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 23, 2013)
(2013年2月23日01時27分  読売新聞)

2013/02/24

3人死刑執行 凶悪犯罪の抑止につなげたい

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 23, 2013)
Execution of death-row inmates must serve as deterrent to crime
3人死刑執行 凶悪犯罪の抑止につなげたい(2月22日付・読売社説)

Three death-row inmates were executed Thursday. They were the first executions carried out under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration, which was launched in December.
 3人の死刑囚に対する刑が21日、執行された。昨年12月に発足した安倍政権の下で、初めての執行である。

Justice Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki, who ordered the executions just two months after he was appointed to his post, told a press conference after the executions, "The spirit of the law shouldn't be disregarded." His statement shows he attaches grave importance to the Criminal Procedure Code, which stipulates that death sentences should be implemented within six months of being finalized.
 就任2か月で執行を命じた谷垣法相は、執行後の記者会見で「法の精神を無視するわけにはいかない」と述べた。死刑確定から6か月以内に刑を執行しなければならないと定めた刑事訴訟法を重視した発言だ。

The statement also indicates his stance to carry out in a somber manner the duties of the justice minister, who bears a heavy responsibility.
 法相に課せられた重い職責を、粛々と遂行していく姿勢を示したと言える。

===

134 people now on death row

Under the Democratic Party of Japan-led administrations, few executions were carried out. There was even a period of about 20 months in which there were no executions, due to the successive appointments of justice ministers who were critical of the death penalty. As a result, the number of inmates whose death sentences had been finalized increased to 137, including the three most recently executed, the largest figure in the postwar period.
 民主党政権では、死刑の執行が少なく、約1年8か月にわたり途絶えた時期もあった。死刑制度に批判的な法相の就任が続いたためだ。その結果、確定死刑囚は今回の執行前で、戦後最多の137人に上っていた。

Internationally, countries that have abolished or suspended capital punishment outnumber those who maintain the system.
 死刑制度については、国際的には維持する国より、廃止か停止した国の方が多い。

In Japan, on the other hand, 85 percent of the public approves of the death penalty, according to an opinion poll by the Cabinet Office.
 一方、日本では、内閣府の世論調査で死刑容認が85%を占めている。

"At the moment it's unnecessary to review the system," Tanigaki said, taking into consideration this public sentiment.
谷垣法相が「制度を現時点で見直す必要はない」と語ったのも国民感情を踏まえたものだ。

Death sentences have been given in lay judge trials, in which ordinary citizens participate in the trial process, and the sentences for three inmates under that system have been already finalized.
 国民が参加する裁判員裁判で死刑判決が出されるようになり、既に3人の死刑が確定している。

Considering these circumstances, we urge justice ministers to implement the death penalty system in a strict manner, after closely examining finalized death sentences.
そんな現状も考慮すれば、確定判決を精査した上で、厳正に制度を運用していくことが求められる。

The three inmates whose sentences were carried out most recently include a man who kidnapped and killed a young girl in Nara Prefecture in 2004, and a man who killed or injured nine people near JR Arakawaoki Station on the Joban Line and at another location, both in Ibaraki Prefecture, in 2008.
 今回、刑が執行されたのは、2004年に奈良県で女児を誘拐し殺害した男や、08年に茨城県のJR常磐線荒川沖駅などで9人を殺傷した男らだ。

All three cases were contemptible, cruel crimes that horrified society. The victims and their bereaved family members suffered grievous harm. The bereaved families want the culprits to be harshly punished.
 いずれも、社会を震撼(しんかん)させた、卑劣かつ残虐な犯罪だ。被害者・遺族が受けた傷は大きく、処罰感情も厳しいものがある。

In the case of kidnapping and murder in Nara Prefecture, the perpetrator abducted a first-grade primary school student who was on her way home from school in order to sexually molest her. He even sent an e-mail with a picture of the girl's dead body to her mother's cellphone. The case was extremely malicious.
 奈良の誘拐殺人事件では、帰宅途中の小学1年の女児をわいせつ目的で連れ去り、遺体の写真を女児の母親にメール送信するなど、悪質性が際立っていた。

===

Prevention of repeat offenses

This is the case that clarified the trend toward toughening the penalties in murder cases so that people who commit atrocious sexual crimes will face capital punishment even if they have only killed one person.
 殺害した被害者が1人であっても、凶悪な性犯罪では極刑を免れないという厳罰化の流れが明確に示されたケースだろう。

The Nara Prefecture case spurred the government to study measures to prevent the recurrence of sexual offenses, as the perpetrator had a criminal record of sex offenses.
 奈良の事件は、死刑囚に性犯罪歴があったことから、再犯対策の検討を迫る契機となった。

The Justice Ministry now provides the National Police Agency with information on where people with criminal records of sexual offenses involving children live after their release from prison. Sex offenders in prison are required to attend programs to prevent repeat offenses, in which they are taught ways to control their emotions.
 法務省は、子供に対する性犯罪の前歴者について、出所後の居住地情報を警察庁に提供するようになった。刑務所では性犯罪者に再犯防止プログラムを受講させ、感情をコントロールする方法を身に着けさせている。

However, there is no sign of a significant decline in the number of sex offenses. We should think again about the fact that one purpose of implementing death sentences is to deter atrocious crimes.
 しかし、性犯罪の被害は後を絶たない。死刑執行は、凶悪犯罪の抑止が目的の一つであることを改めて考えたい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 22, 2013)
(2013年2月22日01時14分  読売新聞)

2013/02/23

民主衆院選総括 自己批判を再建に生かせるか

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 22, 2013)
Self-criticism not enough; DPJ must learn from the past
民主衆院選総括 自己批判を再建に生かせるか(2月21日付・読売社説)

Self-critical phrases were found throughout a Democratic Party of Japan report reviewing the Dec. 16 House of Representatives election. The report was quite unusual for an official document of a political party, but the real issue is whether the DPJ can use it to rebuild itself.
 まさに自己批判のオンパレードである。政党の公式文書としては異色だが、問題は、これを党再建にどう生かすかだ。

The report on the party's humiliating defeat and its handling of the government for about three years and three months was approved Wednesday at a general meeting of the secretaries general of local DPJ chapters. Dubbed a "plan to reform and recreate the DPJ," the report will be officially approved at a party convention scheduled for Sunday.
 民主党は全国幹事長会議で、衆院選の惨敗や3年3か月余の政権運営を総括する「党改革創生案」を了承した。24日の党大会で正式決定する。

In the report, the party carefully avoided pointing fingers at anyone as a direct cause of the defeat. However, it did point out a "chain of errors committed by party heads," including those of three prime ministers--Yukio Hatoyama's haphazard handling of the planned relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture, Naoto Kan's remarks suggesting a consumption tax hike and Yoshihiko Noda's failure to properly set the date for a lower house dissolution.
 衆院選の敗因については、名指しを避けながら、鳩山元首相による米軍普天間飛行場移設問題の迷走、菅元首相の「消費税発言」、野田前首相の衆院解散時期の見定めを例に挙げて、「トップによる失敗の連鎖」を指摘した。

The report also admitted that the secession of party members, notably former party President Ichiro Ozawa and his followers, dealt a huge blow to the DPJ's image. This made the public feel "it was inappropriate to entrust the helm of government to a group unable to govern itself," the report said.
 小沢一郎元代表らの離党で「党内を治めることさえできない集団に国家の舵(かじ)取りを任せられない」と国民に見られたとも認めた。

===

Responsibility of 'troika' leaders

Those analyses all have a point. We believe Hatoyama, Kan and Ozawa--once dubbed the troika of the DPJ--are especially responsible for the defeat. If the DPJ really wants to rally from the historical defeat and once again become a rival of the Liberal Democratic Party, it is essential to wholeheartedly examine past mistakes and thoroughly learn from them.
 いずれも当然の指摘である。特に、鳩山、菅、小沢3氏のトロイカの罪は重い。民主党が歴史的大敗から立ち直り、自民党の対抗勢力として復活するには、過去の過ちを徹底的に検証し、真剣に反省する作業が欠かせない。

In addition to the faults of the party leadership, we should not overlook the DPJ's lack of governance--a chronic problem for the entire party. Failure to communicate with bureaucrats, party management that lacks unity, members' lack of awareness that they should uphold the party's decisions--all the things pointed out in the report were on the mark.
 執行部の責任に加え、党全体の統治能力の欠如も見逃せない。官僚との意思疎通不足、まとまりのない党運営、決定事項を守るルールの緩み、政権を支える意識の希薄さ……。改革創生案が列挙した課題は、どれも的を射ている。

However, the problem is that all those problems had already been pointed out during the time the DPJ held the reins of government. Instead of taking effective measures to deal with them, the party spent all its energy on intraparty conflicts, such as the battle between the pro- and anti-Ozawa groups.
 問題なのは、与党時代に、こうした批判を再三受けながら、何ら有効な対策を取らないまま、「親小沢対反小沢」といった党内抗争に明け暮れていたことだ。

Based on its review of the general election defeat, the reform plan made seven proposals for the DPJ.
 改革創生案は、衆院選総括を踏まえ、7項目の提言をしている。

They include suggestions such as "carry the flag of a reformist party and march toward the realization of our reform goals," and "listen to the wide array of public opinions, utilize the knowledge of experts and reinforce our ability to convey our messages to the public."
「改革政党の旗を掲げ、実行に向けまい進する」「広く国民の声を聞き、専門家の知見を活用しつつ発信を強化する」などだ。

===

Proposals too abstract

Frankly speaking, we were disappointed with the abstractness of the proposals. The proposals were supposed to be the centerpiece of the report to help the party fight in the House of Councillors election scheduled for this summer. However, they seem far from serving this aim.
 夏の参院選に向けて最も肝心な提言が抽象的な内容にとどまり、物足りないのは残念である。

The party needs to promptly decide on institutional reforms, such as how the party's decision-making system should be shaped and the status of its Policy Research Committee. The DPJ has been struggling with such reforms since it took power.
 試行錯誤を続けた党の意思決定システムや政策調査会の位置づけなどの制度改革については、早急に結論を出す必要がある。

The reform proposal said the DPJ "will offer counterproposals to ruling parties' policies, to fulfill the role of an opposition party capable of creating new values." Having said that, it will be important for the party to utilize the experience of holding the reins of government and tenaciously stick offer viable alternatives to the government's policies.
 「与党の政策に対する対案をまとめて、創造的野党の役割を果たす」と提言する以上、政権党の経験を踏まえて、「対案路線」を徹底することも重要だ。

Currently, the Diet is divided with the DPJ holding the most seats in the upper house. Thus the party shares the responsibility to move politics forward. If the party examines the policies of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration appropriately and gives constructive criticism as a responsible opposition party, it will lend a disciplined atmosphere to the national administration.
 民主党は今、参院第1党として衆参ねじれ国会の下、政治を前に動かす責任の一端を担っている。健全な野党として、安倍政権の政策をしっかり点検し、適切な注文をつけることは、国政に緊張感を持たせる効果を持つ。

At the same time, it will be important for the DPJ not to hesitate in cooperating with the ruling parties to realize policies that serve the national interest, as such an attitude could be an important step in restoring the public's trust.
 一方で、国益に資する政策には協力を厭(いと)わないことが、有権者の信頼回復を図る一歩となろう。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 21, 2013)
(2013年2月21日02時00分  読売新聞)

2013/02/22

石炭火力発電 技術開発テコに活用続けたい

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 21, 2013)
Govt must continue pushing coal thermal power generation
石炭火力発電 技術開発テコに活用続けたい(2月20日付・読売社説)

As a nation that relies on foreign energy resources, Japan needs to secure a stable supply of cheap electricity.
 エネルギー資源を海外に依存している日本は、安価な電力を安定的に確保する必要がある。

In the wake of the disaster at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, almost all nuclear reactors in the nation have been idled. Thermal power generation using coal, which is cheaper and more readily available than oil and other fossil fuels, is worth taking another look at.
 東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故を受け、大半の原発が停止している。発電コストが安く、石油などより燃料の調達先が多様な石炭火力発電に改めて注目したい。

As part of its management reconstruction, TEPCO aims to procure electricity from new coal-fired thermal power plants to be built by other companies.
 東電は経営再建の一環として、他社が新設する石炭火力発電所から電力調達を目指している。

Within the government, however, opinion on whether to promote the plan is divided. The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry is in favor of the plan, while Environment Minister Nobuteru Ishihara appears to be against it. Under such circumstances, private businesses will be unable to freely undertake construction projects for coal-fired thermal plants without worry.
 経済産業省がこの計画を支持しているのに対し、石原環境相が難色を示すなど、政府内で評価が分かれている。これでは、民間事業者は安心して石炭火力発電所の新設に乗り出せまい。

Considering how difficult it will be to build new nuclear power plants given the current situation, the government must put forth a policy to push forward with the continued use of coal-fired thermal power.
 原発の新増設が難しい現状を踏まえ、政府は石炭火力の活用を続ける方針を打ち出すべきだ。

===

Ways to overcome drawbacks

The biggest advantage of coal-fired thermal power generation is its low cost. According to estimations by a government expert panel, thermal power generation using coal costs 9.5 yen per kilowatt-hour, lower than the 10.7 yen per kWh for liquefied natural gas and 22.1 yen for oil.
 石炭火力の最大の利点は、低コストにある。政府の有識者会議の試算では、石炭火力の発電コストは、1キロ・ワット時あたり9・5円で、LNG火力の10・7円や石油火力の22・1円より安い。

However, one major drawback of relying on coal is that it creates a relatively large amount of greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired plants are about twice that from LNG-fired plants.
 一方、石炭火力は温室効果ガスの排出が多い欠点がある。二酸化炭素(CO2)の排出量はLNG火力の約2倍だ。

Technological progress has been made in curbing CO2 emissions at coal-fired plants, but more ways to make up for such drawbacks must be found.
 石炭火力でCO2発生を抑制する技術は進歩している。弱点をいかにカバーするかが問われる。

The Environment Ministry has put the brakes on constructing new coal-fired thermal plants based on its environmental assessment, a measure it considers necessary to deal with global warming.
 環境省はこれまで地球温暖化対策を理由に、環境影響評価(アセスメント)で石炭火力の新設にブレーキをかけてきた。

Orix Corp. and Toshiba Corp. were forced to reexamine and scrap their coal-fired thermal plant projects in 2006, as coal was deemed to create too much carbon dioxide. The same happened to Nippon Kasei Chemical Co. in 2010. In fact, no new coal-fired thermal plant construction project has been approved in the past decade.
 2006年にオリックスと東芝が、10年には日本化成などが「CO2の排出量が多い」として計画の見直しを迫られ、発電所建設が断念に追い込まれた。この10年、新設が認められた例はない。

There are no definite standards set on permissible CO2 emission levels. Some observers have noted it is problematic that the Environment Ministry has arbitrarily discouraged the construction of new coal-fired plants.
 許容されるCO2排出量に明確な基準がなく、環境省が恣意(しい)的にストップをかけるのは問題だと指摘する声もある。

===

Regulatory reform needed

Last week, the government's advisory panel on regulatory reform announced it would study easing and clarifying the requirements for constructing new coal-fired plants. This is a reasonable step. Regulations that have effectively hampered construction must be urgently reexamined.
 政府の規制改革会議が先週、石炭火力の新設要件の緩和・明確化を、検討テーマとする方針を示したのは妥当だ。発電所の開発を事実上、阻んできた規制の見直しを急いでもらいたい。

Japan faces the task of securing a stable power supply while simultaneously implementing measures against global warming. Achieving this became more difficult after the nuclear disaster at the Fukushima plant. It is important to maintain diversified electricity sources, including coal firing, in addition to restarting nuclear reactors once their safety has been confirmed.
 日本は、電力の安定供給と温暖化対策の両立が課題だ。原発事故で、この目標のハードルは一段と高くなった。安全を確認できた原発を活用するとともに、石炭火力を含め、電源の多様性を維持することが重要である。

Many coal-fired plants in emerging countries, such as China and India, are inefficient. If these nations are to utilize Japan's high-performance equipment, however, it can act as a favorable contribution toward dealing with a global environmental issue.
 中国やインドなど新興国には効率の悪い石炭火力発電所が多い。日本が新興国に、高性能の石炭火力発電設備を普及させることは、地球環境問題への有益な貢献のあり方の一つと言えよう。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 20, 2013)
(2013年2月20日01時38分  読売新聞)

2013/02/21

米航空大手合併 世界の空を競う新時代の到来

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 20, 2013)
American-US Airways merger marks new era of global rivalry
米航空大手合併 世界の空を競う新時代の到来(2月19日付・読売社説)

The U.S. airline industry has reached the end of more than 10 years of mergers and acquisitions among major carriers. This indicates the dawn of a new era in which the three big U.S. carriers will take the lead in the global airline industry, as well as in Asia.
 10年以上にわたる米航空業界の合従連衡に、大きな区切りがついた。米3強が、アジアなど世界の空を主導する新たな競争時代の到来だ。

American Airlines and US Airways, the world's fourth and 11th-largest carriers, respectively, have agreed to merge this autumn. Under the deal, the new airline will surpass United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, the current No. 1 and No. 2 carriers, as the largest in the world.
 航空世界4位のアメリカン航空と11位のUSエアウェイズが今秋に合併することで合意した。1位と2位だった米ユナイテッド航空と米デルタ航空を抜き、世界最大の航空会社になる。

It can be said that the latest development is the result of American and US Airways' shared intention to survive global competition by streamlining operations and expanding their customer base.
 業務効率化や顧客基盤の拡大で国際競争を生き残ろうと、両社の思惑が一致した結果と言える。

Following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, major U.S. carriers fell like dominoes due to economic slowdowns, soaring fuel prices and aggressive sales drives by low-cost carriers.
 2001年の米同時テロ以降、米航空大手は、景気悪化や燃料費高騰、格安航空会社の攻勢などでドミノ倒しのように破綻した。

Later, these collapsed carriers consolidated after restructuring under bankruptcy protection. For instance, Delta merged with Northwest, while United absorbed Continental.
 その後はデルタとノースウエスト航空、ユナイテッドとコンチネンタル航空など、破綻を経た大手間の統合が繰り返された。

===

U.S. carriers to take leading role

The latest merger is also a move for airlines to find ways to survive through the same formula for recovery.
 今回の合併も「再生の方程式」に活路を見いだす動きだ。

American entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection proceedings in autumn 2011 following delays in cost-cutting efforts and other factors. The airline still faces many challenges, as it has been unable to single-handedly put itself back on the corporate reconstruction track.
 アメリカンは11年秋、コスト削減の遅れなどから、米連邦破産法の適用を申請し、経営破綻した。自力再建が軌道に乗らない苦境が今も続いている。

On the other hand, US Airways, which first entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2002 and again in 2004, is smaller than American in terms of passenger traffic, but has recently been performing relatively steadily.
 一方、02年と04年に2度の経営破綻を経験したUSエアは、規模ではアメリカンに劣るものの、最近の経営は比較的順調だった。

The carrier is apparently aiming to shed its excessive dependence on domestic flight services and hoped to mutually complement each other with the merger with American, which has a solid network of international flights.
 米国内偏重からの脱却を狙い、USエアは強固な国際線網を持つアメリカンとの補完関係に期待して合併を図ったのだろう。

The focal point in the months ahead will be how quickly the two airlines can demonstrate the cost-reducing effect of the merger.
 今後の焦点は、いかに迅速にコスト削減などの合併効果を発揮できるか、である。

The new company plans to capture fast-growing markets, including those in Asia. It is certain that global competition in the airline industry will intensify further, with the three major U.S. carriers taking a pivotal role.
 新会社は、成長著しいアジア市場などの攻略を目指す構えだ。米3強が軸になり、世界競争が一段と激化するに違いない。

Currently, there are three global airline alliance networks that allow partner carriers to have codeshare flights and share mileage reward systems.
 世界には、共同運航やマイレージ共有などで提携する三つの航空会社連合がある。

===

ANA, JAL must act quickly

The American-US Airways merger, in which both carriers belong to different alliances, may trigger a global realignment that goes beyond existing alliance networks.
所属が異なるアメリカンとUSエアの合併は、連合を超えた世界再編の引き金になる可能性も秘めている。

The two major Japanese airlines--All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines, both of which run relatively small-scale operations--must raise their sense of urgency. We hope the two carriers will enhance their competitiveness by making further cost-cutting efforts and improving their services.
 経営規模が小さい全日本空輸と日本航空の国内2社は、危機感を強めなければならない。一層のコスト削減やサービス充実で、競争力を高めてほしい。

Yet the Boeing 787, which both consider their leading, next-generation aircraft, has been forced to suspend operations due to mechanical troubles. This negative effect is a matter of concern.
 ただ、両社が次世代の主力機と位置付けるボーイング787がトラブルで運航停止に追い込まれている。その影響が懸念される。

Hindered by its complicated electronic system and joint development through Japanese, U.S. and European manufacturers, there has been little progress in investigating the cause of recent incidents involving Boeing 787s, leaving no prospect for resuming operations even though a month has already passed since the planes were suspended.
 複雑な電子システムや日米欧にまたがる開発体制が支障となって原因究明は進まず、1か月が経過しても運航のめどが立たない。

If the suspension is extended, both Japanese airlines must review their business management plans centering on the 787s.
 長期化すれば、787導入を前提とした両社の経営計画見直しは必至だ。

We hope both Japanese and U.S. authorities expedite their cooperative efforts to shed light on the cause of the incidents.
日米当局は協力して原因究明を急いでもらいたい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 19, 2013)
(2013年2月19日01時22分  読売新聞)

2013/02/20

通貨安競争 対立の火種を残したG20声明

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 19, 2013)
G-20 meeting failed to resolve cause of conflict
通貨安競争 対立の火種を残したG20声明(2月18日付・読売社説)

Industrialized nations--including Japan, the United States and European countries--and China and other emerging nations have agreed to avoid "currency competition" in which currencies are guided lower.
 自国通貨の為替レートを安く誘導する「通貨安競争」を避けることで、日米欧の先進国と中国など新興国が一致した。

It is laudable that the Group of 20 meeting in Moscow avoided naming Japan in connection with recent weakening of the yen, but it did not quench the underlying fire that could blaze up again into a new confrontation.
 最近の円安に関し、日本が名指しの批判を回避できた点は評価できるが、対立が再燃する火種を残したと言えよう。

The meeting was attended by finance ministers and central bank chiefs from 20 principal economies.
 主要20か国・地域(G20)財務相・中央銀行総裁会議が、モスクワで開かれた。

Since its inauguration in December, the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has adopted an economic policy dubbed "Abenomics" that combines drastic monetary easing with flexible fiscal measures, but which has led to the rapid weakening of the yen. This was a focus of G-20 discussions because emerging and some other member countries suspect Japan intentionally induced a weakening of the yen.
 安倍政権発足後、大胆な金融緩和と機動的な財政政策を組み合わせた経済政策「アベノミクス」が導入され、急速に円安が進んだことが焦点になった。新興国などから、「円安誘導策ではないか」という指摘が出ていたからだ。

The joint statement adopted by the G-20 economies stated they would refrain from "competitive devaluation" and "will not target our exchange rates for competitive purposes." No reference was made to Japan in this regard although it was a matter of concern.
 採択された共同声明は、「通貨の競争的な切り下げを回避する。為替レートを競争力を高める目標にしない」と明記した。懸念された日本への言及はなかった。

Finance Minister Taro Aso, who also serves as deputy prime minister, denied Japan intentionally weakened the yen and explained that the government's aim was to lift Japan out of deflation. It seems his explanation won a certain degree of understanding.
 麻生副総理・財務相が円安誘導策を否定し、「デフレからの早期脱却を目指す」という日本の政策目標を説明したことで、一定の理解が得られたようだ。

===

Oblique warning to Japan

Concerning monetary policy, the statement said it should be "directed only at price stability and economic recovery" and adverse impacts would be monitored closely and minimized. This could be interpreted as a warning to Japan that its economic policy should not adversely affect exchange and other markets.
 ただし、声明は金融政策について、「国内の物価安定や経済回復に当てられるべきだ。負の波及効果を監視して最小化する」と強調した。為替市場などに悪影響を与え過ぎないよう、日本の政策にクギを刺したと解釈できる。

Brazil, Mexico and other emerging economies are vigilantly watching excessive capital inflows and the strengthening of their currencies, which could follow the monetary easing measures of Japan, European countries and the United States. Their vexation may strengthen if the yen depreciates further.
 ブラジル、メキシコなど新興国では、日米欧による金融緩和に伴う過剰な資本流入や、自国通貨高への警戒感が強い。円安がさらに進むと不満が高まりかねない。

For this reason, the government and the Bank of Japan need to exercise care as they carry out Abenomics to lead Japan out of deflation.
 それだけに、政府・日銀はデフレ脱却に向け、アベノミクスの成果を着実に上げる必要がある。

===

Promote growth strategy

The government should not rely only on the yen's weakness. Instead, it must step up efforts to put together concrete measures for the growth strategy that it lists as one of its "three arrows." The other "arrows" are monetary easing and fiscal stimulation.
 円安に頼るだけでなく、金融緩和と財政政策と並ぶ「3本の矢」である成長戦略についても、具体化を急がねばならない。

There is a growing belief in industrial circles that the recent weakening of the yen represents nothing more than a slight correction of its exchange rates that rose to historically high levels and that the currency remains relatively strong.
 産業界などでは、最近の円相場は、歴史的な超円高がやや是正されたに過ぎず、まだ相当の円高だという見方が出ている。

It is essential for the government and the central bank to call on other countries to understand Japan's situation. But at the same time, Cabinet ministers and special advisers to the Cabinet must refrain from making comments on exchange rates that could affect the markets.
 政府・日銀はそうした状況への理解を他国に求めることが大事だが、併せて、閣僚や内閣官房参与らは具体的な為替水準に言及する口先介入を慎むべきだ。

Bright signs have emerged for the world economy as the worst of the protracted European financial crisis appears to be over and the United States has avoided falling off its so-called fiscal cliff.
 長期化した欧州危機が最悪期を脱し、米国の「財政の崖」もいったん回避されるなど、世界経済に明るい兆しが出てきた。

But the G-20 statement acknowledges that global economic growth is still too weak. This observation is quite natural. The G-20 economies face the heavy challenges of achieving growth and fiscal reconstruction at the same time.
 だが、G20声明が「世界の成長はまだ弱すぎる」と指摘したのはもっともだ。成長と財政再建の両立も各国の重い課題である。

Japan will have to expedite efforts to break away from deflation and achieve economic revitalization, thereby contributing further to the stabilization of the world economy.
 日本はデフレ脱却と経済再生を急ぎ、世界経済の一層の安定に寄与することが期待される。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 18, 2013)
(2013年2月18日01時26分  読売新聞)

2013/02/19

自賠責保険 合理化努力を値上げの前提に

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 18, 2013)
Streamline car insurance program before price hikes
自賠責保険 合理化努力を値上げの前提に(2月17日付・読売社説)

If drivers are going to be required to shoulder a greater financial burden, the government must shed light on every problem in the compulsory automobile liability insurance program and reform it into a more transparent, rational system.
 ドライバーに負担増を求めるのなら、問題点を洗い出し、透明で合理的な制度に見直す取り組みが欠かせない。

Premiums for the compulsory auto insurance that every car owner must take out will be increased by an average of 13.5 percent from April. This is the second significant increase following the 11.7 percent hike in fiscal 2011.
 自動車保有者に加入が義務付けられている自動車損害賠償責任(自賠責)保険の保険料が4月から平均13・5%引き上げられる。2011年度の11・7%アップに続く大幅値上げである。

The planned increase is attributed to the deteriorating financial condition of the insurance program. Its accumulated deficits will exceed 500 billion yen at the end of fiscal 2012.
 収支悪化が引き上げの理由だ。12年度末の累積赤字は5000億円超に達する。

Revenues decreased after premiums for the insurance were drastically lowered in fiscal 2008, while insurance payouts for deaths and injuries caused by traffic accidents have increased.
08年度に保険料を大幅に値下げして保険料収入が減る一方、交通事故の死傷者への保険金支払いが増加した。

The purpose of the compulsory auto insurance program is to help victims of traffic accidents. Since the program cannot be sustained unless its financial conditions are improved, we think premium hikes cannot be avoided.
 自賠責の目的は、事故被害者の救済にある。収支を改善しなければ制度を維持できず、保険料の値上げはやむを得まい。

However, we are concerned that insurance payouts have remained high even though the number of traffic accidents and the number of people killed or injured in them have been declining.
 ただ、交通事故の発生件数と死傷者数が減少し続けているのに、保険金支払いが高止まりしていることが懸念される。

Behind it may be an increase in claims made for mild injuries, which are not included in traffic accident statistics, and assessments of damage by nonlife insurance companies, which tend to be more lenient than those for voluntary auto liability insurance.
 事故統計に含まれない軽傷者の請求の増加や、損保会社の査定が任意保険に比べて甘くなりがちな事情が背景にあるのだろう。

===

Check payments

Private nonlife insurance companies manage the compulsory insurance program. The Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry, the Financial Services Agency and other government offices should work together to develop a system to check whether insurance money is paid appropriately.
 自賠責の運営は民間の損保会社が担っている。国土交通省や金融庁などが連携し、保険金支払いが適正に行われているかどうかを検証する体制を整えるべきだ。

Returns from the insurance premiums are accumulated in reserve funds to use for various projects, including one to help people who suffered permanent damage in traffic accidents. But how the reserve funds are used is problematic, too.
 重度後遺障害者の救済事業などに充てるため、保険料の運用益をためた積立金の扱いも問題だ。

The ministry manages the funds in its special account. To alleviate fiscal difficulties, however, about 1 trillion yen from the reserve funds was transferred to the general accounts in fiscal 1994 and fiscal 1995.
 積立金は、国交省が特別会計で管理している。財政難の穴埋めを狙って、積立金のうち約1兆円が1994~95年度に一般会計に繰り入れられた。

The repayment deadline has been extended repeatedly, so about 600 billion yen has not been returned yet.
返済期限は度々延期され、現在も約6000億円が戻されていない。

With the account balance down to 200 billion yen, the principal of the reserve funds has been used and shrunk because returns from the funds alone no longer cover the costs of running the projects.
 積立金の残高は2000億円程度まで減少し、最近は運用益だけでは費用をまかなえず、積立金を取り崩している。

Diverting the reserve funds to help traffic accident victims is not the purpose of the compulsory auto insurance. We expect the Finance Ministry and the transport ministry to swiftly carry out their pledge to restore the full amount by fiscal 2018.
 被害者支援の原資となる積立金の流用は、自賠責の趣旨に合わない。財務省と国交省は、18年度までに全額返済するという約束を確実に実行してもらいたい。

===

In line with the times

Projects to help traffic accident victims and prevent accidents, which are run by the government, nonlife insurance companies and JA Kyosai (Zenkyoren or National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives) with returns from the funds, should also be checked.
 国、損保会社、JA共済が積立金の運用益で実施している被害者支援や事故防止対策の事業もチェックする必要がある。

Projects to help victims of traffic accidents are important, but it is worth noting that the three organizations' activities often overlap, as with a project to distribute helicopters carrying doctors. Many should be financed by the government's general account or be conducted by nonlife insurance firms as their contribution to society. It is important to scrutinize the necessity and efficiency of the projects.
 被害者支援は重要だが、ドクターヘリ普及策など3者の重複が目立つ。国が一般会計で手当てすべき事業や損保が社会貢献として行うべき事業も多い。必要性と効率性を精査することが肝要だ。

The government will need to plan a new insurance program in line with the times, such as one with discount premiums for highly safe vehicles equipped with automatic braking systems to prevent accidents.
 事故を回避する自動ブレーキを装備した安全性能の高い車両には保険料を優遇するなど、今後は時代に合わせて全体の制度設計を検討することも求められよう。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 17, 2013)
(2013年2月17日01時26分  読売新聞)

2013/02/18

日本版NSC 「外交安保」強化へ縦割り排せ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 17, 2013)
Abe's envisioned security council must be strong, well organized
日本版NSC 「外交安保」強化へ縦割り排せ(2月16日付・読売社説)

Setting up a government command and control body is significant for dealing with various national security issues.
 日本の安全保障にかかわる様々な危機に対処するため、政府の司令塔を作る意義は大きい。

A government panel of experts considering the creation of a Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council held its first meeting Friday. With the panel planning to compile a report this spring, the government aims to submit related legislation during the current ordinary Diet session.
 国家安全保障会議(日本版NSC)の創設を検討する政府の有識者会議が初会合を開いた。春にも報告書をまとめる。政府は、通常国会への関連法案の提出を目指す方針だ。

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has long sought the establishment of a Japanese NSC. This is a second chance for him to take up the challenge.
 日本版NSCの創設は、安倍首相の念願であり、再挑戦だ。

In April 2007, the first Abe Cabinet submitted a bill to set up such a body to the Diet, but it was scrapped after deliberations on the issue saw little progress due to reasons such as the Liberal Democratic Party's loss in the House of Councillors election in July that year.
2007年4月に第1次安倍内閣が関連法案を提出したが、同年7月の参院選敗北などで審議は進まず、廃案になった経緯がある。

Recently, Japan saw a series of incidents that threatened its security, such as North Korea's nuclear test and a Chinese warship directing weapons-targeting radar at a Japanese vessel.
 最近、北朝鮮の核実験、中国軍艦船のレーダー照射など、日本の安全を脅かす事態が相次いだ。

The government's existing security council has lost substance, merely serving as a forum in which the prime minister and other ministers confirm reports from bureaucrats. It is an urgent task to create a real decision-making body in which the prime minister and Cabinet members, including the chief cabinet secretary and foreign and defense ministers, will have substantial discussions on important diplomatic and security matters.
 だが、政府の安全保障会議は形骸化し、事実上、首相と関係閣僚が各省の官僚の報告を追認する場に過ぎない。首相、官房長官、外相、防衛相らが外交・安保の重要課題を実質的に協議し、決定する場を設けることが急務である。

===

2 key tasks for Japanese NSC

A Japanese NSC would face two crucial tasks.
 日本版NSCには、二つの重要な役割が期待される。

One is that it will make appropriate political decisions swiftly and give specific orders to better respond to ongoing emergencies. Another is that it will draw up medium- and long-term security strategies and set the direction of the nation's policy and actions to prepare for a crisis.
 一つは、現在進行中の緊急事態について、迅速かつ適切な政治判断を行い、具体的な対処を指揮することだ。もう一つは、中長期的な安全保障戦略を策定し、危機に備える政策の立案と訓練の方向性を示すことである。

To that end, it is vital to eliminate the divided administrative functions of the status quo, under which government bodies such as the Foreign and Defense ministries and the police handle security issues separately, and create a new system that will enable all government entities to work together to support the Prime Minister's Office.
 そのためには、外務、防衛、警察など関係省庁の縦割り対応を排し、政府全体で首相官邸を支える制度を構築することが肝要だ。

The government already has a body, part of the Cabinet Secretariat, that comprehensively coordinates government policies. It is led by assistant chief cabinet secretaries who deal with security, crisis management and diplomatic issues.
 現在も、政策を総合調整する内閣官房の事務局として、安全保障・危機管理担当や外交担当の官房副長官補が率いる組織がある。

It is unrealistic to think the envisaged Japanese NSC will handle every security issue, and if its functions overlap with the existing entity's, the NSC could create inefficiency in government functions. The secretariat of the Japanese NSC basically should be small and staffed with capable personnel while being designed to take full control of relevant ministries and agencies.
 日本版NSCがあらゆる案件を担うのは現実的ではないし、既存組織の「屋上屋」になってはかえって非効率化する。日本版NSCの事務局は、基本的に少数精鋭とし、関係省庁を掌握できる仕組みにするべきだろう。

===

Enhance intelligence capability

It is important to enhance the ability of the whole government in gathering and analyzing information, a precondition for making policies.
 政策決定の前提となる政府全体の情報収集・分析能力を高めることも重要である。

The recent hostage crisis in Algeria highlighted the difficulty in obtaining information on terrorism and military affairs in developing countries. It is essential for the government to increase the number of intelligence experts and train such personnel in the medium- and long-term.
 アルジェリアの人質事件では、途上国におけるテロ・軍事情報を入手する困難さが浮き彫りになった。インテリジェンスの専門家を増員するとともに、中長期的に育成していくことが大切だ。

We also call for reforms of the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office, which supervises information handled by the whole government. Regarded as an "outpost of the National Policy Agency," the office's current role is far from its original task of allowing government bodies to share and best utilize key information.
 政府全体の情報を統括する内閣情報調査室も改革が求められる。今は「警察庁の出先機関」と見られており、関係省庁が重要情報をきちんと共有し、有効活用する本来の体制には、ほど遠い。

The government also needs to develop a legal basis for counterintelligence to prevent sensitive information provided by the United States and other countries from being leaked.
 米国など関係国から提供された情報などの漏えいを防ぐための情報保全法制の整備も必要だ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 16, 2013)
(2013年2月16日01時50分  読売新聞)

2013/02/17

iPS研究 実用化を進める法制度が要る

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 16, 2013)
Legal system needed to spur treatment with iPS cells
iPS研究 実用化を進める法制度が要る(2月15日付・読売社説)

What could be a significant first step has been made toward practical medical treatment using induced pluripotent stem cells.
 iPS細胞(人工多能性幹細胞)を使った治療の実用化へ、意義ある第一歩となるだろう。

Clinical research by the Riken Kobe Institute on the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an intractable eye disease, has been approved by the Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation Hospital, where the research will be conducted.
 目の難病「加齢黄斑変性」をiPS細胞で治療する理化学研究所(神戸市)の臨床研究が、実施先の先端医療センター病院で承認された。

A Riken team will file an application with the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry for the implementation of its clinical research. If approved, clinical research will start in fiscal 2013 at the earliest to confirm the efficacy and safety by conducting iPS cell treatment on patients.
 理研チームは厚生労働省に審査を申請する。承認されれば、患者で効果や安全性を確かめる臨床研究が2013年度にも始まる。

AMD is a disease that advances with age and leads to reduced vision or blindness due to a disorder in some retinal cells. No fundamental clinical treatment has been established. There are reportedly about 700,000 patients in Japan.
 この病気は加齢に伴い、網膜細胞の一部に障害が出て視力が低下するものだ。失明の恐れもある。根本的な治療法はない。国内の患者は約70万人とされる。

The planned treatment calls for applying a cell sheet generated from a patient's stem cells to the damaged retina, thereby restoring the patient's vision.
 今回は、傷んだ網膜に患者のiPS細胞から作った細胞シートを貼り付けて視力の回復を図る。

As for iPS cells, the risk of them becoming cancerous has been pointed out. But eye tissue, including the retina, has little possibility of doing so. It also shows almost no cellular rejection. For these reasons, the treatment of AMD was chosen for the first clinical application of iPS cell treatment.
 iPS細胞は、がん化の危険性が指摘されるが、網膜を含む目の組織はがんになりにくい。拒絶反応もほとんどない。それだけに、この病気の治療が臨床研究の先陣を切ったのだろう。

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Approval system defective

A matter of concern is that even if sufficient results are obtained through clinical research, it may take some time before approval is obtained from the health ministry for practical application.
 問題は、この研究で十分な成果が得られても、実用化の段階では厚労省の承認までに時間がかかりかねないことである。

First of all, there is no legal system in place for that type of procedure.
 まず法制度が整っていない。

In order for drugs to be approved for use, procedures must be taken in line with the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law. Clinical treatment using iPS cells--generated from patients' own cells--will require screening criteria different from that applied to manufactured drugs, which are foreign to humans.
 医薬品が承認を得るには、薬事法で規定された手続きを取らねばならない。だが、自己の細胞を使うiPS細胞による治療には、人体にとって異物である薬とは異なる審査の基準が必要である。

So the approval system must be revised.
 承認の仕組みも見直すべきだ。

Even in cases of regenerative medicine not using iPS cells, it takes time to obtain approval. Regenerative medicines, such as those using skin and cartilage, have been put into commercial use one after another in South Korea and the United States. In Japan, there are only two such products.
iPS細胞を使用していない再生医療でも、承認までに手間取っている。皮膚、軟骨などが韓国、米国で次々に製品化されているのに、日本はわずか2製品だ。

In South Korea, provisional approval is given on regenerative medicines after their safety is confirmed to a certain degree, thereby encouraging the development of such products.
 韓国では、一定の安全性が確認された再生医療製品に「仮承認」を与え、開発を促進している。

Japan must study a plan to establish a system under which regenerative medical products can be swiftly put into practical use by adopting a temporary approval system similar to South Korea's and giving full endorsement by accumulating safety data after sales begin.
 日本でも仮承認し、販売後に安全性データを蓄積して本承認とするなど、迅速に実用化する仕組みを検討すべきだ。

===

Fiscal assistance vital

It is essential to provide funds to help expand this planned clinical research to the treatment of other diseases, such as heart disease and diseases of the blood. The government will provide 110 billion yen over 10 years to help finance regenerative medicine using iPS cells and the development of new drugs. Research centers must be continuously expanded.
 今回のような臨床研究を、心臓や血液など他の病気に広げる支援も重要である。政府はiPS細胞による再生医療や薬の開発に10年で1100億円を支援する。継続的に研究拠点を整備すべきだ。

It must be noted, however, that hopes regarding regenerative medicine have led to the emergence of treatment methods whose safety is questionable. The health ministry plans to regulate such practices with a new law. Safety is important but legitimate research should not be constrained.
 ただ、「再生医療」への期待に便乗し、安全性に疑問のある治療まで出現している。厚労省は、これを新法で規制する方針だ。安全は大切だが、正当な研究に支障が出ないようにしてもらいたい。

As symbolized by the fact that Prof. Shinya Yamanaka of Kyoto University received a Nobel Prize for production of iPS cells, Japan's basic research on regenerative medicine is among the world's best. The country should not fall behind in practical applications, either.
 iPS細胞を作製した山中伸弥・京都大教授のノーベル賞受賞に象徴されるように、日本は基礎研究でトップレベルにある。実用化でも後れを取ってはならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 15, 2013)
(2013年2月15日01時20分  読売新聞)

2013/02/16

オバマ演説 「北の核」対処へ行動が肝心だ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 15, 2013)
Obama to face global challenges over the next 4 years
オバマ演説 「北の核」対処へ行動が肝心だ(2月14日付・読売社説)

U.S. President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize by declaring it was time to seek "a world without nuclear weapons."
However, the president has been hit by a harsh reality from North Korea that is contradictory to this ideal.
 「核兵器のない世界」の実現を目標に掲げてノーベル平和賞を受賞したオバマ米大統領は、そうした理想とは逆の深刻な現実を、北朝鮮から突きつけられたと言えよう。

Obama laid out Tuesday his priorities for the year ahead in his first State of the Union address for his second term in office.
 大統領は、2期目最初の一般教書演説を行い、今後1年間の施政方針を示した。

The president issued a warning to North Korea, which went ahead with a nuclear test before the speech, making it clear that the United States will take "firm action" against Pyongyang.
その中で、核実験を強行した北朝鮮に強く警告し、「断固とした行動」を取る姿勢を明確にした。

Obama said "provocations" like the test "will only isolate [North Korea] further." The United States will "lead the world in taking firm action in response to these threats," he added.
 核実験のような挑発行為をすれば、「北朝鮮は孤立するだけだ」と述べ、米国が「世界の先頭に立って」、厳しく対処していく決意を表明した。

Obama also pledged his country will work to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, while engaging Russia to seek further reductions in nuclear warheads.
イランの核開発を阻止し、ロシアとは核弾頭削減の取り組みを進めるとも述べた。

The United States should eliminate nuclear threats by putting pressure on North Korea through sanctions, while at the same time working closely with other countries concerned through various diplomatic channels. We hope that the president will take concrete action.
 制裁で圧力をかけ、関係国と緊密に連携し、外交を駆使して、核の脅威をなくす必要がある。大統領の行動力に期待したい。

===

U.S. determined to take lead

In addition to nuclear issues, Obama emphasized that the United States will take steps against cyberterrorism, champion freedom and democracy, and provide support to Middle Eastern and African countries in their fight against extremists.
 核問題以外でも、サイバーテロ防止、自由と民主主義の擁護、中東やアフリカの過激派対策支援に積極的に関与すると強調した。

The speech conveyed Obama's strong determination that the United States should play the leading role in maintaining global security as the world's sole superpower, by working closely with other countries at a time when the country plans to withdraw more troops from Afghanistan.
 アフガニスタン駐留米軍の撤収を進めつつ、国際協調を軸に、唯一の超大国として、世界の安全維持に主導的な役割を果たそうとする強い意欲がうかがえる。

The question is how he will achieve results.
 どう結果を出すかが問題だ。

Tuesday's speech did not discuss what a strategy placing importance on Asia actually means or how the United States should regard China. These issues, however, are also among key issues in the diplomatic and security fields for Obama's second term.
 演説で語られなかったアジア重視の中身や、中国をどう位置づけるのかも、2期目の外交・安全保障政策の焦点である。

The speech also focused on fiscal reconstruction and reviving the U.S. economy as priority challenges for domestic affairs.
 一方、内政で優先課題に挙げたのが財政再建と経済再生だ。

Early last month, the United States avoided the fiscal cliff--the expiration of large-scale tax cuts and the automatic imposition of mandatory spending cuts--after the president and Congress reached a deal.
 大型減税失効と歳出の強制削減が重なる「財政の崖」からの転落は、今年初め、大統領と議会の妥協の末、ひとまず回避された。

However, the U.S. fiscal administration remains on a tightrope as the two sides have been divided over implementation of drastic fiscal reconstruction measures. There are just weeks left until March 1, the date to which the automatic spending cuts were delayed under the deal.
 しかし、抜本的な財政再建策を巡って対立し、財政運営の綱渡りは続く。先延ばしした歳出削減の発動が3月1日に迫る。

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Looming clash with Republicans

In the speech, Obama said it is important to "reignite the true engine of America's economic growth--a rising, thriving middle class." He showed his focus on middle-income earners and called for Republicans to make major concessions to achieve fiscal reconstruction mainly through overhauling the medical insurance and social security systems, which face ballooning costs.
 大統領は「成長のエンジンとなる中間所得層の再活性化」を訴えた。中間層を重視し、膨張する医療保険や社会保障の改革などを柱とした財政再建の実現へ、共和党に大幅譲歩を求めたものだ。

As Obama took a clearly confrontational approach to Republicans, the two sides are expected to go through a still fiercer tug-of-war.
 一段と対決色を鮮明にしたことで、激しい攻防が予想される。

However, mandatory spending cuts would have a negative impact on the U.S. economy, which is just getting onto a recovery path. Major cuts in defense expenditures also might jeopardize U.S. security systems in Asia and other parts of the world.
 ただ、強制的に歳出削減されると、回復基調にある米国経済に悪影響を及ぼす。国防費の大幅削減はアジアなどでの米国の安全保障体制にも支障を与えかねない。

Obama also expressed his determination to complete negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade framework as part of efforts to expand employment in his country. Japan should accelerate efforts to take part in it.
 大統領は雇用拡大を図るため、環太平洋経済連携協定(TPP)の妥結を目指す決意も表明した。日本は参加を急ぐべきだ。

With piles of issues at home and abroad, Obama's leadership will be called into question. He will surely face a series of challenges.
 内外に課題が山積する中で、問われるのはオバマ氏の指導力だ。挑戦と試練が続くに違いない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 14, 2013)
(2013年2月14日01時05分  読売新聞)

2013/02/15

北朝鮮核実験 国際連携で制裁を強化せよ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 14, 2013)
World must unite to halt Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions
北朝鮮核実験 国際連携で制裁を強化せよ(2月13日付・読売社説)

 ◆習近平政権の厳格対応が問われる
North Korea's nuclear weapons development has entered a more dangerous stage. In light of the deteriorating security environment, Japan should strengthen its deterrence against Pyongyang in cooperation with the United States and other countries.
 北朝鮮の核兵器開発が一段と危険な段階に入った。安全保障環境の悪化を踏まえ、日本は米国などと連携し、対北朝鮮抑止力を強化すべきだ。

On Tuesday, North Korea went ahead with its third underground nuclear test. It was the first nuclear test under the regime of Kim Jong Un.
 北朝鮮が12日、3回目の地下核実験を強行した。金正恩政権にとっては初めての核実験だ。

Pyongyang boasted that it successfully conducted a "high-level" nuclear test using "a miniaturized and lighter" nuclear device with greater explosive force than those used in the previous tests in 2006 and 2009. North Korea apparently aims to develop a nuclear warhead.
 2006年、09年の過去2回に比べ、強力で「小型化、軽量化」した核爆弾による「高水準」の実験に成功したと喧伝(けんでん)している。核弾頭の開発を図ったのだろう。

Given that North Korea also tested a long-range ballistic missile in the guise of a satellite launch in December, marking a dramatic extension of its missile range, there is no doubt that the country has moved a step closer to bringing nuclear missiles to the stage of practical use.
 昨年12月の「人工衛星」と称する長距離弾道ミサイル発射による射程の大幅延伸の成功と合わせて、北朝鮮が核ミサイルの実用化に近づいたのは間違いない。

===

Serious threat to Japan
 ◆日本への深刻な脅威だ

It was only natural for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to make a statement strongly condemning North Korea's nuclear test, saying it is "totally unacceptable" as it "constitutes a grave threat to Japan's security."
 安倍首相が、「我が国の安全に対する重大な脅威」として、北朝鮮の核実験強行を「断じて容認できない」と強く非難する声明を発表したのは当然である。

Japan will come under the most serious threat due to deployment of nuclear missiles by North Korea. This is because Japan is within striking distance of North Korea's medium-range Rodong missiles, about 200 of which are believed to have already been deployed.
 核ミサイルの配備で最も深刻な脅威にさらされるのは日本だ。約200基が配備ずみとされる中距離弾道ミサイル「ノドン」の射程に入っているからだ。

It is essential to improve Japan's missile defense capability based on cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military as well as to guarantee the reliability of the U.S. "nuclear umbrella," which Japan, a nonnuclear nation, relies on as a deterrent.
 自衛隊と米軍の協力を基礎にミサイル防衛能力を向上させるとともに、核を持たぬ日本が抑止力とする米国の「核の傘」の信頼性を担保することが重要だ。

We commend Abe for immediately tightening Japan's unilateral sanctions against North Korea by banning the reentry of vice chairmen and other senior officials of the pro-Pyongyang General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) if they leave for North Korea. The prime minister should discuss additional measures.
 首相が、在日本朝鮮人総連合会(朝鮮総連)副議長らが訪朝すれば再入国を認めない、との日本独自の制裁強化を直ちに実施したことは評価できる。追加の措置も検討してもらいたい。

Although it suspended production of plutonium for nuclear weapons, North Korea has resumed its enrichment of uranium. Therefore, it could begin mass production of nuclear weapons using enriched uranium. The international community must make all-out efforts to stop North Korea's further nuclear and missile development.
 北朝鮮は、核兵器用のプルトニウムの生産は中断したが、新たにウラン濃縮活動を始めており、高濃縮ウラン型の核兵器の量産に入る恐れがある。これ以上の核・ミサイル開発を阻止するため、全力を挙げねばならない。

The latest nuclear test by North Korea is a major test also for South Korean President-elect Park Geun Hye, who will officially take office on Feb. 25. The Japan-U.S. alliance must be strengthened as a matter of course and it is also crucial to establish a crisis management system between Japan, the United States and South Korea.
 25日に就任する韓国の朴槿恵次期大統領にとっても、この核実験は大きな試練だ。日米同盟の強化は無論、日米韓で危機管理体制を構築することが不可欠である。

===

Stronger U.N. sanctions needed
 ◆国連決議の強化を図れ

The U.N. Security Council must adopt a new resolution calling for stronger sanctions against North Korea.
 国連安全保障理事会は、制裁強化を新たに決議すべきだ。

On Jan. 22, the Security Council adopted a resolution to expand sanctions against North Korea after it fired a missile in December and warned of "significant action" if North Korea went ahead with a nuclear test.
 安保理は1月22日、昨年12月にミサイル発射を強行した北朝鮮に対する制裁強化決議を採択し、核実験を強行すれば「重大な行動を取る」と警告していた。

But North Korea has conducted missile and nuclear tests repeatedly in defiance of Security Council resolutions because the adopted sanctions lacked practical effect.
 北朝鮮が安保理決議を無視してミサイル発射と核実験を繰り返したのは、従来の制裁措置が実効性を欠いていたためだ。

To break this vicious circle, the Security Council should adopt comprehensive and practical sanctions and implement them thoroughly.
 この悪循環を断ち切るため、安保理は今度こそ包括的で実効性ある制裁を決定し、その実施を徹底すべきである。

In connection with nuclear and missile development, North Korea has deep relations with Iran and Pakistan. With Iran, North Korea concluded an agreement on science and technology cooperation last autumn. The international community must strictly restrict and monitor the movement of goods, money and personnel to prevent North Korea promoting nuclear and missile development.
 核とミサイルの開発を巡り、北朝鮮はイラン、パキスタンと深い関係にある。イランとは昨秋、科学技術協力で合意した。国際社会は、モノやカネ、ヒトの移動を厳しく制限、監視して、開発に歯止めをかけねばならない。

It is necessary to study comprehensive financial sanctions while bringing into perspective a plan to include financial institutions that do business with North Korea on the sanctions list. It is also important to impose mandatory inspections of cargoes suspected to be banned trade items such as weapons of mass destruction and related materials.
 北朝鮮と取引する金融機関を対象に含めることも視野に、包括的な金融制裁の実施を検討すべきだ。大量破壊兵器・関連物資など禁輸品の疑いがある貨物の検査の「義務化」も目指す必要がある。

North Korea said it will regard ship inspections as a blockade at sea and retaliate with a "military strike." Its moves must be constantly watched.
 北朝鮮は船舶検査を海上封鎖とみなし、「軍事的打撃で対応する」と恫喝(どうかつ)した。警戒が怠れない。

The role of China, a permanent Security Council member, is crucial.
 安保理常任理事国・中国の役割は重要だ。

China accounts for 70 percent of North Korea's trade. The country has transshipment ports for many vessels from North Korea. It holds the power of life or death over North Korea as the biggest supplier of energy and food aid.
 中国は、北朝鮮の貿易量の7割を占める。北朝鮮からの多くの船舶が貨物積み替えを行う港湾を持つ。エネルギーや食料の最大の援助国として生殺与奪権をも握っている。

Ostensibly, Beijing expressed its "absolute objection" to North Korea's nuclear test. But it hesitated to impose sanctions for fear of the Korean Peninsula being destabilized, thereby tacitly encouraging North Korea's nuclear development.
 中国は表向き、北朝鮮の核実験に「断固反対」を唱える。だが、朝鮮半島が不安定になることを恐れて制裁には及び腰だったことが北朝鮮の核開発を助長した。

The Global News, a Chinese newspaper affiliated with the People's Daily, the organ of the Chinese Communist Party, has insisted on not hesitating to cut assistance if North Korea conducted a nuclear test. The Chinese government led by Xi Jinping must deal with North Korea sternly and put strong pressure on it to give up its nuclear ambitions.
 中国共産党機関紙「人民日報」系の環球時報は、北朝鮮が核実験をすれば援助削減を「ためらうな」と主張していた。習近平政権は、北朝鮮に厳しく対処し、核開発断念へ強い圧力をかけるべきだ。

===

Economic recovery unlikely
 ◆遠のく「北」の経済再建

Kim Jong Un's slogan of "improving the people's livelihoods" shows no sign of being achieved. It seems he has no means of winning over the military and public sentiment other than boasting of nuclear and missile tests.
 金第1書記の掲げる「人民生活の向上」は一向に果たされないように見える。核とミサイルの成果を誇示する以外、軍と民心をひきつける術(すべ)がないのではないか。

Fear of being targeted by a North Korean missile attack is growing even in the United States. With this as leverage, the Kim regime intends to open the possibility of dialogue with Washington. It probably aims to have economic sanctions lifted and to gain U.S. assurances of the safety of the current regime, all while keeping its nuclear arms.
 北朝鮮の核ミサイルの標的になりかねないという脅威認識は、米国でも広がりつつある。金政権には、それをテコに米国との対話の道を開き、核兵器を保有したまま、経済制裁解除と現体制の安全の保障を得る狙いがあろう。

But negotiations with Pyongyang should not be conducted easily. The international community should not lift sanctions on North Korea as long as it does not take concrete action to relinquish its nuclear ambitions.
 だが、安易に交渉に臨むのは禁物だ。北朝鮮が核放棄へ具体的行動を取らない限り、国際社会は制裁を解除してはならない。

Pyongyang must be aware that its own behavior will ultimately undermine its regime.
 北朝鮮は、自らの行動が結果的には体制の脆弱(ぜいじゃく)化を招くことを自覚すべきである。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 13, 2013)
(2013年2月13日01時17分  読売新聞)

2013/02/14

電力制度改革 安定供給の実現を大前提に

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 13, 2013)
Power industry reform must ensure stable power supply
電力制度改革 安定供給の実現を大前提に(2月11日付・読売社説)

Reform of electric power systems must contribute to the achievement of a cheap and stable supply of electricity.
 電力制度改革は、安価で安定した電力供給の実現に資するものでなければならない。

The government should carefully proceed with reform of the power industry by fully considering its effectiveness and side effects.
 政府は効果と副作用にしっかり目配りし、慎重に改革を進めるべきだ。

An Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry panel of experts has compiled a draft plan for reform of power systems. It proposes full liberalization of retail sales of electric power by 2016 and the separation of power generation business and power transmission and distribution business in five to seven years by requiring power companies to set up separate group companies for those businesses.
 経済産業省の有識者会議が、電力システムの改革案をまとめた。3年後の2016年に電力の小売りを全面自由化し、5~7年後には、電力会社の発電部門と送配電部門を分社化する「発送電分離」を実現させるという。

In the wake of power shortages after the Great East Japan Earthquake and increases in electricity charges implemented by Tokyo Electric Power Co., users have become increasingly discontent with the current regional monopolies held by utilities, under which users cannot freely choose which power company to use.
 東日本大震災後の電力不足や、東京電力による料金値上げをきっかけに、電力会社を自由に選べない「地域独占」に対する利用者の不満は高まっている。

We understand the aim of the reform plan to widen the range of options for users by facilitating new entries into the markets and increasing competition among power companies.
 新規事業者の参入や電力会社間の競争を促進し、利用者の選択肢を広げる狙いは理解できる。

===

Many expecting lower rates

Many people probably expect lower electricity charges as a result of competition in liberalized markets. But there are many problems associated with hasty reform.
 自由化による競争で電気料金が下がるのでないかと期待する人は多いだろう。しかし、性急な制度改革には問題が多い。

As for contracts with companies and other large-lot users, retail sales and electricity charges have already been liberalized. Despite this, the share of newcomers in sales stands at somewhere between a mere 3 percent and 4 percent. Indeed, major power companies enjoy powerful monopolies.
 企業向けなどの大口契約は、電力の小売りや料金がすでに自由化されている。にもかかわらず、新規事業者の販売シェア(占有率)は3%台にとどまる。大手電力会社による独占のカベは厚い。

If the markets were fully liberalized under these circumstances, "unregulated monopolies" may undermine any benefits to users and instead increase electricity charges. We call for further innovative efforts to create an environment to allow newcomers to easily enter the markets.
 こうした状況で全面自由化すると、「規制なき独占」が利用者の利益を損ないかねず、むしろ料金が上がる恐れがある。新規参入しやすい環境の整備について、さらなる工夫が求められる。

It also is necessary to consider the current electric power shortage, with only two of the nation's 50 nuclear reactors operating. The shortage should be quickly solved through such measures as restarting nuclear reactors whose safety is confirmed.
 全国50基の原子力発電所のうち稼働中は2基という電力不足の現状も踏まえる必要がある。安全を確認できた原発の再稼働などで、電力不足の解消を急ぎたい。

===

Adjusting power supply difficult

Meanwhile, separating power generation and transmission businesses would make it more difficult to fine-tune the amount of power generated in line with demand, compared to the current combined system for power generation and transmission. And if competition intensifies, business operators may hesitate to make necessary investments in facilities and equipment by placing priority on cutting costs.
 一方、発送電を分離すると、現在の一貫供給体制に比べ、電力需要の変動に応じて発電量をきめ細かく調整することが難しくなる。競争が激化すればコスト削減が優先され、必要な設備投資が抑制される可能性も出てくる。

Large-scale blackouts have taken place in other countries due to a lack of cooperation between power generation and transmission businesses or curbed investment. Implementing reforms before ensuring a vitally important stable power supply would truly be putting the cart before the horse.
 海外では、発電と送電の連携不足や投資抑制が原因で、大規模停電を起こした例がある。電力制度改革によって肝心の電力供給が不安定になったのでは、まさに本末転倒と言えよう。

It will be essential to update power infrastructure, including power plants and transmission grids, in a well-planned manner, and establish systems to maintain it. The government should carefully design systems in its reform to prevent adverse effects from occurring.
 発電所や送電網などの電力インフラ(基盤)を計画的に整備し、維持・管理する体制作りが欠かせまい。政府は弊害の防止に向け、綿密に制度設計すべきである。

During the process of shaping the reform plan, unexpected issues not currently in the spotlight are likely to emerge.
 改革を具体化する段階で、現時点では顕在化していない新たな課題も出てくるはずだ。

It is important to flexibly review the draft road map produced by the panel of experts depending on circumstances by considering the timing of implementation of the reform plan as merely rough targets at this time.
 有識者会議が示した改革の実施時期はあくまで現時点の目安ととらえ、状況の変化に応じて工程を柔軟に見直すことが大切だ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 11, 2013)
(2013年2月11日01時12分  読売新聞)

2013/02/13

農業政策 攻めの戦略で自由化に備えよ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 13, 2013)
Prepare for liberalization with aggressive agricultural strategy
農業政策 攻めの戦略で自由化に備えよ(2月11日付・読売社説)

Japanese agriculture obviously needs to enhance its competitiveness and reform itself to withstand further trade liberalization.
 競争力を高め、一層の貿易自由化に耐えうる体質に変えていく。日本農業の課題は明らかだ。

The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry has established a headquarters for promoting aggressive agricultural, forestry and fishery industries. The headquarters will reportedly discuss steps to expand agricultural exports, and those steps will be reflected in a growth strategy the government plans to compile.
 農林水産省が「攻めの農林水産業推進本部」を設置した。農産品の輸出拡大などを検討し、政府がまとめる成長戦略に反映させるという。

In the headquarters' first meeting, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said, "We want to help producers to increase their added value, well satisfying consumer demand, and to tap the full extent of the latent strengths of the agricultural, forestry and fishery industries."
 林農相は初会合で「生産現場が需要を敏感につかんで付加価値を高め、農林水産業の潜在力を最大限に引き出したい」と語った。

We have no objection to this basic policy. The question is whether the government can introduce measures to back it up.
 基本的な方針に異論はない。問題は、それを裏付ける政策を打ち出せるかどうかである。

So far, discussions of agriculture under the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe can hardly be considered aggressive.
 安倍政権の農業論議は、とても「攻め」の姿勢とは言えない。

The fiscal 2013 budget symbolizes this. The agriculture-related budget increased for the first time in 13 years, but we wonder how much it will strengthen the competitiveness of the nation's agriculture.
 2013年度予算案が象徴的だ。農業予算は13年ぶりに増額されたが、どこまで農業の競争力強化に役立つだろうか。

===

Throwing money at farms

Expenditures for land improvement projects, significantly cut when the Democratic Party of Japan was in power, have been restored. Taking the fiscal 2012 supplementary budget into consideration, this expenditure amounts to about 600 billion yen.
 民主党政権が大幅に削減した土地改良事業費を復活させた。12年度補正予算案と合わせると約6000億円に上る。

The income compensation system for individual farming households, under which subsidies are handed out uniformly, has been left untouched. Its budget remains basically the same as in the previous year, when funds were earmarked for it under a different name.
補助金を一律にばらまく農家の戸別所得補償制度も手つかずで、名称を変えて前年度並みの予算を計上した。

Government policy that attached too much importance to rice, which is produced mostly by part-time farmers, caused a decline in agriculture. Meanwhile, there is no sign that the graying of the farm population will stop.
 兼業農家が主体のコメを偏重した政策が、農業の地盤沈下を招いた要因である。就業者の高齢化にも歯止めがかからない。

The government must thoroughly promote a policy of expanding the size of farms by increasing the number of vigorous young new entrants, including those from different industries, as well as by concentrating farmland and funds into core farms with excellent management sense.
 異業種を含めて意欲ある若手の新規参入者を増やし、経営感覚に優れた中核的な農家に農地や資金を集中する規模拡大政策を徹底しなければならない。

The "multifunctionality direct payment system" that the Liberal Democratic Party has begun to discuss, with the aim of introducing it in fiscal 2014, is also problematic.
 14年度の導入を目指して自民党が検討に乗り出した「多面的機能直接支払い制度」も問題だ。

Considering that farmlands have multiple functions such as protecting national land and communities, the envisaged system will provide income compensation to all farmers maintaining farmlands.
 農地には国土や集落を守る多面的な機能があるとして、農地を維持するすべての農家を所得補償の対象にする仕組みである。

Merely further expanding subsidy-laden agricultural policies will never brighten the prospects of the nation's agriculture.
 補助金漬け農政をさらに拡大するだけでは、展望は開けない。

===

Focus on productivity, value

The proportion of full-time farmers is high among vegetable, fruit and dairy farmers. They increase the added value of their products on their own initiative and compete with products from overseas in the market.
 野菜、果樹、酪農などは専業農家の比率が高く、自助努力で商品の付加価値を高め、海外産品と市場で競い合っている。

Rather than offering subsidies as an easy solution, it is necessary to create a system to increase productivity and expand sales channels at home and abroad.
 安易な補助金より、生産性を向上させ、国内外に販路を拡大する体制づくりが求められよう。

Regulatory reform is essential to nurture agriculture as a growing industry. The government's reinstated Regulatory Reform Council should also take a scalpel to the Agricultural Land Law as well as such regulations as the agricultural cooperative system--both of which hinder companies from entering agricultural businesses.
 農業を成長産業に育てるには、規制改革が欠かせない。復活した政府の規制改革会議では、農ビジネスへの企業進出を阻んでいる農地法や農協制度などの規制にも切り込んでほしい。

Opposition has been growing within the LDP against the country's entering into negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral free trade framework.
 自民党内では、環太平洋経済連携協定(TPP)の交渉参加への反対論が勢いを増している。

To prevent "aggressive agriculture" from ending up as an empty slogan, Abe should decide to enter the TPP negotiations at an early date. It is necessary to accelerate agricultural reforms and prepare for the TPP.
 「攻めの農業」を掛け声倒れに終わらせないためにも、安倍首相は交渉参加を早期に決断すべきである。農業改革を加速し、TPPに備えることが必要だ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 11, 2013)
(2013年2月11日01時12分  読売新聞)

2013/02/12

集団的自衛権―首相は何をしたいのか

--The Asahi Shimbun, Feb. 9
EDITORIAL: What is Abe's real motive for collective self-defense?
集団的自衛権―首相は何をしたいのか

The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has taken a first step toward allowing Japan to exercise its right to collective self-defense. At Abe's request, an advisory council of experts has begun to discuss the issue.
 集団的自衛権の行使に道を開くため、安倍政権が、有識者による懇談会で検討を始めた。

Abe says the move is aimed at strengthening Japan's security alliance with the United States.
 それによって日米同盟を強化するのだと安倍首相は言う。

In what way, then, does he want to change the bilateral alliance? Won't the change that he envisions set the stage for a gradual erosion of the pacifist principles of the postwar Constitution?
 では、日米同盟をどう変えたいのか。平和憲法の原則をなし崩しにすることはないか。

Abe should offer clear answers to these and other key questions at the outset of the policy debate on this issue.
議論の出発にあたり、首相はまずそのことを明確にすべきだ。

If Japan were to exercise its right to collective self-defense, it would regard an attack on the United States, Japan’s ally, as an attack against itself and mobilize its Self-Defense Forces to fight against the attacker along with the United States.
 同盟国である米国が攻撃されたら、それを日本に対する攻撃とみなし、米国を守るために自衛隊が戦う。集団的自衛権の行使を日本に当てはめれば、こういうことだ。

In the postwar period, Japan has consistently held the position that its use of armed force must be limited to the minimum necessary for self-defense under the restrictions imposed by the war-renouncing Constitution.
 日本は戦後、憲法の制約のもと、自衛のための必要最小限の武力行使しか許されないとの立場をとってきた。

According to the traditional interpretation of the government, Japan would cross the line and violate the Constitution if it enters war to help defend the United States when Japan has not been attacked directly.
 日本が直接攻撃されていないのに米国を守るのはこの一線を越え、憲法違反だというのがこれまでの政府の解釈である。

Abe, however, argues that Japan needs to change this interpretation so that it will be able to defend the United States in certain situations. Otherwise, he says, the trust between Japan and the United States will collapse.
 この解釈を改め、いくつかのケースでは米国を守れるようにしよう。さもないと日米の信頼関係が壊れると首相は唱える。

Tension has been mounting between Japan and China due to a fresh flare-up of their territorial dispute over the Senkaku Islands, while North Korea has continued test-firing missiles and carrying out nuclear tests in defiance of international calls for an end to these weapons programs. Abe's push for collective self-defense is likely designed partly to put pressure on these neighbors.
 尖閣諸島をめぐって日中間の緊張が続き、北朝鮮がミサイル発射や核実験を繰り返すなか、それへの牽制(けんせい)の意味もあるのだろう。

In making his case, Abe has often cited the following scenarios: an attack has been launched against a U.S. warship operating close to an SDF vessel; or, a missile that could be headed toward the United States is detected by Japanese radar.
 首相がしばしば挙げるのが次のようなケースだ。
 ▽自衛艦の近くにいる米艦が攻撃を受けた▽米国に向かうかもしれないミサイルを日本のレーダーが捕捉した――。

According to the government's current view, however, in cases where a U.S. vessel sailing alongside a Japanese ship comes under attack, the SDF ship is permitted to strike back as a way to defend itself.
 だが、政府の見解では、日米の艦船が並走しているようなときに攻撃を受ければ、自衛艦がみずからを守る名目で、これに反撃できる。

As for the second scenario, Japan's current missile defense system doesn't have the ability to shoot down a missile flying toward the United States.
 さらに、現在のミサイル防衛には、米本土に向かうミサイルを撃ち落とす能力はない。

Moreover, the defense systems of Japan and the United States are already linked closely and strongly.
 一方で、日米の防衛体制はすでに深く結びついている。

In modern warfare, certain kinds of information are crucial for securing a victory, such as the locations of submarines and signs of missile launches and their trajectories, and the two countries share a broad array of such vital information.
例えば、現代戦のゆくえを決するのは、潜水艦の位置や、ミサイル発射の兆候や軌道などの情報だが、日米は多くの情報を共有している。

What, then, does Abe want to realize beyond the current level of bilateral defense cooperation?
 これ以上、いったい何をしたいというのか。

The security situation in East Asia is changing dramatically, and it is probably necessary to adjust the bilateral security cooperation flexibly in response to these changes. But why should that require Japan to commit itself to collective self-defense?
 東アジア情勢は大きく動いている。日米協力のあり方も、状況にあわせて変える必要はあるだろう。だからといって、なぜ集団的自衛権なのか。

Abe's Liberal Democratic Party is seeking to enact a fundamental law for national security that would allow Japan to exercise its right to collective self-defense in a wide range of situations.
 自民党は、その行使を幅広く認める国家安全保障基本法の制定をめざしている。

Is Abe trying to use this legislation to brush aside the constitutional principle of limiting the use of armed force to the minimum necessary for self-defense and the safeguards Japan has built up over the years to protect that principle?
 これによって、憲法が求める「必要最小限の自衛」という原則や、それを具体化するために積み上げてきた数々の歯止めを一気に取り払おうとしているのではないか。

If so, his initiative will only undermine Japan's national interests.
 だとすれば、かえって国益を損なうだけである。

2013/02/11

自宅でできるアフィリエイトライター業

アフィリエイト歴5年以上ですが、昨年の後半に初めて体験いたしました。
そうなると気になるのが税金対策ですね(汗)^^。
日本の主だったアフィリエイトは全部制覇いたしましたが、支払いの素早さではこの会社が一番です。
成功の秘訣は毎日更新するブログを複数でもつことです。
これがなかなか大変なのですが、慣れればなんてことはないのです。
自宅で子供たちに囲まれて楽しく仕事が出来てます^^。


集団的自衛権 安全保障法制を総点検したい

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 10, 2013)
Legal basis for national security must be thoroughly reviewed
集団的自衛権 安全保障法制を総点検したい(2月9日付・読売社説)

When formulating national security policy, it is vital to first think about what should be done, not just what can be done under the current Constitution and laws.
 安全保障政策の立案では、「現行の憲法や法律で何ができるか」にとらわれるだけでなく、「何をすべきか」を優先する発想が肝要だ。

A government advisory panel discussing reconstruction of the legal basis for national security has submitted a report to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has proposed allowing the nation to exercise its right to collective self-defense.
 政府の「安全保障の法的基盤の再構築に関する懇談会」が、集団的自衛権の行使容認を提言する報告書を安倍首相に提出した。

The panel, which was set up by the first Abe administration, compiled the report in June 2008 after Abe left office, and specifics were never worked out. This is a second opportunity for Abe to take up the issue.
 第1次安倍内閣が設置した懇談会は、首相退陣後の2008年6月に報告書をまとめたが、具体化されなかった。安倍首相にとっては今回が「再チャレンジ」だ。

The report is significant in terms of ensuring Japan's security. We want Abe to use it to pave the way for comprehensive legal arrangements.
 日本の安全確保に画期的な意義を持つ報告書であり、本格的な法整備につなげてもらいたい。

The report calls for Japan's exercise of the right to collective self-defense, enabling the nation to counterattack if, for example, U.S. Navy vessels are attacked during joint military drills or if ballistic missiles are fired at the Untied States.
 報告書は、共同訓練中の米軍艦船が攻撃された際や、米国へ弾道ミサイルが発射された際、日本が集団的自衛権を行使し、反撃・迎撃を可能にするよう求めた。

For international peacekeeping operations, the report proposes that the Self-Defense Forces be allowed to use force to defend other countries' troops who come under attack nearby.
 国際平和活動では、近くの他国軍が攻撃された際の「駆けつけ警護」を自衛隊が行えるようにする。

It also seeks a review of the government's current interpretation that logistical support for other countries' militaries constitutes a breach of the Constitution, as such an act is regarded as an integrated part of the use of force by the countries that receive the support.
「武力行使と一体化」する他国軍への後方支援は憲法違反とする政府解釈も見直すとしている。

===

Govt's interpretation bizarre

If Japan refrains from protecting U.S. Navy vessels and intercepting missiles launched against the United States based on the bizarre constitutional interpretation that Japan has the right to collective self-defense but is not allowed to exercise it, the Japan-U.S. alliance will collapse.
 「集団的自衛権を持つが、行使できない」との奇妙な政府の憲法解釈を理由に、日本が米艦防護やミサイル迎撃を見送れば、日米同盟は崩壊する。

The current situation, in which only SDF members are excessively bound by legal restrictions during international peacekeeping missions, should be improved swiftly.
国際平和活動で自衛隊だけが過剰に法的制約を受ける現状も早急に改善すべきだ。

The report also calls for actions such as Cabinet approval of a basic security policy and measures to avoid abuse of the right to collective self-defense, including establishing related laws. The content of the report appears good enough to obtain understanding both at home and abroad.
 報告書は、基本方針の閣議決定、関連法整備などの歯止め措置も提案している。国内外の理解が得られる内容と言える。

Of course, it is no easy task to establish related laws under the divided Diet, in which the ruling camp controls the House of Representatives while opposition parties hold a majority in the House of Councillors. Even New Komeito, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's junior coalition partner, and the Cabinet Legislation Bureau are cautious about a review of the current constitutional interpretation.
 無論、衆参ねじれ国会の下、関連法整備は簡単ではない。公明党や内閣法制局も憲法解釈の見直しには慎重だ。

It is inevitable that specifics of the report will be worked out after this summer's upper house election. However, it is important for the government and ruling parties to discuss the issue thoroughly in advance.
報告書の具体化が夏の参院選後になるのはやむを得ないが、まず政府・与党内でしっかり議論しておくことが大切だ。

===

Narrow legal gap

Meanwhile, Abe has asked the advisory panel to look into security issues that could require legal arrangements, with the exception of four cases already examined by the panel. We view this as an appropriate call to respond to Japan's deteriorated security environment, nearly five years after the report was compiled.
 安倍首相は、報告書で結論が出た4類型以外に、法整備が必要となる安全保障の課題についても検討するよう懇談会に要請した。報告書策定から5年近く経過し、より悪化した日本の安全保障環境に対応するには、適切な判断だ。

Near the Senkaku Islands, the Chinese military has continued provocative acts. It is a high priority for the government to task the SDF with a new territorial defense mission and address such issues as the use of force to narrow the legal gap between the right to policing an area and the right to self-defense.
 尖閣諸島周辺では中国軍の挑発・示威活動が続いている。自衛隊に「領域警備」の新任務を付与し、武器使用のあり方を含め、警察権と自衛権の法律の隙間を埋める作業は優先度が高い。

We also urge the government to consider expanding those protected by Japan's collective self-defense to include not only U.S. military vessels nearby but also those operating in distant waters and U.S. military aircraft.
 集団的自衛権の問題でも、防護対象を、近くにいる米軍艦船だけでなく、離れた海域で活動する艦船や、米軍の航空機などに拡大することも検討していい。

We call on the government to comprehensively examine security issues with the aim of establishing permanent laws, including a fundamental law on national security and others concerning the overseas dispatch of SDF personnel.
 安全保障基本法や自衛隊の海外派遣に関する恒久法の整備に向けて、安保課題を総点検したい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 9, 2013)
(2013年2月9日01時40分  読売新聞)