The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 30, 2012)
Kono's 'comfort women' statement must be reviewed
河野談話 「負の遺産」の見直しは当然だ（8月29日付・読売社説）
South Korean President Lee Myung Bak's recent visit to the Takeshima islands has reignited the so-called comfort women issue.
韓国の李明博大統領の竹島訪問に関連し、いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題が再燃している。
It is undeniable that a 1993 statement by then Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono is the root cause of the controversy. The government should review this statement, prepare a new concept concerning the issue and convey it to the public and the international community.
その根底には、慰安婦問題に関する１９９３年の河野官房長官談話があることは否定できない。政府は、これを見直し、新たな見解を内外に表明すべきである。
At a House of Councillors Budget Committee meeting, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said his administration would adhere to the Kono statement. However, Noda added that the government "was not able to confirm the forcible recruitment [of comfort women] from documents, so the [Kono] statement was based on interviews with comfort women."
野田首相は参院予算委員会で、河野談話を踏襲するとしながらも「強制連行の事実を文書で確認できず、慰安婦への聞き取りから談話ができた」と説明した。
Jin Matsubara, chairman of the National Public Safety Commission, proposed that ministers should debate the comfort women issue from the standpoint of reviewing the Kono statement.
松原国家公安委員長は談話を見直す観点から閣僚間の議論を提起した。
The 1993 statement said: "The recruitment of the comfort women was conducted mainly by private recruiters who acted in response to a request from the military.
河野談話は、慰安婦の募集について「軍の要請を受けた業者が主として当たった」とした上で、
"In many cases they were recruited against their own will, through coaxing, coercion, and so on, and that, at times, administrative and military personnel directly took part in the recruitments."
「本人たちの意思に反して集められた事例が数多くあり、更に、官憲等が直接これに加担したこともあった」と記した。
===
No verification
However, the government could find no documents proving the military or other government authorities forcibly recruited comfort women. The Kono statement was based solely on the statements of former comfort women and there were no investigations to verify their remarks.
しかし、軍や官憲が慰安婦を強制的に連行したことを示す資料は発見できなかった。元慰安婦の証言のみが根拠とされ、これを裏付ける調査も行われていない。
At the time, several South Korean women identified themselves as former comfort women and demanded an apology from the Japanese government. We assume the government took into account Japan's diplomatic relations with South Korea when it issued the Kono statement.
当時、韓国の元慰安婦らが名乗り出て日本政府に謝罪などを求めていた。談話の背景には、外交的配慮もあったのだろう。
However, as a result of the statement, the international community came to believe things that were not true, such as the Imperial Japanese Army systematically and forcibly recruiting women to make them "sex slaves."
結果として、旧日本軍が女性を組織的に強制連行して「性奴隷」にしたといった誤解が、世界に定着した。
The U.S. House of Representatives and the European Parliament adopted resolutions condemning Japan on the comfort women issue, and called on the Japanese government to apologize.
米下院や欧州議会などは慰安婦問題で日本政府の謝罪を求める対日批判決議を採択した。
Up to now, however, no evidence proving the forcible recruitment of comfort women has been found.
だが、その後も、旧日本軍による慰安婦の強制連行を証明する資料は見つかっていない。
When the U.S. House of Representatives was discussing the comfort women issue in March 2007, the Cabinet of then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe approved a written reply to a question posed by a Diet member on the issue. The reply said "descriptions directly indicating forcible recruitments by the military and other government authorities had not been found in documents" unearthed by the government.
米下院で慰安婦問題が取り上げられていた２００７年３月、安倍内閣は「資料には軍や官憲によるいわゆる強制連行を直接示すような記述も見当たらなかった」とする政府答弁書を閣議決定した。
The response clarified the government's stance that documents supporting the Kono statement did not exist, although at the same time it adhered to the statement.
河野談話を継承しつつ、その根拠となる資料は存在しないという立場を明確にしたものだ。
===
'Negative legacy' of LDP
However, if the situation is left unchanged, it will be difficult to dispel the international community's misunderstandings on the comfort women issue.
だが、このままでは国際社会の誤解を払拭することは難しい。
It was reasonable for Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto to call on the government to review the contents of the Kono statement after saying the statement--which was not authorized by the Cabinet--and the 2007 written reply contradict each other. He also said the statement was the "main cause" of Japan-South Korea friction.
大阪市の橋下徹市長が、閣議決定もされていない河野談話と０７年の閣議決定は矛盾しており、河野談話の内容を見直すべきだと述べたのは、もっともである。橋下氏は河野談話を日韓の紛争の「最大の元凶」とも批判している。
The government must take measures to prevent misunderstandings on the comfort women issue from spreading further.
政府は、誤解の拡散を招かぬよう手立てを講じる必要がある。
As there is no conclusive evidence that the Imperial Japanese Army forcibly recruited comfort women, the Noda Cabinet should review the Kono statement--a "negative legacy" of Liberal Democratic Party administrations--and explain the government's stance on the issue to the public and the world in a manner easy to understand.
野田内閣は、旧日本軍による慰安婦強制連行の確証がないことを踏まえ、河野談話という自民党政権時代の「負の遺産」を見直し、日本政府の立場を内外に分かりやすく説明しなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 29, 2012)
（2012年8月29日01時18分 読売新聞）
2012/08/31
2012/08/30
与野党の対立 衆院選改革の放置にあきれる
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 29, 2012)
Failure to address election system reform deplorable
与野党の対立 衆院選改革の放置にあきれる（8月28日付・読売社説）
The current ordinary Diet session closes in less than two weeks and many legislative issues are still pending. Both the ruling and opposition camps must work tirelessly to reach accords on them until the last minute.
通常国会は会期末まで２週間足らずとなった。なお、数多くの懸案が残っている。与野党は、最後まで合意への努力を続けるべきだ。
The biggest concern is that the Diet has yet to realize the House of Representatives' electoral system reform, although the Supreme Court has ruled the current disparity in the weight of votes between the most- and least- represented constituencies is "in a state of unconstitutionality."
最大の懸念は、「違憲状態」と司法が判断した衆院選挙制度の改革が実現しないことである。
The Democratic Party of Japan voted on a DPJ-sponsored election system reform bill in a special lower house committee on Monday in the absence of opposition parties. The DPJ is poised to pass the bill in a plenary session of the lower house on Tuesday.
民主党は、衆院特別委員会で自らが提出した法案を全野党欠席のまま単独で採決し、可決した。２８日に衆院を通過させる構えだ。
The opposition bloc, as a matter of course, has opposed the DPJ's actions.
無論、野党は反発している。
Given that the DPJ will be unable to obtain approval from the opposition that controls the House of Councillors, it is certain the bill will be scrapped when it fails in the upper house. This will leave the state of unconstitutionality unresolved.
参院で多数を占める野党の協力を見込めず、法案の廃案は確実だ。違憲状態を放置するに等しい。
===
DPJ out to put off election
Having the bill hastily approved by the committee is presumably motivated by a desire to shift the blame for failing to achieve electoral reform to the opposition.
それでも民主党が突っ走ったのは、改革が実現しない責任を野党に押しつけたいからだろう。
DPJ Acting Secretary General Shinji Tarutoko has lambasted the opposition parties for "taking a stand even against rectifying the gap in the weight of votes."
実際、樽床伸二幹事長代行は、審議を拒否した野党を「『１票の格差』是正さえやりたくない態度だ」と批判している。
The DPJ, however, has persistently spurned the idea of cutting five single-seat electoral districts before other election system issues. This is the only option the DPJ and the major opposition parties, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, agreed to on the election reform issue. The DPJ should be held responsible for stalling this reform.
だが、民主党は、民自公３党が唯一折り合える格差是正の小選挙区「０増５減」の先行実施を拒み、制度改革を停滞させてきた。
In light of the irresponsibility of the DPJ, the party is not qualified to criticize the opposition. The DPJ has employed the tactic of delaying the legislation in a bid to postpone the lower house dissolution and a general election.
無責任な民主党に野党を批判する資格はない。結局、衆院解散・総選挙の先送り戦術ではないのか。
The DPJ-sponsored bill entails not only a five single-seat constituency cut, but also the reduction of 40 proportional representation seats. It also includes the partial adoption of a seat allocation formula in proportional representation contests favorable to small and midsize parties, which Komeito has demanded.
そもそも民主党の法案は、「０増５減」や比例選定数の４０削減、公明党が主張した比例代表連用制の部分導入を盛り込んでいる。
Electoral system reform based on such a hodgepodge of arguments backed by different parties is unintelligible to the public. Introduction of a seat allocation formula designed to give disproportionately preferential treatment to small and midsize parties may be a constitutional violation, according to some analysts.
各党の言い分をつなぎ合わせた制度は、極めて分かりにくい。中小政党を過剰に優遇する連用制には憲法上の疑義も指摘される。
===
Opposition equally at fault
The LDP is set to submit a censure motion in the upper house against Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda as early as Wednesday.
一方、自民党は２９日にも、野田首相問責決議案を参院に提出する方針だ。
The censure motion will likely pass the upper house by an opposition majority. If the opposition boycotts all Diet deliberations after that, the current session could end with many issues unaddressed.
決議案は野党の賛成多数で可決される見通しで、野党がその後、審議を一切拒否すれば、国会は多くの案件を積み残したまま事実上閉幕することになる。
Citing reasons to censure the prime minister, LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki claims Noda's ability to tackle the problems facing the country "has reached its limit."
自民党の谷垣総裁は首相問責の理由として「日本の課題に対応する能力が限界に来ている」と言う。
However, the opposition is just as responsible for the turmoil in the nation's politics.
ただ、国政の混迷を招いた責任については野党も同罪だろう。
A case in point is a government plan for a bill to issue deficit-covering government bonds.
例えば、赤字国債発行を可能とする特例公債法案だ。
Should the bill fail to pass, it would become impossible, at some point, to implement the state budget. The opposition parties have continued to assert they will not cooperate unless the DPJ commits to an exact date for the dissolution of the lower house.
成立しないと、いずれ予算執行は不可能となる。野党は衆院解散と引き換えでなければ協力しないという。
Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada has said, "There is a possibility of a power change [in the next general election] and the opposition should stop these maneuvers."
岡田副総理は、「与野党が代わることもある。こんなやり方はいいかげんにやめた方がいい」と指摘した。
While Okada is right, the DPJ should remember that, when it sat in opposition, it also used budget-related bills, including one to issue deficit-covering bonds, as bargaining chips.
その通りだが、民主党こそ野党時代に特例公債法案など予算関連法案を駆け引きの材料としたことを忘れてはならない。
If the censure motion is passed by the LDP, Komeito and other opposition parties, the relationship of trust between the DPJ and the two major opposition parties would almost certainly collapse.
自公両党などによって問責決議案が可決されれば、これまで構築してきた民自公路線は崩壊する。
A censure motion, which has no binding power, must never be exploited in a power struggle.
法的効力のない問責決議を政争に使うべきではない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 28, 2012)
（2012年8月28日01時45分 読売新聞）
Failure to address election system reform deplorable
与野党の対立 衆院選改革の放置にあきれる（8月28日付・読売社説）
The current ordinary Diet session closes in less than two weeks and many legislative issues are still pending. Both the ruling and opposition camps must work tirelessly to reach accords on them until the last minute.
通常国会は会期末まで２週間足らずとなった。なお、数多くの懸案が残っている。与野党は、最後まで合意への努力を続けるべきだ。
The biggest concern is that the Diet has yet to realize the House of Representatives' electoral system reform, although the Supreme Court has ruled the current disparity in the weight of votes between the most- and least- represented constituencies is "in a state of unconstitutionality."
最大の懸念は、「違憲状態」と司法が判断した衆院選挙制度の改革が実現しないことである。
The Democratic Party of Japan voted on a DPJ-sponsored election system reform bill in a special lower house committee on Monday in the absence of opposition parties. The DPJ is poised to pass the bill in a plenary session of the lower house on Tuesday.
民主党は、衆院特別委員会で自らが提出した法案を全野党欠席のまま単独で採決し、可決した。２８日に衆院を通過させる構えだ。
The opposition bloc, as a matter of course, has opposed the DPJ's actions.
無論、野党は反発している。
Given that the DPJ will be unable to obtain approval from the opposition that controls the House of Councillors, it is certain the bill will be scrapped when it fails in the upper house. This will leave the state of unconstitutionality unresolved.
参院で多数を占める野党の協力を見込めず、法案の廃案は確実だ。違憲状態を放置するに等しい。
===
DPJ out to put off election
Having the bill hastily approved by the committee is presumably motivated by a desire to shift the blame for failing to achieve electoral reform to the opposition.
それでも民主党が突っ走ったのは、改革が実現しない責任を野党に押しつけたいからだろう。
DPJ Acting Secretary General Shinji Tarutoko has lambasted the opposition parties for "taking a stand even against rectifying the gap in the weight of votes."
実際、樽床伸二幹事長代行は、審議を拒否した野党を「『１票の格差』是正さえやりたくない態度だ」と批判している。
The DPJ, however, has persistently spurned the idea of cutting five single-seat electoral districts before other election system issues. This is the only option the DPJ and the major opposition parties, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, agreed to on the election reform issue. The DPJ should be held responsible for stalling this reform.
だが、民主党は、民自公３党が唯一折り合える格差是正の小選挙区「０増５減」の先行実施を拒み、制度改革を停滞させてきた。
In light of the irresponsibility of the DPJ, the party is not qualified to criticize the opposition. The DPJ has employed the tactic of delaying the legislation in a bid to postpone the lower house dissolution and a general election.
無責任な民主党に野党を批判する資格はない。結局、衆院解散・総選挙の先送り戦術ではないのか。
The DPJ-sponsored bill entails not only a five single-seat constituency cut, but also the reduction of 40 proportional representation seats. It also includes the partial adoption of a seat allocation formula in proportional representation contests favorable to small and midsize parties, which Komeito has demanded.
そもそも民主党の法案は、「０増５減」や比例選定数の４０削減、公明党が主張した比例代表連用制の部分導入を盛り込んでいる。
Electoral system reform based on such a hodgepodge of arguments backed by different parties is unintelligible to the public. Introduction of a seat allocation formula designed to give disproportionately preferential treatment to small and midsize parties may be a constitutional violation, according to some analysts.
各党の言い分をつなぎ合わせた制度は、極めて分かりにくい。中小政党を過剰に優遇する連用制には憲法上の疑義も指摘される。
===
Opposition equally at fault
The LDP is set to submit a censure motion in the upper house against Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda as early as Wednesday.
一方、自民党は２９日にも、野田首相問責決議案を参院に提出する方針だ。
The censure motion will likely pass the upper house by an opposition majority. If the opposition boycotts all Diet deliberations after that, the current session could end with many issues unaddressed.
決議案は野党の賛成多数で可決される見通しで、野党がその後、審議を一切拒否すれば、国会は多くの案件を積み残したまま事実上閉幕することになる。
Citing reasons to censure the prime minister, LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki claims Noda's ability to tackle the problems facing the country "has reached its limit."
自民党の谷垣総裁は首相問責の理由として「日本の課題に対応する能力が限界に来ている」と言う。
However, the opposition is just as responsible for the turmoil in the nation's politics.
ただ、国政の混迷を招いた責任については野党も同罪だろう。
A case in point is a government plan for a bill to issue deficit-covering government bonds.
例えば、赤字国債発行を可能とする特例公債法案だ。
Should the bill fail to pass, it would become impossible, at some point, to implement the state budget. The opposition parties have continued to assert they will not cooperate unless the DPJ commits to an exact date for the dissolution of the lower house.
成立しないと、いずれ予算執行は不可能となる。野党は衆院解散と引き換えでなければ協力しないという。
Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada has said, "There is a possibility of a power change [in the next general election] and the opposition should stop these maneuvers."
岡田副総理は、「与野党が代わることもある。こんなやり方はいいかげんにやめた方がいい」と指摘した。
While Okada is right, the DPJ should remember that, when it sat in opposition, it also used budget-related bills, including one to issue deficit-covering bonds, as bargaining chips.
その通りだが、民主党こそ野党時代に特例公債法案など予算関連法案を駆け引きの材料としたことを忘れてはならない。
If the censure motion is passed by the LDP, Komeito and other opposition parties, the relationship of trust between the DPJ and the two major opposition parties would almost certainly collapse.
自公両党などによって問責決議案が可決されれば、これまで構築してきた民自公路線は崩壊する。
A censure motion, which has no binding power, must never be exploited in a power struggle.
法的効力のない問責決議を政争に使うべきではない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 28, 2012)
（2012年8月28日01時45分 読売新聞）
2012/08/29
北極海開発 日本の発言権をどう確保する
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 28, 2012)
Japan needs to gain voice in Arctic Ocean development
北極海開発 日本の発言権をどう確保する（8月27日付・読売社説）
Countries such as Russia and Canada are maneuvering more actively to stake out advantageous positions in using the Arctic Ocean for shipping routes and in developing natural resources there. Japan also should become actively engaged in drafting rules on developing the Arctic Ocean.
北極海の航路利用や資源開発を巡って、ロシアやカナダなどの駆け引きが活発化している。日本も、北極海のルール作りに積極的に関与していくことが必要だ。
Though long covered with thick ice, the Arctic Ocean recently has attracted attention as its ice is rapidly melting due to global warming.
厚い氷に閉ざされていた北極海は、地球温暖化に伴う海氷の融解で注目を集めるようになった。
The ocean's shipping routes, possible only in summer, have elicited interest as they are the shortest way to link Asian countries--the world's growth center--and Europe. Not only oil and natural gas but also gold, copper, nickel and other minerals are believed to be in abundance below the Arctic seabed.
夏場に利用が可能となる北極海航路は、世界の成長センターのアジアと欧州をつなぐ最短輸送路として期待される。さらに北極海の海底には、石油・天然ガスのほか、金や銅、ニッケルなどの鉱物も豊富に眠っているとされる。
The Antarctic Treaty has frozen territorial claims in the Antarctic continent and surrounding seas and prohibits military use of the area, but there is no such treaty for the Arctic Ocean.
北極海には各国の領有権主張の凍結と軍事利用禁止を定めた南極条約のような取り決めがない。
Due to the lack of an international treaty, eight countries--the United States, Russia and other coastal nations--and indigenous minorities make up the Arctic Council, a forum to discuss rules on use of the Arctic Ocean.
このため、米露など沿岸諸国を中心とする８か国と少数先住民団体で構成する協議機関「北極評議会」が、北極海の利用に関するルールを話し合う場になる。
===
Blatant moves by China
Meanwhile, China's moves are a cause of concern. Like Japan, China does not border the Arctic Ocean. Nonetheless, China considers shipping routes and natural resources there among its maritime interests and is trying to increase its influence over the ocean as a national strategy.
目が離せないのは、中国の動きだ。日本と同様に非沿岸国でありながら、北極海の航路や資源などの利用を自国の「海洋権益」と位置づけ、国家戦略として影響力拡大を図っているからだ。
China's large icebreaker Xuelong has been on a research voyage in the ocean since early July. It took a shipping route north of Russia and in mid-August became the first Chinese ship to traverse the Arctic Ocean.
今年は７月初めから、大型の砕氷船「雪竜号」で調査航海に出航し、８月中旬には、中国として初めて、ロシア北側の北極海航路の横断に成功した。
Beijing is also actively undertaking summit diplomacy with member nations of the council. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited Sweden, which currently chairs the council, and Iceland in April, while President Hu Jintao visited Denmark in June. They were able to reach agreements with leaders of those countries to enhance bilateral relations.
評議会加盟国に対する首脳外交も活発だ。温家宝首相が４月に、現議長国スウェーデンとアイスランドを歴訪した。胡錦濤国家主席も６月にデンマークを訪れ、それぞれ関係強化で一致した。
However, the efforts by China, which has a massive military force, to promote its maritime interests in the ocean are so blatant that other countries have become vigilant.
強大な軍事力をもつ中国の露骨な権益獲得の動きは、関係国に警戒感を抱かせるのに十分だ。
Utilization of the Arctic Ocean also is essential for the growth of the Japanese economy. Nonetheless, it is apparent Japan has started out late in the game.
北極海の利用は日本経済の発展にとっても欠かせない。にもかかわらず、日本の出遅れが目立っているのはどういうことか。
===
Join Arctic Council
Three years ago, the Japanese government applied to the Arctic Council to obtain observer status. China and South Korea completed such applications ahead of this country.
日本政府は３年前、北極評議会にオブザーバー参加することを申請した。中国や韓国は日本に先駆けて申請済みだ。
How much a country contributes to the council's activities is said to determine approval as an observer. We think the government first should join the council as an observer and then enhance its information gathering activities to secure a voice there. The nation must accelerate its preparations to deal with issues concerning the Arctic Ocean.
評議会の活動への貢献度がオブザーバー承認のカギを握っているとされる。政府はまず、オブザーバー加盟を果たして情報収集を強化し、発言権の確保に力を入れるべきだ。北極海に取り組む態勢整備を急がねばならない。
The government also must promote summit diplomacy to strengthen Japan's relations with Russia and northern European countries. Japan also needs to undertake full-fledged research activities in the ocean.
首脳外交の推進によるロシアや北欧諸国との関係強化も重要だ。北極海の調査活動に本格的に乗り出す必要がある。
It is unavoidable that the Chinese and Russian navies will become more active in seas north of Japan. The government will need to discuss with the United States how to build up Japan's defenses against them.
日本の北方で中露海軍の活動が活発化するのは必至だ。防衛態勢をどう構築するか、米国との調整も今後の検討課題となろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 27, 2012)
（2012年8月27日01時27分 読売新聞）
Japan needs to gain voice in Arctic Ocean development
北極海開発 日本の発言権をどう確保する（8月27日付・読売社説）
Countries such as Russia and Canada are maneuvering more actively to stake out advantageous positions in using the Arctic Ocean for shipping routes and in developing natural resources there. Japan also should become actively engaged in drafting rules on developing the Arctic Ocean.
北極海の航路利用や資源開発を巡って、ロシアやカナダなどの駆け引きが活発化している。日本も、北極海のルール作りに積極的に関与していくことが必要だ。
Though long covered with thick ice, the Arctic Ocean recently has attracted attention as its ice is rapidly melting due to global warming.
厚い氷に閉ざされていた北極海は、地球温暖化に伴う海氷の融解で注目を集めるようになった。
The ocean's shipping routes, possible only in summer, have elicited interest as they are the shortest way to link Asian countries--the world's growth center--and Europe. Not only oil and natural gas but also gold, copper, nickel and other minerals are believed to be in abundance below the Arctic seabed.
夏場に利用が可能となる北極海航路は、世界の成長センターのアジアと欧州をつなぐ最短輸送路として期待される。さらに北極海の海底には、石油・天然ガスのほか、金や銅、ニッケルなどの鉱物も豊富に眠っているとされる。
The Antarctic Treaty has frozen territorial claims in the Antarctic continent and surrounding seas and prohibits military use of the area, but there is no such treaty for the Arctic Ocean.
北極海には各国の領有権主張の凍結と軍事利用禁止を定めた南極条約のような取り決めがない。
Due to the lack of an international treaty, eight countries--the United States, Russia and other coastal nations--and indigenous minorities make up the Arctic Council, a forum to discuss rules on use of the Arctic Ocean.
このため、米露など沿岸諸国を中心とする８か国と少数先住民団体で構成する協議機関「北極評議会」が、北極海の利用に関するルールを話し合う場になる。
===
Blatant moves by China
Meanwhile, China's moves are a cause of concern. Like Japan, China does not border the Arctic Ocean. Nonetheless, China considers shipping routes and natural resources there among its maritime interests and is trying to increase its influence over the ocean as a national strategy.
目が離せないのは、中国の動きだ。日本と同様に非沿岸国でありながら、北極海の航路や資源などの利用を自国の「海洋権益」と位置づけ、国家戦略として影響力拡大を図っているからだ。
China's large icebreaker Xuelong has been on a research voyage in the ocean since early July. It took a shipping route north of Russia and in mid-August became the first Chinese ship to traverse the Arctic Ocean.
今年は７月初めから、大型の砕氷船「雪竜号」で調査航海に出航し、８月中旬には、中国として初めて、ロシア北側の北極海航路の横断に成功した。
Beijing is also actively undertaking summit diplomacy with member nations of the council. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited Sweden, which currently chairs the council, and Iceland in April, while President Hu Jintao visited Denmark in June. They were able to reach agreements with leaders of those countries to enhance bilateral relations.
評議会加盟国に対する首脳外交も活発だ。温家宝首相が４月に、現議長国スウェーデンとアイスランドを歴訪した。胡錦濤国家主席も６月にデンマークを訪れ、それぞれ関係強化で一致した。
However, the efforts by China, which has a massive military force, to promote its maritime interests in the ocean are so blatant that other countries have become vigilant.
強大な軍事力をもつ中国の露骨な権益獲得の動きは、関係国に警戒感を抱かせるのに十分だ。
Utilization of the Arctic Ocean also is essential for the growth of the Japanese economy. Nonetheless, it is apparent Japan has started out late in the game.
北極海の利用は日本経済の発展にとっても欠かせない。にもかかわらず、日本の出遅れが目立っているのはどういうことか。
===
Join Arctic Council
Three years ago, the Japanese government applied to the Arctic Council to obtain observer status. China and South Korea completed such applications ahead of this country.
日本政府は３年前、北極評議会にオブザーバー参加することを申請した。中国や韓国は日本に先駆けて申請済みだ。
How much a country contributes to the council's activities is said to determine approval as an observer. We think the government first should join the council as an observer and then enhance its information gathering activities to secure a voice there. The nation must accelerate its preparations to deal with issues concerning the Arctic Ocean.
評議会の活動への貢献度がオブザーバー承認のカギを握っているとされる。政府はまず、オブザーバー加盟を果たして情報収集を強化し、発言権の確保に力を入れるべきだ。北極海に取り組む態勢整備を急がねばならない。
The government also must promote summit diplomacy to strengthen Japan's relations with Russia and northern European countries. Japan also needs to undertake full-fledged research activities in the ocean.
首脳外交の推進によるロシアや北欧諸国との関係強化も重要だ。北極海の調査活動に本格的に乗り出す必要がある。
It is unavoidable that the Chinese and Russian navies will become more active in seas north of Japan. The government will need to discuss with the United States how to build up Japan's defenses against them.
日本の北方で中露海軍の活動が活発化するのは必至だ。防衛態勢をどう構築するか、米国との調整も今後の検討課題となろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 27, 2012)
（2012年8月27日01時27分 読売新聞）
2012/08/28
エネルギー選択 「意識調査」はあくまで参考に
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 27, 2012)
Don't take results of nuclear power surveys too seriously
エネルギー選択 「意識調査」はあくまで参考に（8月26日付・読売社説）
It is problematic to decide the nation's energy strategy, which affects the fate of Japan, through an approach that resembles a popularity contest.
国の命運を左右するエネルギー戦略を、人気投票のような手法で決めるのは問題である。
Since the outbreak of the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, a considerable number of people are demanding the nation break away from its dependence on nuclear energy.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故を受け、「脱原発」を求める声は少なくない。
Securing the safety of nuclear power plants is of course important. However, factors such as economic efficiency and a stable energy supply are also important in deciding the nation's energy policy. As a country poor in natural resources, Japan needs to have various sources of electricity, including nuclear power plants, to ensure a stable power supply.
だが、エネルギー政策では、原発の安全性に加えて、経済性や安定供給なども重要だ。資源小国の日本が電力を安定確保するには、原発を含む多様な電源が要る。
Thus the government should promote a realistic energy policy of utilizing nuclear power plants from a mid- and long-term standpoint.
政府は、原発を中長期的に活用するという現実的なエネルギー政策を推進すべきである。
The government recently released the results of multiple surveys that asked the public to choose from three scenarios on the percentage of nuclear power generation in 2030: zero percent of all power generation, 15 percent, and 20 percent to 25 percent.
２０３０年の電源に占める原子力発電の比率を「０％」「１５％」「２０～２５％」とする三つの選択肢について、政府が行った複数の意識調査の結果がまとまった。
The government conducted 11 public hearings, solicited public comments and held a deliberative opinion poll. In all three methods, those who chose the zero percent scenario outnumbered those who selected the other two.
１１回の「意見聴取会」と「パブリックコメント（意見公募）」、新たな手法の「討論型世論調査」は、いずれの調査も「原発０％」の支持が最多だった。
===
Avoid slipping into populism
However, it is too early to conclude that the results truly reflect public opinion on the nation's nuclear energy policy.
ただし、この結果をもって原発政策に関する“世論”が示されたと考えるのは早計だろう。
Many people who participate in public hearings and submit comments are eager to express their opinions on the nuclear power plant issue. They tend to prefer a nuclear-free future.
意見聴取会やパブリックコメントの参加者は、原発問題で積極的に意見を言いたい人が多いため、脱原発に偏る傾向がある。
A random telephone survey was conducted in the first stage of the deliberative opinion poll, and respondents were asked if they wished to participate in the following discussion stage. Only about 300 people participated in the second stage.
討論型世論調査も、最初の電話調査は無作為抽出だが、その後の討論会は希望者参加で、人数も約３００人と少なかった。
It is important for politicians to listen to the voices of the people. However, there is a risk that politicians may slip into populism, depending on how much they rely on public opinion.
政治が国民の意見を聴くのは大切だが、受け止め方によっては、場当たり的な大衆迎合主義（ポピュリズム）に陥る恐れがある。
A member of an expert panel tasked with analyzing the results of the surveys said, "We don't need politics if opinion polls decide everything."
調査結果を分析する政府の有識者会議では、「世論調査だけで物事が決まるなら、政治は不要だ」といった意見も出た。
The results of the surveys should be used as one element in discussing the nation's nuclear policy. The government should avoid having the results directly influence its energy policy.
これらの調査結果はあくまで参考にとどめ、政策へのダイレクトな反映は避けるべきだろう。
===
Risks of zero percent scenario
Meanwhile, the surveys also highlighted a problem the government has to tackle. In the deliberative opinion poll, 41 percent of respondents supported the zero percent scenario before the discussion, but the figure increased to 47 percent after the discussion.
一方、政府にとっての課題も判明した。討論型世論調査で「原発０％」の支持は、討論前の４１％から討論後は４７％に上昇した。
At the same time, the percentage of people who gave top priority to "securing safety" in the nation's energy policy increased after the discussion to about 80 percent. This change seems to be the reason why the number of people who chose the zero percent scenario increased.
エネルギー政策で、「安全の確保」を最重視する人が、討論前より増え、最終的に８割に達したことが影響したようだ。
However, everyone is highly concerned about the safety of the energy supply. We assume that was the reason only a low percentage of respondents chose "stable energy supply" and "prevention of global warming."
ただ、誰しも「安全」への関心が高いため、「安定供給」や「地球温暖化防止」を選ぶ比率が低くなったのではないか。
If all nuclear power plants were abolished in the nation, it would slow down the economy, resulting in higher unemployment and poverty. Ordinary citizens would be hit hardest, but strangely, understanding of this fact has yet to spread among the public.
原発ゼロでは、日本経済が失速し、失業増や貧困拡大を招く。最大の被害者は国民だが、なぜかこうした認識は浸透していない。
Along with beefing up its efforts to enhance the safety of nuclear power plants, the government must provide information to citizens that helps them choose appropriate scenarios for the nation's future energy policy.
政府は原発の安全性向上に一層努めるとともに、的確なエネルギー選択に資する情報を、国民に提供することが求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 26, 2012)
（2012年8月26日01時28分 読売新聞）
Don't take results of nuclear power surveys too seriously
エネルギー選択 「意識調査」はあくまで参考に（8月26日付・読売社説）
It is problematic to decide the nation's energy strategy, which affects the fate of Japan, through an approach that resembles a popularity contest.
国の命運を左右するエネルギー戦略を、人気投票のような手法で決めるのは問題である。
Since the outbreak of the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, a considerable number of people are demanding the nation break away from its dependence on nuclear energy.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故を受け、「脱原発」を求める声は少なくない。
Securing the safety of nuclear power plants is of course important. However, factors such as economic efficiency and a stable energy supply are also important in deciding the nation's energy policy. As a country poor in natural resources, Japan needs to have various sources of electricity, including nuclear power plants, to ensure a stable power supply.
だが、エネルギー政策では、原発の安全性に加えて、経済性や安定供給なども重要だ。資源小国の日本が電力を安定確保するには、原発を含む多様な電源が要る。
Thus the government should promote a realistic energy policy of utilizing nuclear power plants from a mid- and long-term standpoint.
政府は、原発を中長期的に活用するという現実的なエネルギー政策を推進すべきである。
The government recently released the results of multiple surveys that asked the public to choose from three scenarios on the percentage of nuclear power generation in 2030: zero percent of all power generation, 15 percent, and 20 percent to 25 percent.
２０３０年の電源に占める原子力発電の比率を「０％」「１５％」「２０～２５％」とする三つの選択肢について、政府が行った複数の意識調査の結果がまとまった。
The government conducted 11 public hearings, solicited public comments and held a deliberative opinion poll. In all three methods, those who chose the zero percent scenario outnumbered those who selected the other two.
１１回の「意見聴取会」と「パブリックコメント（意見公募）」、新たな手法の「討論型世論調査」は、いずれの調査も「原発０％」の支持が最多だった。
===
Avoid slipping into populism
However, it is too early to conclude that the results truly reflect public opinion on the nation's nuclear energy policy.
ただし、この結果をもって原発政策に関する“世論”が示されたと考えるのは早計だろう。
Many people who participate in public hearings and submit comments are eager to express their opinions on the nuclear power plant issue. They tend to prefer a nuclear-free future.
意見聴取会やパブリックコメントの参加者は、原発問題で積極的に意見を言いたい人が多いため、脱原発に偏る傾向がある。
A random telephone survey was conducted in the first stage of the deliberative opinion poll, and respondents were asked if they wished to participate in the following discussion stage. Only about 300 people participated in the second stage.
討論型世論調査も、最初の電話調査は無作為抽出だが、その後の討論会は希望者参加で、人数も約３００人と少なかった。
It is important for politicians to listen to the voices of the people. However, there is a risk that politicians may slip into populism, depending on how much they rely on public opinion.
政治が国民の意見を聴くのは大切だが、受け止め方によっては、場当たり的な大衆迎合主義（ポピュリズム）に陥る恐れがある。
A member of an expert panel tasked with analyzing the results of the surveys said, "We don't need politics if opinion polls decide everything."
調査結果を分析する政府の有識者会議では、「世論調査だけで物事が決まるなら、政治は不要だ」といった意見も出た。
The results of the surveys should be used as one element in discussing the nation's nuclear policy. The government should avoid having the results directly influence its energy policy.
これらの調査結果はあくまで参考にとどめ、政策へのダイレクトな反映は避けるべきだろう。
===
Risks of zero percent scenario
Meanwhile, the surveys also highlighted a problem the government has to tackle. In the deliberative opinion poll, 41 percent of respondents supported the zero percent scenario before the discussion, but the figure increased to 47 percent after the discussion.
一方、政府にとっての課題も判明した。討論型世論調査で「原発０％」の支持は、討論前の４１％から討論後は４７％に上昇した。
At the same time, the percentage of people who gave top priority to "securing safety" in the nation's energy policy increased after the discussion to about 80 percent. This change seems to be the reason why the number of people who chose the zero percent scenario increased.
エネルギー政策で、「安全の確保」を最重視する人が、討論前より増え、最終的に８割に達したことが影響したようだ。
However, everyone is highly concerned about the safety of the energy supply. We assume that was the reason only a low percentage of respondents chose "stable energy supply" and "prevention of global warming."
ただ、誰しも「安全」への関心が高いため、「安定供給」や「地球温暖化防止」を選ぶ比率が低くなったのではないか。
If all nuclear power plants were abolished in the nation, it would slow down the economy, resulting in higher unemployment and poverty. Ordinary citizens would be hit hardest, but strangely, understanding of this fact has yet to spread among the public.
原発ゼロでは、日本経済が失速し、失業増や貧困拡大を招く。最大の被害者は国民だが、なぜかこうした認識は浸透していない。
Along with beefing up its efforts to enhance the safety of nuclear power plants, the government must provide information to citizens that helps them choose appropriate scenarios for the nation's future energy policy.
政府は原発の安全性向上に一層努めるとともに、的確なエネルギー選択に資する情報を、国民に提供することが求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 26, 2012)
（2012年8月26日01時28分 読売新聞）
2012/08/27
首相「領土」会見 国際社会へ反転攻勢の一歩に
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 26, 2012)
Govt must stress sovereignty over isles to intl community
首相「領土」会見 国際社会へ反転攻勢の一歩に（8月25日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda held a press conference Friday on the dispute involving the Takeshima islands and other territorial issues. This occasion should pave the way for Japan to take the offensive in seeking understanding of the issues both at home and abroad.
竹島などの領土問題で日本が国内外の理解を求めて反転攻勢に出る一歩とすべきだ。
Noda said at the press conference, "We'll deal with the issues calmly but uncompromisingly with unwavering determination."
野田首相が領土に関し記者会見し、「毅然(きぜん)とした態度で、冷静沈着に不退転の覚悟で臨む」と述べた。
"They're Japanese territory both historically and under international law," he said, referring to the Takeshima islands. "In keeping with international law and justice, the proper path is to hold debates and settle the matter at the International Court of Justice."
竹島については、「歴史的にも国際法上も日本の領土だ」と明言した。さらに、「国際社会の法と正義に照らして、国際司法裁判所の法廷で議論を戦わせ、決着をつけるのが王道だ」と強調した。
We consider it highly significant that the prime minister stated explicitly that his government will protect the nation's sovereignty over the islets.
首相が、国の主権を守ると正面から訴えたのは画期的である。
South Korea has reinforced its illegal occupation of the Takeshima islands through such actions as building a structure there. Japan protested the actions, but it is hard to say that Tokyo has taken effective countermeasures.
韓国が竹島に建造物を勝手に建設するなど、不法占拠を着々と強化してきたのに対し、日本は抗議はするものの、有効な対抗策を講じてきたとは言えない。
===
Take advantage of legal action
It is vital for Japan to make the legitimacy of its territorial claim and the reasoning behind it widely known to the international community by taking the dispute to the international court. The government also needs to make efforts to help as many people as possible properly understand the Takeshima issue by explaining it thoroughly.
今回の提訴を機に、日本の領有権の正当性や根拠を国際社会に幅広くアピールすることが大切だ。国内でも、竹島問題に関する過去の経緯を詳しく説明し、より多くの国民が正しい認識を共有するよう努める必要がある。
Noda also spoke about the recent illegal landing on the Senkaku Islands by Hong Kong activists. "The government will make every effort to strengthen the nation's information-gathering ability and take all possible measures to improve its policing and surveillance capabilities in the surrounding waters" to prevent such incidents in the future, he said.
首相は、香港活動家が不法上陸した尖閣諸島について、再発防止へ、「政府の総力を挙げて情報収集を強化し、周辺海域の監視・警戒に万全を期す」と語った。
To maintain and stably manage the Senkaku Islands, which are under Japan's effective control, the government faces the urgent task of nationalizing the islets. To that end, it is important to closely cooperate with the Tokyo metropolitan government, which plans to purchase the islands.
日本が実効支配する尖閣諸島に関しては、より安定した維持・管理ができるよう国有化の実現が急務だ。島を購入する予定の東京都との緊密な連携が重要である。
The government must not fail to strengthen the abilities of the Japan Coast Guard and the Maritime Self-Defense Force to swiftly respond to illegal landings on the islands and intrusions into Japan's territorial waters by foreign countries.
他国による不法上陸や領海侵犯などに迅速に対処するため、海上保安庁や海上自衛隊の体制を強化することも怠ってはならない。
===
Noda letter not re-sent
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry has decided not to resend the personal letter from Noda to South Korean President Lee Myung Bak that South Korea rejected and returned to the ministry by mail.
外務省は、韓国側から返送された首相の李明博大統領宛て親書を受理し、再送はしなかった。
Returning a personal letter from a national leader is unusual and considered disrespectful. However, we can understand the decision by Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba and other government officials to accept the returned letter, considering "the dignity" of Japanese diplomacy. The decision was based on the logic that Noda's message, which calls Lee's visit to Takeshima regrettable, has been conveyed to Seoul.
首脳の親書の返送は異例かつ非礼だが、大統領の竹島訪問を遺憾とする首相のメッセージが伝わった以上、「外交の品位」を考えて受理するという玄葉外相らの大局的な判断は理解できる。
The House of Representatives on Friday adopted a resolution condemning Lee's visit to Takeshima and his remarks seeking the Emperor's apology to Koreans who died while fighting for Korea's independence. The resolution demands that South Korea halt its illegal occupation of the islands and Lee withdraw the remarks about the Emperor. The remarks have sparked criticism not only in Japan but also in South Korea. Seeking the withdrawal is reasonable.
衆院は、大統領の竹島訪問と天皇陛下「謝罪要求」発言に抗議する決議を採択した。韓国による竹島の不法占拠の停止や、発言の撤回を求めている。大統領発言には、日本だけでなく、韓国国内でも批判があり、撤回要求は当然だ。
We view the resolution as well-balanced because, among other things, it calls South Korea a vital neighboring country of Japan. However, it is disappointing that the resolution was not approved unanimously as the Japanese Communist Party, the Social Democratic Party and others opposed it.
決議は、韓国を「重要な隣国」と位置づけるなど、バランスのとれた内容だ。共産、社民両党などが賛成せず、全会一致とならなかったのは残念である。
Japan and South Korea share common security interests on such issues as North Korea's nuclear program. We urge Seoul to handle the territorial issue with a cool head without losing sight of the broader significance of the two countries' relations.
日韓両国は、北朝鮮の核問題など安全保障分野でも利害を共有している。韓国には、日韓関係の大局を見失わず、「大人の対応」をするよう求めたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 25, 2012)
（2012年8月25日01時29分 読売新聞）
Govt must stress sovereignty over isles to intl community
首相「領土」会見 国際社会へ反転攻勢の一歩に（8月25日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda held a press conference Friday on the dispute involving the Takeshima islands and other territorial issues. This occasion should pave the way for Japan to take the offensive in seeking understanding of the issues both at home and abroad.
竹島などの領土問題で日本が国内外の理解を求めて反転攻勢に出る一歩とすべきだ。
Noda said at the press conference, "We'll deal with the issues calmly but uncompromisingly with unwavering determination."
野田首相が領土に関し記者会見し、「毅然(きぜん)とした態度で、冷静沈着に不退転の覚悟で臨む」と述べた。
"They're Japanese territory both historically and under international law," he said, referring to the Takeshima islands. "In keeping with international law and justice, the proper path is to hold debates and settle the matter at the International Court of Justice."
竹島については、「歴史的にも国際法上も日本の領土だ」と明言した。さらに、「国際社会の法と正義に照らして、国際司法裁判所の法廷で議論を戦わせ、決着をつけるのが王道だ」と強調した。
We consider it highly significant that the prime minister stated explicitly that his government will protect the nation's sovereignty over the islets.
首相が、国の主権を守ると正面から訴えたのは画期的である。
South Korea has reinforced its illegal occupation of the Takeshima islands through such actions as building a structure there. Japan protested the actions, but it is hard to say that Tokyo has taken effective countermeasures.
韓国が竹島に建造物を勝手に建設するなど、不法占拠を着々と強化してきたのに対し、日本は抗議はするものの、有効な対抗策を講じてきたとは言えない。
===
Take advantage of legal action
It is vital for Japan to make the legitimacy of its territorial claim and the reasoning behind it widely known to the international community by taking the dispute to the international court. The government also needs to make efforts to help as many people as possible properly understand the Takeshima issue by explaining it thoroughly.
今回の提訴を機に、日本の領有権の正当性や根拠を国際社会に幅広くアピールすることが大切だ。国内でも、竹島問題に関する過去の経緯を詳しく説明し、より多くの国民が正しい認識を共有するよう努める必要がある。
Noda also spoke about the recent illegal landing on the Senkaku Islands by Hong Kong activists. "The government will make every effort to strengthen the nation's information-gathering ability and take all possible measures to improve its policing and surveillance capabilities in the surrounding waters" to prevent such incidents in the future, he said.
首相は、香港活動家が不法上陸した尖閣諸島について、再発防止へ、「政府の総力を挙げて情報収集を強化し、周辺海域の監視・警戒に万全を期す」と語った。
To maintain and stably manage the Senkaku Islands, which are under Japan's effective control, the government faces the urgent task of nationalizing the islets. To that end, it is important to closely cooperate with the Tokyo metropolitan government, which plans to purchase the islands.
日本が実効支配する尖閣諸島に関しては、より安定した維持・管理ができるよう国有化の実現が急務だ。島を購入する予定の東京都との緊密な連携が重要である。
The government must not fail to strengthen the abilities of the Japan Coast Guard and the Maritime Self-Defense Force to swiftly respond to illegal landings on the islands and intrusions into Japan's territorial waters by foreign countries.
他国による不法上陸や領海侵犯などに迅速に対処するため、海上保安庁や海上自衛隊の体制を強化することも怠ってはならない。
===
Noda letter not re-sent
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry has decided not to resend the personal letter from Noda to South Korean President Lee Myung Bak that South Korea rejected and returned to the ministry by mail.
外務省は、韓国側から返送された首相の李明博大統領宛て親書を受理し、再送はしなかった。
Returning a personal letter from a national leader is unusual and considered disrespectful. However, we can understand the decision by Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba and other government officials to accept the returned letter, considering "the dignity" of Japanese diplomacy. The decision was based on the logic that Noda's message, which calls Lee's visit to Takeshima regrettable, has been conveyed to Seoul.
首脳の親書の返送は異例かつ非礼だが、大統領の竹島訪問を遺憾とする首相のメッセージが伝わった以上、「外交の品位」を考えて受理するという玄葉外相らの大局的な判断は理解できる。
The House of Representatives on Friday adopted a resolution condemning Lee's visit to Takeshima and his remarks seeking the Emperor's apology to Koreans who died while fighting for Korea's independence. The resolution demands that South Korea halt its illegal occupation of the islands and Lee withdraw the remarks about the Emperor. The remarks have sparked criticism not only in Japan but also in South Korea. Seeking the withdrawal is reasonable.
衆院は、大統領の竹島訪問と天皇陛下「謝罪要求」発言に抗議する決議を採択した。韓国による竹島の不法占拠の停止や、発言の撤回を求めている。大統領発言には、日本だけでなく、韓国国内でも批判があり、撤回要求は当然だ。
We view the resolution as well-balanced because, among other things, it calls South Korea a vital neighboring country of Japan. However, it is disappointing that the resolution was not approved unanimously as the Japanese Communist Party, the Social Democratic Party and others opposed it.
決議は、韓国を「重要な隣国」と位置づけるなど、バランスのとれた内容だ。共産、社民両党などが賛成せず、全会一致とならなかったのは残念である。
Japan and South Korea share common security interests on such issues as North Korea's nuclear program. We urge Seoul to handle the territorial issue with a cool head without losing sight of the broader significance of the two countries' relations.
日韓両国は、北朝鮮の核問題など安全保障分野でも利害を共有している。韓国には、日韓関係の大局を見失わず、「大人の対応」をするよう求めたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 25, 2012)
（2012年8月25日01時29分 読売新聞）
2012/08/26
竹島・尖閣審議 民主は「配慮外交」を反省せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 25, 2012)
DPJ must reconsider overly conciliatory stance on Takeshima
竹島・尖閣審議 民主は「配慮外交」を反省せよ （8月24日付・読売社説）
When handling a territorial issue, it is essential for the government to assert the nation's stance resolutely while keeping a cool head in pursuit of a peaceful solution to the problem.
領土問題では、毅然(きぜん)として自国の立場を主張するとともに、平和的な解決を冷静に追求することが肝要である。
A session of the House of Representatives' Budget Committee was held on Thursday for intensive deliberations on diplomatic issues.
衆院予算委員会で外交に関する集中審議が行われた。
In response to an announcement by the South Korean government earlier on the day that it would return a letter Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda sent to South Korean President Lee Myung Bak, Noda expressed his displeasure, telling the session Seoul's action constituted "behavior utterly devoid of reason."
李明博韓国大統領宛ての野田首相の親書を韓国政府が返送すると発表したことについて、首相は「あまりにも冷静さを欠いた行動」と不快感を表明した。
The act of sending back the prime minister's letter, which expressed regret over Lee's surprise visit to the Takeshima islands on Aug. 10, is, without a doubt, particularly disrespectful in terms of diplomatic norms and cannot be overlooked.
親書は李大統領の竹島訪問に遺憾の意を表する内容だが、それを返送するのは外交慣例上、極めて非礼であり、看過できない。
===
Diplomacy cast aside
No matter how different two nations' views on an issue may be, a bare minimum of etiquette in diplomatic relations must be upheld by each country. South Korea has now crossed the line with this recent development.
どんなに主張が対立しても、外交には最低限守るべきマナーがある。韓国の対応は一線を越えている。
The government should file a firm protest with the South Korean government.
政府は強く抗議すべきだ。
In doing so, however, it is important Japan conduct itself in full conformity with diplomatic protocol.
ただ、その際は、外交儀礼をきちんと守って対応することが大切だ。
In the Budget Committee session, Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba stressed that South Korea is "illegally occupying" the Sea of Japan islets, known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea.
玄葉外相は予算委で、竹島の現況について韓国が「不法占拠」していると強調した。
Out of diplomatic consideration for South Korea, the administration of the Democratic Party of Japan has used the expression "rule without legal grounds" in reference to the matter since Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada served as foreign minister. Gemba is the first Cabinet minister to have used the phrase "illegal occupation" to refer to the issue.
民主党政権は岡田外相以降、韓国側への配慮から「法的根拠のない支配」と表現しており、玄葉外相が初めて「不法占拠」との表現を用いた。
The change of wording is seriously overdue.
There can be no denying that disproportionate concern by the DPJ administration about inciting conflict with a partner country, even over an issue affecting the nation's sovereignty, has led South Korea to harbor the misconception that Japan is a country that backs down easily.
あまりに遅きに失している。国家主権に関する問題でさえ、相手国を刺激しないという民主党政権の過剰な「配慮外交」が、日本は簡単に譲歩するという誤解を韓国側に与えたことは否めない。
Although the issue of compensation for the so-called comfort women in South Korea has been completely resolved, DPJ Policy Research Committee Chairman Seiji Maehara recently unveiled a plan to study the feasibility of "humanitarian measures" related to the matter. This may have caused South Korea to have false expectations about further steps from the Japanese side.
いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題でも、賠償請求権問題は完全に解決しているのに、前原政調会長が新たな「人道的措置」の検討を表明したことなどが、韓国側に誤った期待感を抱かせた可能性がある。
The government must do some serious soul-searching about the recent string of events in bilateral relations and carefully consider how to deal with the situation effectively.
政府は一連の経緯を反省し、今後の対応を検討すべきだ。
===
Parties need to work together
In Thursday's Budget Committee meeting, Noda expressed his intention to seek an apology and a retraction of Lee's remarks demanding the Emperor apologize for the wartime past.
野田首相は予算委で、李大統領の天皇陛下への謝罪要求発言について、謝罪と撤回を求める意向を表明した。
In a similar event, a spokesman of South Korea's Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry has demanded Gemba back down from his statement about South Korea's "illegal occupation" of the islets and pledge to avoid making similar remarks in the future.
韓国外交通商省報道官は、玄葉外相の「不法占拠」発言の撤回と再発防止を要求した。
Given the circumstances, Japan-South Korea relations have now begun a negative course.
日韓関係は今や、「負の連鎖」に入り始めている。
Even if the two countries confront each other on the Takeshima issue, overall bilateral relations should be prevented from further deteriorating.
竹島問題で対立しても、日韓関係全体が悪化するのは避けたい。
It is evidently important for both nations to continue working-level discussions, including negotiations for concluding a free trade agreement between Japan, China and South Korea.
日中韓の自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）交渉など実務的な協議は継続するよう、日韓双方が努めることが重要である。
During the Budget Committee session, the Liberal Democratic Party lashed out at the government for its failure to prevent a group of activists from Hong Kong from illegally landing on the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. It also criticized the government's failure to charge the activists on suspicion of obstructing Japanese officers from performing their duties.
集中審議で自民党は、政府が香港活動家による尖閣諸島不法上陸を阻止できず、公務執行妨害罪を問わなかった点を追及した。
It is highly desirable, however, for both the ruling and opposition camps to cooperate in steering the nation's diplomacy, particularly in the case of territorial disputes.
領土問題では本来、オール日本の体制で外交を展開することが望ましい。
It would be regrettable for the LDP to make a point of finding fault with the government for its handling of territorial disputes.
自民党が政府の揚げ足取りに終始するようでは困る。
There are a host of issues that must be addressed on a suprapartisan basis, such as the proactive expression of Japan's stance on territorial disputes to the international community and the improvement of history lessons in school education.
日本の主張を国際社会に積極的に発信し、学校での歴史教育を充実させるなど、超党派で取り組むべきことは少なくない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 24, 2012)
（2012年8月24日01時23分 読売新聞）
DPJ must reconsider overly conciliatory stance on Takeshima
竹島・尖閣審議 民主は「配慮外交」を反省せよ （8月24日付・読売社説）
When handling a territorial issue, it is essential for the government to assert the nation's stance resolutely while keeping a cool head in pursuit of a peaceful solution to the problem.
領土問題では、毅然(きぜん)として自国の立場を主張するとともに、平和的な解決を冷静に追求することが肝要である。
A session of the House of Representatives' Budget Committee was held on Thursday for intensive deliberations on diplomatic issues.
衆院予算委員会で外交に関する集中審議が行われた。
In response to an announcement by the South Korean government earlier on the day that it would return a letter Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda sent to South Korean President Lee Myung Bak, Noda expressed his displeasure, telling the session Seoul's action constituted "behavior utterly devoid of reason."
李明博韓国大統領宛ての野田首相の親書を韓国政府が返送すると発表したことについて、首相は「あまりにも冷静さを欠いた行動」と不快感を表明した。
The act of sending back the prime minister's letter, which expressed regret over Lee's surprise visit to the Takeshima islands on Aug. 10, is, without a doubt, particularly disrespectful in terms of diplomatic norms and cannot be overlooked.
親書は李大統領の竹島訪問に遺憾の意を表する内容だが、それを返送するのは外交慣例上、極めて非礼であり、看過できない。
===
Diplomacy cast aside
No matter how different two nations' views on an issue may be, a bare minimum of etiquette in diplomatic relations must be upheld by each country. South Korea has now crossed the line with this recent development.
どんなに主張が対立しても、外交には最低限守るべきマナーがある。韓国の対応は一線を越えている。
The government should file a firm protest with the South Korean government.
政府は強く抗議すべきだ。
In doing so, however, it is important Japan conduct itself in full conformity with diplomatic protocol.
ただ、その際は、外交儀礼をきちんと守って対応することが大切だ。
In the Budget Committee session, Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba stressed that South Korea is "illegally occupying" the Sea of Japan islets, known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea.
玄葉外相は予算委で、竹島の現況について韓国が「不法占拠」していると強調した。
Out of diplomatic consideration for South Korea, the administration of the Democratic Party of Japan has used the expression "rule without legal grounds" in reference to the matter since Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada served as foreign minister. Gemba is the first Cabinet minister to have used the phrase "illegal occupation" to refer to the issue.
民主党政権は岡田外相以降、韓国側への配慮から「法的根拠のない支配」と表現しており、玄葉外相が初めて「不法占拠」との表現を用いた。
The change of wording is seriously overdue.
There can be no denying that disproportionate concern by the DPJ administration about inciting conflict with a partner country, even over an issue affecting the nation's sovereignty, has led South Korea to harbor the misconception that Japan is a country that backs down easily.
あまりに遅きに失している。国家主権に関する問題でさえ、相手国を刺激しないという民主党政権の過剰な「配慮外交」が、日本は簡単に譲歩するという誤解を韓国側に与えたことは否めない。
Although the issue of compensation for the so-called comfort women in South Korea has been completely resolved, DPJ Policy Research Committee Chairman Seiji Maehara recently unveiled a plan to study the feasibility of "humanitarian measures" related to the matter. This may have caused South Korea to have false expectations about further steps from the Japanese side.
いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題でも、賠償請求権問題は完全に解決しているのに、前原政調会長が新たな「人道的措置」の検討を表明したことなどが、韓国側に誤った期待感を抱かせた可能性がある。
The government must do some serious soul-searching about the recent string of events in bilateral relations and carefully consider how to deal with the situation effectively.
政府は一連の経緯を反省し、今後の対応を検討すべきだ。
===
Parties need to work together
In Thursday's Budget Committee meeting, Noda expressed his intention to seek an apology and a retraction of Lee's remarks demanding the Emperor apologize for the wartime past.
野田首相は予算委で、李大統領の天皇陛下への謝罪要求発言について、謝罪と撤回を求める意向を表明した。
In a similar event, a spokesman of South Korea's Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry has demanded Gemba back down from his statement about South Korea's "illegal occupation" of the islets and pledge to avoid making similar remarks in the future.
韓国外交通商省報道官は、玄葉外相の「不法占拠」発言の撤回と再発防止を要求した。
Given the circumstances, Japan-South Korea relations have now begun a negative course.
日韓関係は今や、「負の連鎖」に入り始めている。
Even if the two countries confront each other on the Takeshima issue, overall bilateral relations should be prevented from further deteriorating.
竹島問題で対立しても、日韓関係全体が悪化するのは避けたい。
It is evidently important for both nations to continue working-level discussions, including negotiations for concluding a free trade agreement between Japan, China and South Korea.
日中韓の自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）交渉など実務的な協議は継続するよう、日韓双方が努めることが重要である。
During the Budget Committee session, the Liberal Democratic Party lashed out at the government for its failure to prevent a group of activists from Hong Kong from illegally landing on the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. It also criticized the government's failure to charge the activists on suspicion of obstructing Japanese officers from performing their duties.
集中審議で自民党は、政府が香港活動家による尖閣諸島不法上陸を阻止できず、公務執行妨害罪を問わなかった点を追及した。
It is highly desirable, however, for both the ruling and opposition camps to cooperate in steering the nation's diplomacy, particularly in the case of territorial disputes.
領土問題では本来、オール日本の体制で外交を展開することが望ましい。
It would be regrettable for the LDP to make a point of finding fault with the government for its handling of territorial disputes.
自民党が政府の揚げ足取りに終始するようでは困る。
There are a host of issues that must be addressed on a suprapartisan basis, such as the proactive expression of Japan's stance on territorial disputes to the international community and the improvement of history lessons in school education.
日本の主張を国際社会に積極的に発信し、学校での歴史教育を充実させるなど、超党派で取り組むべきことは少なくない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 24, 2012)
（2012年8月24日01時23分 読売新聞）
2012/08/25
シリア混迷 周辺諸国の不安定化も心配だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 24, 2012)
Syria's civil war could destabilize neighboring countries
シリア混迷 周辺諸国の不安定化も心配だ（8月23日付・読売社説）
With Syria's civil war deepening, there appears to be little chance for a ceasefire in the conflict. There are concerns the civil war could even spill over into neighboring countries.
内戦の泥沼化で、停戦への機運は生まれそうにない。シリアの混乱が周辺諸国に拡大する事態すら懸念される。
Journalist Mika Yamamoto was shot dead earlier this week in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo while covering the conflict.
北部の主要都市アレッポでは、取材中の日本人ジャーナリスト山本美香さんが、銃撃を受けて死亡した。
Yamamoto's death highlighted the reality that urban districts, home to ordinary Syrians, have become battlefields between government forces and rebels. The United Nations estimates more than 18,000 people have been killed since the uprising began in March 2011.
一般市民が暮らす市街地が、政府軍側と反体制派の戦場と化している。山本さんの死は、そうした現実を浮き彫りにした。国連推計で、紛争発生以来の犠牲者数は１万８０００人を超えた。
Former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan, who served as the joint U.N.-Arab League special envoy, failed to broker a ceasefire and members of the U.N. Supervision Mission in Syria have left the country.
国連とアラブ連盟の共同特使を務めたアナン前国連事務総長の停戦調停は、失敗に終わった。国連停戦監視団も撤退した。
Former Algerian Foreign Minister Lakhdar Brahimi has been named as Annan's replacement. However, it is unlikely he will be able to fulfill his role, considering that the U.N. Security Council has been hamstrung as the United States and other Western countries are at odds with Russia and China over possible solutions.
アナン氏の後任の調停役にはブラヒミ元アルジェリア外相が就くが、米欧と露中の対立で国連安全保障理事会が機能不全に陥っている以上、役目は果たせまい。
With no end in sight in the country's civil war, it is inevitable the bloodshed will continue to worsen.
内戦に歯止めがかからず、流血の拡大は不可避である。
===
Sectarian conflicts emerging
Rebels have expanded their hold over more areas of Syria, while government forces have been trying to maintain control of major cities by mobilizing all of their overwhelming forces.
シリアでは、反体制派が支配地域を広げる一方、政権側は、圧倒的な戦力を総動員して、主要都市の維持を図っている。
However, more and more officials in President Bashar Assad's inner circle have been defecting, including the prime minister who fled the country earlier this month.
だが、政権中枢からの離反は相次いでいる。今月上旬には、首相が国外に逃亡した。
Despite these developments, Syrian forces still stand by Assad mainly because members of the Alawite community--an offshoot of Shiite Islam that serves as a power base for the president--hold key military positions.
それでも軍がアサド大統領を見限らないのは、大統領の権力基盤であるイスラム教アラウィ派の人脈が、軍の要職に配置されていることが大きい。
The Alawites, which are a minority in Syria, have been ruling the Sunni majority population and the civil war has increasingly taken on shades of sectarian violence.
シリアのアラウィ派は、人口では少数派ながら、多数派のスンニ派住民を支配してきた。
内戦は、両派の宗派紛争の様相を強めている。
===
Refugees becoming a burden
Worrisome is the ever growing possibility that Syria's deepening turmoil could destabilize the entire Middle East.
懸念されるのは、シリアの混迷が深まることで、中東地域全体の不安定化が現実味を増してきていることだ。
Earlier this week, several people were killed in neighboring Lebanon as Alawite and Sunni militia exchanged gunfire. The fighting shadowed the pattern of Syria's civil war.
隣国レバノンで今週、アラウィ派とスンニ派の民兵の間で銃撃戦が発生し、死者が出た。シリア内戦の構図が波及したと言える。
Turkey, to the north of Syria, has been watchful to see how Kurds in the country react to the civil war, as it could reignite the Kurdish independent movement in Turkey.
北隣のトルコは、シリア内でのクルド人の動向に神経をとがらせる。トルコ内のクルド独立運動を刺激しかねないからだ。
The civil war has created more than 170,000 Syrian refugees, according to the United Nations. Accommodating them has placed a great burden on neighboring countries.
国連統計で１７万人を超えた大量の難民流出も、周辺諸国の重荷となっている。
Syria's neighbors face their own possible conflicts. The situation could further deteriorate if Syria distributes the chemical weapons it is believed to possess to terrorist groups and other organizations.
シリアを取り巻く国がそれぞれに火種を抱える。シリアが、保有しているとされる化学兵器をテロ組織などに拡散させれば、事態はさらに深刻化するだろう。
Russia bears a heavy responsibility as it has long supported the Assad regime. It should work together with the United States and other Western countries to put strong pressure on Syria for an immediate ceasefire.
これまで、アサド政権を一貫して支えてきたロシアの責任は重大だ。米欧と協力し、停戦の即時実施へ、シリア側に強い圧力をかけるべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 23, 2012)
（2012年8月23日01時45分 読売新聞）
Syria's civil war could destabilize neighboring countries
シリア混迷 周辺諸国の不安定化も心配だ（8月23日付・読売社説）
With Syria's civil war deepening, there appears to be little chance for a ceasefire in the conflict. There are concerns the civil war could even spill over into neighboring countries.
内戦の泥沼化で、停戦への機運は生まれそうにない。シリアの混乱が周辺諸国に拡大する事態すら懸念される。
Journalist Mika Yamamoto was shot dead earlier this week in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo while covering the conflict.
北部の主要都市アレッポでは、取材中の日本人ジャーナリスト山本美香さんが、銃撃を受けて死亡した。
Yamamoto's death highlighted the reality that urban districts, home to ordinary Syrians, have become battlefields between government forces and rebels. The United Nations estimates more than 18,000 people have been killed since the uprising began in March 2011.
一般市民が暮らす市街地が、政府軍側と反体制派の戦場と化している。山本さんの死は、そうした現実を浮き彫りにした。国連推計で、紛争発生以来の犠牲者数は１万８０００人を超えた。
Former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan, who served as the joint U.N.-Arab League special envoy, failed to broker a ceasefire and members of the U.N. Supervision Mission in Syria have left the country.
国連とアラブ連盟の共同特使を務めたアナン前国連事務総長の停戦調停は、失敗に終わった。国連停戦監視団も撤退した。
Former Algerian Foreign Minister Lakhdar Brahimi has been named as Annan's replacement. However, it is unlikely he will be able to fulfill his role, considering that the U.N. Security Council has been hamstrung as the United States and other Western countries are at odds with Russia and China over possible solutions.
アナン氏の後任の調停役にはブラヒミ元アルジェリア外相が就くが、米欧と露中の対立で国連安全保障理事会が機能不全に陥っている以上、役目は果たせまい。
With no end in sight in the country's civil war, it is inevitable the bloodshed will continue to worsen.
内戦に歯止めがかからず、流血の拡大は不可避である。
===
Sectarian conflicts emerging
Rebels have expanded their hold over more areas of Syria, while government forces have been trying to maintain control of major cities by mobilizing all of their overwhelming forces.
シリアでは、反体制派が支配地域を広げる一方、政権側は、圧倒的な戦力を総動員して、主要都市の維持を図っている。
However, more and more officials in President Bashar Assad's inner circle have been defecting, including the prime minister who fled the country earlier this month.
だが、政権中枢からの離反は相次いでいる。今月上旬には、首相が国外に逃亡した。
Despite these developments, Syrian forces still stand by Assad mainly because members of the Alawite community--an offshoot of Shiite Islam that serves as a power base for the president--hold key military positions.
それでも軍がアサド大統領を見限らないのは、大統領の権力基盤であるイスラム教アラウィ派の人脈が、軍の要職に配置されていることが大きい。
The Alawites, which are a minority in Syria, have been ruling the Sunni majority population and the civil war has increasingly taken on shades of sectarian violence.
シリアのアラウィ派は、人口では少数派ながら、多数派のスンニ派住民を支配してきた。
内戦は、両派の宗派紛争の様相を強めている。
===
Refugees becoming a burden
Worrisome is the ever growing possibility that Syria's deepening turmoil could destabilize the entire Middle East.
懸念されるのは、シリアの混迷が深まることで、中東地域全体の不安定化が現実味を増してきていることだ。
Earlier this week, several people were killed in neighboring Lebanon as Alawite and Sunni militia exchanged gunfire. The fighting shadowed the pattern of Syria's civil war.
隣国レバノンで今週、アラウィ派とスンニ派の民兵の間で銃撃戦が発生し、死者が出た。シリア内戦の構図が波及したと言える。
Turkey, to the north of Syria, has been watchful to see how Kurds in the country react to the civil war, as it could reignite the Kurdish independent movement in Turkey.
北隣のトルコは、シリア内でのクルド人の動向に神経をとがらせる。トルコ内のクルド独立運動を刺激しかねないからだ。
The civil war has created more than 170,000 Syrian refugees, according to the United Nations. Accommodating them has placed a great burden on neighboring countries.
国連統計で１７万人を超えた大量の難民流出も、周辺諸国の重荷となっている。
Syria's neighbors face their own possible conflicts. The situation could further deteriorate if Syria distributes the chemical weapons it is believed to possess to terrorist groups and other organizations.
シリアを取り巻く国がそれぞれに火種を抱える。シリアが、保有しているとされる化学兵器をテロ組織などに拡散させれば、事態はさらに深刻化するだろう。
Russia bears a heavy responsibility as it has long supported the Assad regime. It should work together with the United States and other Western countries to put strong pressure on Syria for an immediate ceasefire.
これまで、アサド政権を一貫して支えてきたロシアの責任は重大だ。米欧と協力し、停戦の即時実施へ、シリア側に強い圧力をかけるべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 23, 2012)
（2012年8月23日01時45分 読売新聞）
2012/08/24
衆院選政権公約 実現可能な政策へ論議深めよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 23, 2012)
Deeper discussions needed for realistic manifestos
衆院選政権公約 実現可能な政策へ論議深めよ（8月22日付・読売社説）
◆ポピュリズムは排除すべきだ◆
Unless policy pledges are feasible, politics will be unable to make any progress. This is the bitter lesson learned from the failed manifesto of the Democratic Party of Japan.
実現可能な公約でなければ、政治は前に進まない。破綻した民主党政権公約（マニフェスト）の苦い教訓である。
With the dissolution of the House of Representatives and a general election expected to take place "sometime soon," ruling and opposition parties are gearing up for the election. The major issue is how the DPJ will revise its manifesto, a document cynically called "a synonym for lies" that has disgraced the party.
「近いうち」に衆院解散・総選挙が行われると予想される中、与野党は選挙準備に力を入れ始めた。大きな課題は「ウソの代名詞」と揶揄(やゆ)されるほど民主党がその名を貶(おとし)めたマニフェストをどう作り直すかだ。
The main campaign issues in the next lower house election are shaping up to be the consumption tax rate increase, Japan's possible participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade negotiations, and the nation's nuclear and energy policies.
次期衆院選では、消費税率引き上げ、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）参加問題、原子力・エネルギー政策などが争点になろう。
===
Specify fiscal resources
◆確たる財源を明示せよ◆
Policies quickly cobbled together just before an election tend to become "discount sales" that smack of populism and suck up to voters' interests. We hope each party holds down-to-earth discussions, even during the current Diet session, to come up with realistic policies.
選挙直前に急ごしらえした政策は有権者受けを狙って、大衆迎合主義（ポピュリズム）色の強い“バーゲンセール”となりがちである。各党とも今国会中から地に足のついた議論を重ね、現実的な政策を掲げてもらいたい。
The most glaring fault of the DPJ manifesto for the 2009 lower house election was the party's insistence that--without mentioning a consumption tax rate hike--it could find 16.8 trillion yen in fiscal resources to implement its policy pledges through such measures as overhauling budget allocations. There was never any prospect this could be achieved.
民主党の２００９年衆院選マニフェストが抱える最大の欠陥は、消費税率引き上げに言及せず、確たる見通しもないのに１６・８兆円もの財源を予算組み替えなどで捻出できると主張したことだ。
The DPJ must now be painfully aware just how poorly thought-out its manifesto was.
いかにずさんな公約だったか、民主党は痛感しただろう。
Referring to the manifesto for the next lower house election, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said at a general meeting of DPJ lawmakers of both Diet chambers on Aug. 8, "It's necessary to thoroughly and carefully discuss these issues within the party and make innovative efforts to ensure these discussions are 'visible.'"
野田首相は８日の民主党両院議員総会で、次期衆院選マニフェストに言及し、「党内で大いに丁寧な議論をし、それを『見える化』する工夫が必要だ」と訴えた。
Noda's argument sounds reasonable, but it also sounds like words of reflection. It is essential that many lawmakers are involved in the manifesto-compiling process and fight the election with a shared awareness.
もっともな主張だが、反省の弁でもある。多くの議員が公約作成に参画し、共通認識を持って選挙戦に臨むことは重要だ。
There are probably concerns that if party members openly discuss policy matters, they would reveal their cards to other parties. But this process would be a yardstick voters could use when deciding who deserves their ballot.
政策をオープンに議論すれば、他党に手の内を明かすことになるとの懸念はあるだろう。だが、そうした経緯も含めて、有権者の判断材料になる。
If the lower house is not dissolved during the current Diet session, both the DPJ and the opposition Liberal Democratic Party should make their presidential elections, both scheduled for September, an opportunity to set the course for their election manifestos.
今国会で衆院解散がなければ、民主、自民両党は９月の党代表選と総裁選を、それぞれ公約の方向性を打ち出す場とすべきだ。
We also think it necessary to again consider what the point of an election manifesto is. A party that is in opposition may not know well how the system works until it takes power. Unpredictable events may occur, such as major disasters and abrupt changes in economic and international situations.
政権公約とは何なのか、改めて考え直すことも必要ではないか。野党であれば、政権を担当するまで分からないこともあろう。経済、世界情勢の激変や大災害など予見できない事態も起こりうる。
A party in power should flexibly revise or withdraw its policy pledges if its manifesto obviously becomes unrealistic or difficult to achieve.
公約が現実にそぐわない、あるいは実現困難と判明した段階で、臨機応変に修正、撤回するのが、政権党の仕事である。
Rather, it is preferable to carry out policies that are necessary and serve national interests, even if they run counter to the manifesto. In this instance, reasons for the policy change must be explained to the people.
たとえマニフェストに反していても、必要な政策、国益に資する政策を実現することは、むしろ望ましい。その際、有権者に対して、政策変更の理由をきちんと説明しなければならない。
Needless to say, it is essential for politicians to deliver on their pledges. But it is insincere to insist on adhering to policies that are no longer useful. It benefits nobody to fall into a trap of "manifesto supremacism."
政治家にとって、公約順守が大事であることは言うまでもないことだ。だが、用をなさない公約を金科玉条のごとく守ると言い張るのは不誠実だ。「マニフェスト至上主義」に陥ってはならない。
◆参院選との関係明確に◆
A manifesto is supposed to be part of a cycle: parties try to achieve their stated aims, and voters evaluate the party's level of achievement in the next election. However, the DPJ manifesto has caused fundamental problems in state politics.
マニフェストは、「政党が実現に努力し、有権者はその達成度を次の選挙で評価する」というサイクルが基本だ。ただし、国政の場合には根本的な問題がある。
===
Problems in DPJ manifesto
The first problem involves a House of Councillors election.
第一に、参院選との関係だ。
After acknowledging its visions had been overly optimistic, the DPJ revised part of its 2009 election manifesto when it drew up the party's pledges for the 2010 upper house election. In connection with the consumption tax, the 2010 campaign manifesto stated, "Suprapartisan discussions will be started on drastic reform of the tax system, including the consumption tax."
民主党は、０９年衆院選マニフェストの見通しが甘かったことを認めて、１０年の参院選公約では、その一部を修正した。消費税については「消費税を含む税制抜本改革に関する協議を超党派で開始する」と明記している。
But afterward, the promises for the 2010 election were put to one side and debate focused on the advisability of sticking to the manifesto for the lower house election.
だが、その後、参院選公約は議論にならず、消費税の記載のない衆院選マニフェストを守るかどうかに焦点が当たっている。
How can the manifesto for a lower house election be tied to campaign pledges for an upper house election? The DPJ must clarify its stance on this point as well as its handling of the pledges for the upper house election in which it suffered a major setback.
マニフェストと参院選公約はどういう関係にあるのか。参院選で敗北した時の公約の扱いも合わせて位置づけを明確にすべきだ。
A consumption tax increase was a central point of contention in the DPJ presidential election last summer. Noda was elected after clarifying his position in favor of a consumption tax hike. This also marked a policy change by the party.
昨年夏の民主党代表選で、消費税率引き上げは焦点の一つだった。野田首相は、消費増税を明確にして勝利し、代表に就任した。これも党の大きな政策転換だ。
Voters cast ballots after not only measuring the extent to which a manifesto has been achieved, but also evaluating whether such a policy change is worthwhile.
国民が選挙で審判を下すのは、マニフェストの達成度だけではなく、こうした政策変更の是非も含む党の姿勢や実績だろう。
===
Diet will stay divided
◆ねじれ国会が前提だ◆
Secondly, the next lower house election will inevitably be fought on the premise that the Diet will remain divided.
第二に、次期衆院選は、衆参ねじれ国会を前提とした戦いにならざるを得ないことである。
This is because neither the DPJ nor the LDP holds a majority by itself in the upper house. No matter which party wins the lower house poll, it will need to form a coalition with a party--or parties--with similar policies to form a stable government after the election.
参院では、民主、自民両党とも単独過半数を得ていない。どちらの党が勝っても、選挙後、政権を安定させるには政策の近い党と連立を組まねばなるまい。
Cooperation from opposition parties will be crucial for achieving policy goals.
政策を実現するには、野党の協力も欠かせない。
It is natural for parties to advocate their policies in lower house elections, but in view of the likelihood of a coalition government and a divided Diet, it is not realistic to give specific promises, such as setting deadlines for implementing policies.
衆院選で自党の政策を主張するのは当然だが、連立やねじれの状況を考えれば期限などを具体的に約束するのは現実的ではない。
We urge all parties to compile campaign pledges for the next general election without pursuing populist lines so they can take responsibility for Japan's future.
次期衆院選の公約は、各党が大衆迎合に走らず、日本の将来に責任を持てるよう作成すべきだ。
Voters, for their part, must understand fully that there are limits to the implementation of campaign pledges.
有権者も、公約には限界があることを十分理解する必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 22, 2012)
（2012年8月22日01時51分 読売新聞）
Deeper discussions needed for realistic manifestos
衆院選政権公約 実現可能な政策へ論議深めよ（8月22日付・読売社説）
◆ポピュリズムは排除すべきだ◆
Unless policy pledges are feasible, politics will be unable to make any progress. This is the bitter lesson learned from the failed manifesto of the Democratic Party of Japan.
実現可能な公約でなければ、政治は前に進まない。破綻した民主党政権公約（マニフェスト）の苦い教訓である。
With the dissolution of the House of Representatives and a general election expected to take place "sometime soon," ruling and opposition parties are gearing up for the election. The major issue is how the DPJ will revise its manifesto, a document cynically called "a synonym for lies" that has disgraced the party.
「近いうち」に衆院解散・総選挙が行われると予想される中、与野党は選挙準備に力を入れ始めた。大きな課題は「ウソの代名詞」と揶揄(やゆ)されるほど民主党がその名を貶(おとし)めたマニフェストをどう作り直すかだ。
The main campaign issues in the next lower house election are shaping up to be the consumption tax rate increase, Japan's possible participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade negotiations, and the nation's nuclear and energy policies.
次期衆院選では、消費税率引き上げ、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）参加問題、原子力・エネルギー政策などが争点になろう。
===
Specify fiscal resources
◆確たる財源を明示せよ◆
Policies quickly cobbled together just before an election tend to become "discount sales" that smack of populism and suck up to voters' interests. We hope each party holds down-to-earth discussions, even during the current Diet session, to come up with realistic policies.
選挙直前に急ごしらえした政策は有権者受けを狙って、大衆迎合主義（ポピュリズム）色の強い“バーゲンセール”となりがちである。各党とも今国会中から地に足のついた議論を重ね、現実的な政策を掲げてもらいたい。
The most glaring fault of the DPJ manifesto for the 2009 lower house election was the party's insistence that--without mentioning a consumption tax rate hike--it could find 16.8 trillion yen in fiscal resources to implement its policy pledges through such measures as overhauling budget allocations. There was never any prospect this could be achieved.
民主党の２００９年衆院選マニフェストが抱える最大の欠陥は、消費税率引き上げに言及せず、確たる見通しもないのに１６・８兆円もの財源を予算組み替えなどで捻出できると主張したことだ。
The DPJ must now be painfully aware just how poorly thought-out its manifesto was.
いかにずさんな公約だったか、民主党は痛感しただろう。
Referring to the manifesto for the next lower house election, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said at a general meeting of DPJ lawmakers of both Diet chambers on Aug. 8, "It's necessary to thoroughly and carefully discuss these issues within the party and make innovative efforts to ensure these discussions are 'visible.'"
野田首相は８日の民主党両院議員総会で、次期衆院選マニフェストに言及し、「党内で大いに丁寧な議論をし、それを『見える化』する工夫が必要だ」と訴えた。
Noda's argument sounds reasonable, but it also sounds like words of reflection. It is essential that many lawmakers are involved in the manifesto-compiling process and fight the election with a shared awareness.
もっともな主張だが、反省の弁でもある。多くの議員が公約作成に参画し、共通認識を持って選挙戦に臨むことは重要だ。
There are probably concerns that if party members openly discuss policy matters, they would reveal their cards to other parties. But this process would be a yardstick voters could use when deciding who deserves their ballot.
政策をオープンに議論すれば、他党に手の内を明かすことになるとの懸念はあるだろう。だが、そうした経緯も含めて、有権者の判断材料になる。
If the lower house is not dissolved during the current Diet session, both the DPJ and the opposition Liberal Democratic Party should make their presidential elections, both scheduled for September, an opportunity to set the course for their election manifestos.
今国会で衆院解散がなければ、民主、自民両党は９月の党代表選と総裁選を、それぞれ公約の方向性を打ち出す場とすべきだ。
We also think it necessary to again consider what the point of an election manifesto is. A party that is in opposition may not know well how the system works until it takes power. Unpredictable events may occur, such as major disasters and abrupt changes in economic and international situations.
政権公約とは何なのか、改めて考え直すことも必要ではないか。野党であれば、政権を担当するまで分からないこともあろう。経済、世界情勢の激変や大災害など予見できない事態も起こりうる。
A party in power should flexibly revise or withdraw its policy pledges if its manifesto obviously becomes unrealistic or difficult to achieve.
公約が現実にそぐわない、あるいは実現困難と判明した段階で、臨機応変に修正、撤回するのが、政権党の仕事である。
Rather, it is preferable to carry out policies that are necessary and serve national interests, even if they run counter to the manifesto. In this instance, reasons for the policy change must be explained to the people.
たとえマニフェストに反していても、必要な政策、国益に資する政策を実現することは、むしろ望ましい。その際、有権者に対して、政策変更の理由をきちんと説明しなければならない。
Needless to say, it is essential for politicians to deliver on their pledges. But it is insincere to insist on adhering to policies that are no longer useful. It benefits nobody to fall into a trap of "manifesto supremacism."
政治家にとって、公約順守が大事であることは言うまでもないことだ。だが、用をなさない公約を金科玉条のごとく守ると言い張るのは不誠実だ。「マニフェスト至上主義」に陥ってはならない。
◆参院選との関係明確に◆
A manifesto is supposed to be part of a cycle: parties try to achieve their stated aims, and voters evaluate the party's level of achievement in the next election. However, the DPJ manifesto has caused fundamental problems in state politics.
マニフェストは、「政党が実現に努力し、有権者はその達成度を次の選挙で評価する」というサイクルが基本だ。ただし、国政の場合には根本的な問題がある。
===
Problems in DPJ manifesto
The first problem involves a House of Councillors election.
第一に、参院選との関係だ。
After acknowledging its visions had been overly optimistic, the DPJ revised part of its 2009 election manifesto when it drew up the party's pledges for the 2010 upper house election. In connection with the consumption tax, the 2010 campaign manifesto stated, "Suprapartisan discussions will be started on drastic reform of the tax system, including the consumption tax."
民主党は、０９年衆院選マニフェストの見通しが甘かったことを認めて、１０年の参院選公約では、その一部を修正した。消費税については「消費税を含む税制抜本改革に関する協議を超党派で開始する」と明記している。
But afterward, the promises for the 2010 election were put to one side and debate focused on the advisability of sticking to the manifesto for the lower house election.
だが、その後、参院選公約は議論にならず、消費税の記載のない衆院選マニフェストを守るかどうかに焦点が当たっている。
How can the manifesto for a lower house election be tied to campaign pledges for an upper house election? The DPJ must clarify its stance on this point as well as its handling of the pledges for the upper house election in which it suffered a major setback.
マニフェストと参院選公約はどういう関係にあるのか。参院選で敗北した時の公約の扱いも合わせて位置づけを明確にすべきだ。
A consumption tax increase was a central point of contention in the DPJ presidential election last summer. Noda was elected after clarifying his position in favor of a consumption tax hike. This also marked a policy change by the party.
昨年夏の民主党代表選で、消費税率引き上げは焦点の一つだった。野田首相は、消費増税を明確にして勝利し、代表に就任した。これも党の大きな政策転換だ。
Voters cast ballots after not only measuring the extent to which a manifesto has been achieved, but also evaluating whether such a policy change is worthwhile.
国民が選挙で審判を下すのは、マニフェストの達成度だけではなく、こうした政策変更の是非も含む党の姿勢や実績だろう。
===
Diet will stay divided
◆ねじれ国会が前提だ◆
Secondly, the next lower house election will inevitably be fought on the premise that the Diet will remain divided.
第二に、次期衆院選は、衆参ねじれ国会を前提とした戦いにならざるを得ないことである。
This is because neither the DPJ nor the LDP holds a majority by itself in the upper house. No matter which party wins the lower house poll, it will need to form a coalition with a party--or parties--with similar policies to form a stable government after the election.
参院では、民主、自民両党とも単独過半数を得ていない。どちらの党が勝っても、選挙後、政権を安定させるには政策の近い党と連立を組まねばなるまい。
Cooperation from opposition parties will be crucial for achieving policy goals.
政策を実現するには、野党の協力も欠かせない。
It is natural for parties to advocate their policies in lower house elections, but in view of the likelihood of a coalition government and a divided Diet, it is not realistic to give specific promises, such as setting deadlines for implementing policies.
衆院選で自党の政策を主張するのは当然だが、連立やねじれの状況を考えれば期限などを具体的に約束するのは現実的ではない。
We urge all parties to compile campaign pledges for the next general election without pursuing populist lines so they can take responsibility for Japan's future.
次期衆院選の公約は、各党が大衆迎合に走らず、日本の将来に責任を持てるよう作成すべきだ。
Voters, for their part, must understand fully that there are limits to the implementation of campaign pledges.
有権者も、公約には限界があることを十分理解する必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 22, 2012)
（2012年8月22日01時51分 読売新聞）
2012/08/23
中国反日デモ 邦人の安全確保へ沈静化図れ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 22, 2012)
Beijing should ensure safety of Japanese in China
中国反日デモ 邦人の安全確保へ沈静化図れ（8月21日付・読売社説）
Following the illegal landing by Hong Kong activists on one of the Senkaku Islands last week, anti-Japanese demonstrations have spread in China. The Chinese government should quickly take action to calm the situation.
香港の活動家による尖閣諸島への不法上陸事件を契機に、中国各地で反日デモが拡大している。中国政府は事態の沈静化を急ぐべきである。
Anti-Japanese demonstrators, who support China's territorial claim to the Senkaku Islands, took to the streets in about 25 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, on Sunday. In Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, and other cities, demonstrators became violent and smashed the windows of Japanese restaurants.
尖閣諸島に対する中国の領有権を主張する反日デモは１９日、北京や上海、広州など約２５か所で発生した。広東省深センなどでは、デモ隊が暴徒化して、日本料理店のガラスが壊される事態となった。
The large-scale demonstrations imperil Japanese who live in China. The Chinese government has a weighty responsibility for causing turmoil by tacitly approving the demonstrations. We urge the Chinese authorities to do everything they can to secure the safety of Japanese individuals and companies in the country.
大規模なデモは、中国で暮らす大勢の邦人を脅かした。デモを事実上黙認し、結果的に混乱を招いた中国政府の責任は重大だ。中国当局は邦人や日系企業の安全確保に万全を期してもらいたい。
The Chinese government obviously is trying to counter Japan's moves over the islands, but at the same time it apparently wants Chinese people to vent their frustrations over economic disparities and other domestic issues through the demonstrations. Some observers say the "anti-Japan card" was used as a tool in the power struggle ahead of the National Congress of the Communist Party of China in autumn in which the Chinese leadership will undergo a complete change.
中国政府には、対日牽制(けんせい)は無論として、経済格差など国民の不満のガス抜きを図る思惑もあったのだろう。指導部交代が予定される今秋の共産党大会を控え、「反日カード」が権力闘争に使われた、との見方も出ている。
===
Attitude unlikely to change
It is highly likely China's anti-Japan attitude will remain unchanged. The Japanese government needs to respond to the situation while keeping in mind that problems stemming from China's domestic circumstances will continually occur.
中国の反日姿勢は、今後も変わらない公算が大きい。中国側の事情に基づくトラブルは絶えない、ということを日本政府は肝に銘じ対処していく必要があろう。
The Chinese government criticized the landing by 10 Japanese on Uotsurijima island, one of the Senkaku Islands. However, this criticism is way off the mark. Vice Foreign Minister Kenichiro Sasae is correct in rebutting the protest by Chinese Ambassador to Japan Cheng Yonghua by saying, "The latest move [by Japanese individuals] comes against a backdrop of the landing by Hong Kong activists."
中国政府は日本人１０人による尖閣諸島・魚釣島上陸を批判した。だが、これはお門違いだ。佐々江賢一郎外務次官が、中国の程永華駐日大使からの抗議に「香港の活動家による上陸が背景にある」と反論したのは当然だ。
What the Japanese government should do first is gradually strengthen the management of the Senkaku Islands. The Tokyo metropolitan government, which plans to purchase three of the islands, has applied to the central government for permission to land on the islands.
日本政府がまず取り組むべき課題は、尖閣諸島の管理を淡々と強化することである。購入を計画する東京都は、上陸許可を政府に申請している。
It is essential for the central government to steadily put the Senkaku Islands under state control in cooperation with the metropolitan government.
政府は、都と連携して、国有化を着実に進めることが肝要だ。
===
Territorial protection essential
Aside from a bill to revise the Japan Coast Guard Law, which would allow JCG officers to apprehend criminals on uninhabited islands, it is also an urgent task to develop a system to protect Japanese territory and territorial waters.
無人島での海上保安官の犯罪検挙を認める海上保安庁法改正案とは別に、領土・領海を守る体制を整備することも急務である。
Akihisa Nagashima, a special adviser to Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, said on a TV program that the government "will review territorial patrol operations, including relevant legislation."
長島昭久首相補佐官は、テレビ番組で「領域警備の体制を法制度も含めて見直す」と述べた。
Jin Matsubara, chairman of the National Public Safety Commission, said, "We should treat illegal entry into the country to violate Japan's sovereignty separately from ordinary illegal entry and heavily punish the former illegal entrants."
松原国家公安委員長は「領土主権を侵害する目的の不法入国は、通常の不法入国と区別し、重く罰すべきだ」とも指摘している。
Japan's preparedness for national crises such as unlawful intrusions into its territory is woefully inadequate.
外部からの不法侵入など国家的な危機への備えはなお脆弱(ぜいじゃく)だ。
Japan had to take this problem to heart on a number of occasions after the incursion of North Korean spy ships in 1999. At that time, The Yomiuri Shimbun proposed "territorial patrol operations" as a new duty for the Self-Defense Forces and that the SDF be commissioned to conduct "guard-and-watch" missions.
１９９９年の北朝鮮工作船の領海侵犯事件以来、日本はこうした問題点は、幾度となく痛感してきたはずである。当時、読売新聞は「領域警備」を自衛隊の新たな任務とし、警戒監視に当たらせることを提言した。
Illegal landings by anti-Japan organizations, such as in the latest case, may be a frequent occurrence in the future. The government should also consider legislation to beef up territorial patrol operations.
今回のような反日団体による不法上陸事件は、今後も続発しかねない。領域警備を強化する法制度も検討すべきだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 21, 2012)
（2012年8月21日02時06分 読売新聞）
Beijing should ensure safety of Japanese in China
中国反日デモ 邦人の安全確保へ沈静化図れ（8月21日付・読売社説）
Following the illegal landing by Hong Kong activists on one of the Senkaku Islands last week, anti-Japanese demonstrations have spread in China. The Chinese government should quickly take action to calm the situation.
香港の活動家による尖閣諸島への不法上陸事件を契機に、中国各地で反日デモが拡大している。中国政府は事態の沈静化を急ぐべきである。
Anti-Japanese demonstrators, who support China's territorial claim to the Senkaku Islands, took to the streets in about 25 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, on Sunday. In Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, and other cities, demonstrators became violent and smashed the windows of Japanese restaurants.
尖閣諸島に対する中国の領有権を主張する反日デモは１９日、北京や上海、広州など約２５か所で発生した。広東省深センなどでは、デモ隊が暴徒化して、日本料理店のガラスが壊される事態となった。
The large-scale demonstrations imperil Japanese who live in China. The Chinese government has a weighty responsibility for causing turmoil by tacitly approving the demonstrations. We urge the Chinese authorities to do everything they can to secure the safety of Japanese individuals and companies in the country.
大規模なデモは、中国で暮らす大勢の邦人を脅かした。デモを事実上黙認し、結果的に混乱を招いた中国政府の責任は重大だ。中国当局は邦人や日系企業の安全確保に万全を期してもらいたい。
The Chinese government obviously is trying to counter Japan's moves over the islands, but at the same time it apparently wants Chinese people to vent their frustrations over economic disparities and other domestic issues through the demonstrations. Some observers say the "anti-Japan card" was used as a tool in the power struggle ahead of the National Congress of the Communist Party of China in autumn in which the Chinese leadership will undergo a complete change.
中国政府には、対日牽制(けんせい)は無論として、経済格差など国民の不満のガス抜きを図る思惑もあったのだろう。指導部交代が予定される今秋の共産党大会を控え、「反日カード」が権力闘争に使われた、との見方も出ている。
===
Attitude unlikely to change
It is highly likely China's anti-Japan attitude will remain unchanged. The Japanese government needs to respond to the situation while keeping in mind that problems stemming from China's domestic circumstances will continually occur.
中国の反日姿勢は、今後も変わらない公算が大きい。中国側の事情に基づくトラブルは絶えない、ということを日本政府は肝に銘じ対処していく必要があろう。
The Chinese government criticized the landing by 10 Japanese on Uotsurijima island, one of the Senkaku Islands. However, this criticism is way off the mark. Vice Foreign Minister Kenichiro Sasae is correct in rebutting the protest by Chinese Ambassador to Japan Cheng Yonghua by saying, "The latest move [by Japanese individuals] comes against a backdrop of the landing by Hong Kong activists."
中国政府は日本人１０人による尖閣諸島・魚釣島上陸を批判した。だが、これはお門違いだ。佐々江賢一郎外務次官が、中国の程永華駐日大使からの抗議に「香港の活動家による上陸が背景にある」と反論したのは当然だ。
What the Japanese government should do first is gradually strengthen the management of the Senkaku Islands. The Tokyo metropolitan government, which plans to purchase three of the islands, has applied to the central government for permission to land on the islands.
日本政府がまず取り組むべき課題は、尖閣諸島の管理を淡々と強化することである。購入を計画する東京都は、上陸許可を政府に申請している。
It is essential for the central government to steadily put the Senkaku Islands under state control in cooperation with the metropolitan government.
政府は、都と連携して、国有化を着実に進めることが肝要だ。
===
Territorial protection essential
Aside from a bill to revise the Japan Coast Guard Law, which would allow JCG officers to apprehend criminals on uninhabited islands, it is also an urgent task to develop a system to protect Japanese territory and territorial waters.
無人島での海上保安官の犯罪検挙を認める海上保安庁法改正案とは別に、領土・領海を守る体制を整備することも急務である。
Akihisa Nagashima, a special adviser to Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, said on a TV program that the government "will review territorial patrol operations, including relevant legislation."
長島昭久首相補佐官は、テレビ番組で「領域警備の体制を法制度も含めて見直す」と述べた。
Jin Matsubara, chairman of the National Public Safety Commission, said, "We should treat illegal entry into the country to violate Japan's sovereignty separately from ordinary illegal entry and heavily punish the former illegal entrants."
松原国家公安委員長は「領土主権を侵害する目的の不法入国は、通常の不法入国と区別し、重く罰すべきだ」とも指摘している。
Japan's preparedness for national crises such as unlawful intrusions into its territory is woefully inadequate.
外部からの不法侵入など国家的な危機への備えはなお脆弱(ぜいじゃく)だ。
Japan had to take this problem to heart on a number of occasions after the incursion of North Korean spy ships in 1999. At that time, The Yomiuri Shimbun proposed "territorial patrol operations" as a new duty for the Self-Defense Forces and that the SDF be commissioned to conduct "guard-and-watch" missions.
１９９９年の北朝鮮工作船の領海侵犯事件以来、日本はこうした問題点は、幾度となく痛感してきたはずである。当時、読売新聞は「領域警備」を自衛隊の新たな任務とし、警戒監視に当たらせることを提言した。
Illegal landings by anti-Japan organizations, such as in the latest case, may be a frequent occurrence in the future. The government should also consider legislation to beef up territorial patrol operations.
今回のような反日団体による不法上陸事件は、今後も続発しかねない。領域警備を強化する法制度も検討すべきだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 21, 2012)
（2012年8月21日02時06分 読売新聞）
2012/08/22
原発ゼロ発言 無責任な楽観論を振りまくな
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 21, 2012)
Denuclearization is not a viable option
原発ゼロ発言 無責任な楽観論を振りまくな（8月20日付・読売社説）
It is irresponsible for a Cabinet minister in charge of promoting exports of nuclear power plants as part of Japan's growth strategy to state that the nation's ratio of nuclear power generation to total electricity output should become zero as soon as possible.
成長戦略として原子力発電所の輸出を推進する担当閣僚が自ら、早期の「原発ゼロ」を主張するのは、あまりに無責任と言えよう。
Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano recently visited Vietnam, where Japanese firms have won tentative orders to construct nuclear reactors, and signed an agreement with the Vietnamese government under which Japan would cooperate to create a system necessary for the introduction of nuclear plants.
枝野経済産業相が、日本メーカーによる原発建設が内定しているベトナムを訪れ、原発の新規導入に必要な制度作りなどに協力することで合意した。
Edano told the media Japan has a responsibility to contribute to the international community by disseminating nuclear safety technology abroad.
枝野氏は記者団に、日本は原子力の安全技術で国際貢献する責任がある、などと強調した。
Before visiting Vietnam, however, Edano said he believed the ratio of nuclear power generation in Japan's total electricity output "should become zero as soon as possible." Does this mean he will sell nuclear reactors to other countries while abolishing them quickly in his own country? How can he win international trust that way?
ところが、ベトナム訪問前には、日本の原発比率を「できるだけ早くゼロにした方がいいと思う」と発言していた。原発を他国には売るが、自国は早くゼロにするというのだろうか。これでは国際的な信用は得られまい。
If this nation decides to abolish nuclear power generation, it will not be able to foster nuclear power experts. This means it would not be able to maintain its contribution to Vietnam in terms of nuclear safety. Edano should withdraw his contradictory remarks on denuclearization.
日本が脱原発を決めれば原子力の技術者は育たず、ベトナムなどへの安全面の貢献も続かない。枝野氏は矛盾だらけの「原発ゼロ発言」を撤回すべきである。
===
Zero option unrealistic
The government has presented to the public three scenarios on the ratio of nuclear power generation in 2030: zero percent, 15 percent, and 20 percent to 25 percent. Without doubt, the most unrealistic among the three is zero percent.
政府は２０３０年の原発比率について「０％」「１５％」「２０～２５％」という三つの選択肢を示している。このうち、「０％」が最も非現実的なのは明らかだ。
If the ratio were reduced to zero percent, the damage to the Japanese economy would be immense. According to the government's estimate, Japan's gross domestic product would drop by 50 trillion yen.
政府の試算によると、国内総生産が約５０兆円減少するなど、日本経済への打撃は甚大だ。
The private sector's outlook in this respect is also bleak. The Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) warned that the number of unemployed would increase by 2 million under this scenario. The steel industry, which consumes huge amounts of electricity, said this scenario suggests their businesses would have to close as electricity bills could increase up to two times.
民間の見通しも厳しい。経団連は、失業者が２００万人も増えると警告している。電力多消費産業の鉄鋼業界は、電気料金が最大で約２倍に上がることから、「廃業勧告に等しい」と訴えた。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has instructed ministers concerned to study what challenges the nation would face if the ratio became zero and to work out measures to overcome them. We cannot turn a blind eye to his instructions if they are aimed at arming the government with theories justifying denuclearization.
野田首相は「０％」とした場合の課題やその克服策の検討を関係閣僚に指示している。原発ゼロを正当化する“理論武装”が狙いとすれば、看過できない。
===
Edano irresponsible
We are extremely worried when we hear casual opinions voiced by some members of the Noda government despite painful calls from the economic sector that Japan can do without nuclear plants.
懸念されるのは、経済界の悲痛な声をよそに、原発ゼロでも何とかなるとする安易な考えが、政権内に出ていることである。
It is particularly distressing when Edano, a minister responsible for both the stable supply of electricity and industrial development, is spreading such overoptimistic views.
特に、電力安定供給と産業振興に責任を負う枝野氏が、楽観論を振りまいているのは問題だ。
In saying that zero percent is a viable option, Edano said, "It will rather benefit the economy as long as we do it right."
枝野氏は「０％」を実現可能な選択肢としたうえで、「やり方を間違えなければ、むしろ経済にプラスだと思う」などと述べた。
He meant it would lead to expansion of domestic demand if renewable energy sources replaced nuclear reactors.
原発の代わりに再生可能エネルギーを導入すれば、内需拡大につながるはず、というのだ。
However, the reality is harsher. Germany has decided to promote renewable energy ahead of Japan, but it has come up against a number of negative factors, such as sharply increased financial burdens on households because of higher electricity bills, and the bankruptcy of German solar panel makers overwhelmed by an influx of lower-priced Chinese products.
現実はそれほど甘くはない。再生エネで先行したドイツでは電気料金の上昇で家計負担が急増し、太陽光パネルのメーカーが安い中国製に押されて倒産するなど、悪影響が顕在化している。
It is extremely dangerous to decide on an energy strategy that affects the fate of Japan on the basis of such uncertain hopes.
国の浮沈にかかわるエネルギー戦略を、不確実な期待を根拠に決めるのは、極めて危険である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 20, 2012)
（2012年8月20日01時32分 読売新聞）
Denuclearization is not a viable option
原発ゼロ発言 無責任な楽観論を振りまくな（8月20日付・読売社説）
It is irresponsible for a Cabinet minister in charge of promoting exports of nuclear power plants as part of Japan's growth strategy to state that the nation's ratio of nuclear power generation to total electricity output should become zero as soon as possible.
成長戦略として原子力発電所の輸出を推進する担当閣僚が自ら、早期の「原発ゼロ」を主張するのは、あまりに無責任と言えよう。
Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano recently visited Vietnam, where Japanese firms have won tentative orders to construct nuclear reactors, and signed an agreement with the Vietnamese government under which Japan would cooperate to create a system necessary for the introduction of nuclear plants.
枝野経済産業相が、日本メーカーによる原発建設が内定しているベトナムを訪れ、原発の新規導入に必要な制度作りなどに協力することで合意した。
Edano told the media Japan has a responsibility to contribute to the international community by disseminating nuclear safety technology abroad.
枝野氏は記者団に、日本は原子力の安全技術で国際貢献する責任がある、などと強調した。
Before visiting Vietnam, however, Edano said he believed the ratio of nuclear power generation in Japan's total electricity output "should become zero as soon as possible." Does this mean he will sell nuclear reactors to other countries while abolishing them quickly in his own country? How can he win international trust that way?
ところが、ベトナム訪問前には、日本の原発比率を「できるだけ早くゼロにした方がいいと思う」と発言していた。原発を他国には売るが、自国は早くゼロにするというのだろうか。これでは国際的な信用は得られまい。
If this nation decides to abolish nuclear power generation, it will not be able to foster nuclear power experts. This means it would not be able to maintain its contribution to Vietnam in terms of nuclear safety. Edano should withdraw his contradictory remarks on denuclearization.
日本が脱原発を決めれば原子力の技術者は育たず、ベトナムなどへの安全面の貢献も続かない。枝野氏は矛盾だらけの「原発ゼロ発言」を撤回すべきである。
===
Zero option unrealistic
The government has presented to the public three scenarios on the ratio of nuclear power generation in 2030: zero percent, 15 percent, and 20 percent to 25 percent. Without doubt, the most unrealistic among the three is zero percent.
政府は２０３０年の原発比率について「０％」「１５％」「２０～２５％」という三つの選択肢を示している。このうち、「０％」が最も非現実的なのは明らかだ。
If the ratio were reduced to zero percent, the damage to the Japanese economy would be immense. According to the government's estimate, Japan's gross domestic product would drop by 50 trillion yen.
政府の試算によると、国内総生産が約５０兆円減少するなど、日本経済への打撃は甚大だ。
The private sector's outlook in this respect is also bleak. The Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) warned that the number of unemployed would increase by 2 million under this scenario. The steel industry, which consumes huge amounts of electricity, said this scenario suggests their businesses would have to close as electricity bills could increase up to two times.
民間の見通しも厳しい。経団連は、失業者が２００万人も増えると警告している。電力多消費産業の鉄鋼業界は、電気料金が最大で約２倍に上がることから、「廃業勧告に等しい」と訴えた。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has instructed ministers concerned to study what challenges the nation would face if the ratio became zero and to work out measures to overcome them. We cannot turn a blind eye to his instructions if they are aimed at arming the government with theories justifying denuclearization.
野田首相は「０％」とした場合の課題やその克服策の検討を関係閣僚に指示している。原発ゼロを正当化する“理論武装”が狙いとすれば、看過できない。
===
Edano irresponsible
We are extremely worried when we hear casual opinions voiced by some members of the Noda government despite painful calls from the economic sector that Japan can do without nuclear plants.
懸念されるのは、経済界の悲痛な声をよそに、原発ゼロでも何とかなるとする安易な考えが、政権内に出ていることである。
It is particularly distressing when Edano, a minister responsible for both the stable supply of electricity and industrial development, is spreading such overoptimistic views.
特に、電力安定供給と産業振興に責任を負う枝野氏が、楽観論を振りまいているのは問題だ。
In saying that zero percent is a viable option, Edano said, "It will rather benefit the economy as long as we do it right."
枝野氏は「０％」を実現可能な選択肢としたうえで、「やり方を間違えなければ、むしろ経済にプラスだと思う」などと述べた。
He meant it would lead to expansion of domestic demand if renewable energy sources replaced nuclear reactors.
原発の代わりに再生可能エネルギーを導入すれば、内需拡大につながるはず、というのだ。
However, the reality is harsher. Germany has decided to promote renewable energy ahead of Japan, but it has come up against a number of negative factors, such as sharply increased financial burdens on households because of higher electricity bills, and the bankruptcy of German solar panel makers overwhelmed by an influx of lower-priced Chinese products.
現実はそれほど甘くはない。再生エネで先行したドイツでは電気料金の上昇で家計負担が急増し、太陽光パネルのメーカーが安い中国製に押されて倒産するなど、悪影響が顕在化している。
It is extremely dangerous to decide on an energy strategy that affects the fate of Japan on the basis of such uncertain hopes.
国の浮沈にかかわるエネルギー戦略を、不確実な期待を根拠に決めるのは、極めて危険である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 20, 2012)
（2012年8月20日01時32分 読売新聞）
2012/08/21
不法入国者送還 「尖閣」管理へ海保の拡充を
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 19, 2012)
Govt must boost JCG power to control Senkaku Islands
不法入国者送還 「尖閣」管理へ海保の拡充を（8月18日付・読売社説）
The government should make further efforts to bolster the Japan Coast Guard's policing abilities to maintain and stably manage the Senkaku Islands.
尖閣諸島を安定的に維持・管理するため、政府は、海上保安庁の警備体制の拡充に一層努めるべきである。
The government on Friday authorized the deportation of 14 people, including anti-Japan activists from Hong Kong, who were arrested earlier this week on suspicion of violating the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law by landing on Uotsurijima island, one of the Senkakus. Judicial proceedings against them were not taken because it was concluded their action did not constitute a serious violation of law, such as the obstruction of public duties.
魚釣島への不法上陸事件で、政府は、出入国管理・難民認定法違反容疑で逮捕した香港の反日団体活動家ら１４人を強制送還処分とした。公務執行妨害などの重大な法令違反はない、として司法手続きは見送った。
Such a decision appears to be inevitable, but it is unlikely to bring down the curtain on this issue.
やむを得ない対応だが、これで幕引きとはなるまい。
Anti-Japan groups such as the one based in Hong Kong have seen their funding boosted and are likely to step up their activities. There are signs that the latest Senkaku incident could develop into anti-Japan protests throughout China.
香港などの反日団体は、資金力を高め、活動を活発化させる公算が大きい。中国国内の反日デモも拡大しかねない雰囲気がある。
The government should press China again not to ignore such provocative acts by private groups.
政府は中国側に、こうした民間団体の挑発行為を放置しないよう改めて強く求めるべきである。
===
Be cautious of China's tactics
Regarding measures to prevent further illegal intrusions onto the islands, Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura said at a press conference, "Ministers concerned will swiftly deal with the matter."
藤村官房長官は記者会見で、再発防止策について「関係閣僚で迅速に対応していく」と述べた。
Members of the government must share the same recognition of what is at stake and establish a system to quickly eliminate illegal acts.
政府内で、何が問題なのか認識を共有し、不法行為を速やかに排除できる体制を整えねばならない。
There is concern that the Chinese government could try to take control of events if another incident like this one flares up in the future.
今回のような事件がエスカレートすれば、中国政府が前面に出てくることも懸念される。
China has expanded its effective control of the South China Sea, where it has territorial disputes with neighboring countries, by having fishing boats enter disputed waters and then deploying fisheries patrol vessels and warships for the ostensible purpose of protecting the fishing boats.
中国は、周辺国と領有権を争う南シナ海において、まず漁船を出漁させ、これを保護する名目などで漁業監視船や巡視船、軍艦を投入し、実効支配を広げてきた。
The situation of the East China Sea, where the Senkaku Islands are located, differs from that of the South China Sea, but the government needs to be cautious to prevent Beijing from using similar tactics.
尖閣諸島を含む東シナ海は事情が異なるが、中国に同様の手法を取らさぬよう警戒が必要だ。
China reportedly plans to increase its number of patrol vessels to 520 by 2020, including ones to be deployed in the East China Sea.
中国は、２０２０年までに巡視船を５２０隻へ倍増する方針だ。一部は東シナ海に配備される。
In contrast, the JCG has basically taken a scrap-and-build strategy for patrol vessels. A significant increase from the current fleet of about 360 patrol vessels would be difficult. The JCG is bound to be overtaken by its Chinese counterparts in terms of both quality and quantity. The time has come for Japan to consider plans to expand JCG power.
これに対し、海保の巡視船艇はスクラップ・アンド・ビルドが原則で、計約３６０隻体制からの大幅増は困難だ。海保が、中国海洋当局に質、量ともに凌(りょう)駕(が)される事態も否定できない。計画的拡充を検討すべき時期に来ている。
===
Buildup plans for JCG needed
We suggest the government create mid- and long-term buildup plans for the JCG, analogous to the National Defense Program Outline and the Mid-Term Defense Program for the Self-Defense Forces.
その際、自衛隊の防衛大綱や中期防衛力整備計画のように、海保が中長期的な装備導入計画を策定することも考慮してはどうか。
During a plenary session of the House of Representatives in July, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said, "The government will respond firmly [to intrusions on Japanese territory including the Senkaku Islands] and use the SDF if necessary."
野田首相は７月の衆院本会議で尖閣諸島などへの不法行為があった場合、「必要に応じて自衛隊を用いることを含め、政府全体で毅然(きぜん)として対応する」と語った。
The SDF needs to speed up work to increase its surveillance of the Nansei Islands to counter China's naval buildup.
自衛隊は、中国海軍の増強を踏まえ、南西諸島の警戒体制の強化を急ぐ必要がある。
The presence of the U.S. military is also important. The Senkaku Islands fall within areas for Japan-U.S. joint defense.
尖閣諸島を共同防衛の対象とする米軍の存在も重要である。
The U.S. deployment of new MV-22 Osprey transport aircraft to Okinawa Prefecture would enhance the mobility of U.S. marines in times of emergency. It would also be conducive to protecting the Senkaku Islands. The latest Senkaku incident reaffirms the need for the deployment.
米海兵隊の新型輸送機ＭＶ２２オスプレイの沖縄配備は、緊急時の海兵隊の機動力を高め、尖閣諸島の防衛にも資する。今回の事件はその必要性を再認識させたのではないだろうか。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 18, 2012)
（2012年8月18日01時38分 読売新聞）
Govt must boost JCG power to control Senkaku Islands
不法入国者送還 「尖閣」管理へ海保の拡充を（8月18日付・読売社説）
The government should make further efforts to bolster the Japan Coast Guard's policing abilities to maintain and stably manage the Senkaku Islands.
尖閣諸島を安定的に維持・管理するため、政府は、海上保安庁の警備体制の拡充に一層努めるべきである。
The government on Friday authorized the deportation of 14 people, including anti-Japan activists from Hong Kong, who were arrested earlier this week on suspicion of violating the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law by landing on Uotsurijima island, one of the Senkakus. Judicial proceedings against them were not taken because it was concluded their action did not constitute a serious violation of law, such as the obstruction of public duties.
魚釣島への不法上陸事件で、政府は、出入国管理・難民認定法違反容疑で逮捕した香港の反日団体活動家ら１４人を強制送還処分とした。公務執行妨害などの重大な法令違反はない、として司法手続きは見送った。
Such a decision appears to be inevitable, but it is unlikely to bring down the curtain on this issue.
やむを得ない対応だが、これで幕引きとはなるまい。
Anti-Japan groups such as the one based in Hong Kong have seen their funding boosted and are likely to step up their activities. There are signs that the latest Senkaku incident could develop into anti-Japan protests throughout China.
香港などの反日団体は、資金力を高め、活動を活発化させる公算が大きい。中国国内の反日デモも拡大しかねない雰囲気がある。
The government should press China again not to ignore such provocative acts by private groups.
政府は中国側に、こうした民間団体の挑発行為を放置しないよう改めて強く求めるべきである。
===
Be cautious of China's tactics
Regarding measures to prevent further illegal intrusions onto the islands, Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura said at a press conference, "Ministers concerned will swiftly deal with the matter."
藤村官房長官は記者会見で、再発防止策について「関係閣僚で迅速に対応していく」と述べた。
Members of the government must share the same recognition of what is at stake and establish a system to quickly eliminate illegal acts.
政府内で、何が問題なのか認識を共有し、不法行為を速やかに排除できる体制を整えねばならない。
There is concern that the Chinese government could try to take control of events if another incident like this one flares up in the future.
今回のような事件がエスカレートすれば、中国政府が前面に出てくることも懸念される。
China has expanded its effective control of the South China Sea, where it has territorial disputes with neighboring countries, by having fishing boats enter disputed waters and then deploying fisheries patrol vessels and warships for the ostensible purpose of protecting the fishing boats.
中国は、周辺国と領有権を争う南シナ海において、まず漁船を出漁させ、これを保護する名目などで漁業監視船や巡視船、軍艦を投入し、実効支配を広げてきた。
The situation of the East China Sea, where the Senkaku Islands are located, differs from that of the South China Sea, but the government needs to be cautious to prevent Beijing from using similar tactics.
尖閣諸島を含む東シナ海は事情が異なるが、中国に同様の手法を取らさぬよう警戒が必要だ。
China reportedly plans to increase its number of patrol vessels to 520 by 2020, including ones to be deployed in the East China Sea.
中国は、２０２０年までに巡視船を５２０隻へ倍増する方針だ。一部は東シナ海に配備される。
In contrast, the JCG has basically taken a scrap-and-build strategy for patrol vessels. A significant increase from the current fleet of about 360 patrol vessels would be difficult. The JCG is bound to be overtaken by its Chinese counterparts in terms of both quality and quantity. The time has come for Japan to consider plans to expand JCG power.
これに対し、海保の巡視船艇はスクラップ・アンド・ビルドが原則で、計約３６０隻体制からの大幅増は困難だ。海保が、中国海洋当局に質、量ともに凌(りょう)駕(が)される事態も否定できない。計画的拡充を検討すべき時期に来ている。
===
Buildup plans for JCG needed
We suggest the government create mid- and long-term buildup plans for the JCG, analogous to the National Defense Program Outline and the Mid-Term Defense Program for the Self-Defense Forces.
その際、自衛隊の防衛大綱や中期防衛力整備計画のように、海保が中長期的な装備導入計画を策定することも考慮してはどうか。
During a plenary session of the House of Representatives in July, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said, "The government will respond firmly [to intrusions on Japanese territory including the Senkaku Islands] and use the SDF if necessary."
野田首相は７月の衆院本会議で尖閣諸島などへの不法行為があった場合、「必要に応じて自衛隊を用いることを含め、政府全体で毅然(きぜん)として対応する」と語った。
The SDF needs to speed up work to increase its surveillance of the Nansei Islands to counter China's naval buildup.
自衛隊は、中国海軍の増強を踏まえ、南西諸島の警戒体制の強化を急ぐ必要がある。
The presence of the U.S. military is also important. The Senkaku Islands fall within areas for Japan-U.S. joint defense.
尖閣諸島を共同防衛の対象とする米軍の存在も重要である。
The U.S. deployment of new MV-22 Osprey transport aircraft to Okinawa Prefecture would enhance the mobility of U.S. marines in times of emergency. It would also be conducive to protecting the Senkaku Islands. The latest Senkaku incident reaffirms the need for the deployment.
米海兵隊の新型輸送機ＭＶ２２オスプレイの沖縄配備は、緊急時の海兵隊の機動力を高め、尖閣諸島の防衛にも資する。今回の事件はその必要性を再認識させたのではないだろうか。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 18, 2012)
（2012年8月18日01時38分 読売新聞）
2012/08/20
「竹島」提訴へ 日本領有の正当性を発信せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 19, 2012)
Use ICJ suit to emphasize Japan's Takeshima sovereignty
「竹島」提訴へ 日本領有の正当性を発信せよ（8月18日付・読売社説）
It is highly significant that our country is making a wide appeal to the international community to recognize the legitimacy of Japan's sovereignty over the Takeshima islands.
竹島に関する日本の領有権の正当性を広く国際社会に訴え、認知させる意義は大きい。
The government has announced plans to take the sovereignty row involving the islets in the Sea of Japan to the International Court of Justice.
政府が、竹島問題を国際司法裁判所に提訴する方針を発表した。
Japan will shortly propose that the two countries work together to bring the Takeshima issue before the U.N. tribunal in The Hague. If South Korea refuses the overture, Japan will file a suit on its own with the ICJ.
近日中に日韓両国による共同付託を韓国に提案し、韓国が応じない場合は、日本単独で提訴する方向だ。
Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura stressed in a news conference Friday that Japan wants to "resolve the issue calmly, fairly and peacefully based on international law."
藤村官房長官は「国際法に基づき、冷静公平かつ平和的な紛争解決を目指す。
He went on to say, "If South Korea believes its claim to the ownership of Takeshima is justifiable, it should accept our government's proposal."
韓国が自国の領有権主張が正当と考えるなら、提案に応じるべきだ」と強調した。
South Korea has rejected going to the ICJ for a ruling on the disputed islets two times so far, and it plans to dismiss the Japanese move this time, too.
韓国は従来、付託を拒否しており、今回も応じない方針だ。
Given the ICJ is unable to begin proceedings over an international dispute without the consent of all parties concerned, there are no prospects for the main judicial body of the United Nations to start hearings over the Tokyo-Seoul territorial row.
国際司法裁の紛争解決は当事国双方の同意が前提のため、裁判が開廷する見通しは立っていない。
===
Syngman Rhee Line outrageous
Through Japan's planned lodging of a suit, however, South Korea's illegal occupation of the islets and the unconscionability of its claim to Takeshima will become widely known to the international community. It is very important for Japan to calmly proceed with the court proceedings.
だが、提訴を通じて、竹島が韓国に不法占拠されている現状や、韓国の主張の不当性が国際社会に認識されよう。日本は粛々と手続きを進めることが大切だ。
A look at Takeshima's history makes it indisputably clear that Japan established its sovereignty over the islets in the middle of the 17th century. A Cabinet decision was made in 1905 to incorporate the islets under the jurisdiction of Shimane Prefecture.
竹島をめぐる過去の経緯を振り返れば、日本は、１７世紀半ばに領有権を確立し、１９０５年には島根県への編入を閣議決定した。
In the San Francisco Peace Treaty signed after World War II, Takeshima was excluded from the list of areas for which Japan was obliged to renounce its territorial claims.
大戦後のサンフランシスコ講和条約でも、日本が放棄すべき地域から竹島は除外されていた。
In 1952, just before the treaty went into effect, however, then South Korean President Syngman Rhee unilaterally took control of the Takeshima islets by creating the so-called Syngman Rhee Line--in violation of international law--and South Korea has been illegally occupying Takeshima since then.
ところが、韓国は条約発効直前の５２年、当時の李承晩大統領が公海に国際法違反の「李承晩ライン」を設定して竹島を取り込み、それ以降、不法占拠を続けている。
The Japanese government, for its part, must assert from time to time that Takeshima is clearly Japanese territory both historically and under international law.
竹島は歴史的にも国際法上も日本の領土であると、政府は折に触れて主張していく必要がある。
The responsibility for causing the turmoil this time lies entirely with South Korean President Lee Myung Bak, who brashly visited Takeshima on Aug. 10.
現在の混乱を招いた責任は、ひとえに、竹島訪問を一方的に強行した李明博韓国大統領にある。
It has been the practice of successive administrations of South Korean political leaders, when beleaguered by domestic politics, to wheel out historical and territorial problems vis-a-vis Japan in the form of political claptrap to exploit nationalistic sentiments of the South Korean people.
内政面で苦境にある首脳が、日本との歴史認識や領土の問題を持ち出し、国内のナショナリズムに訴えて人気取りを図るのは、韓国歴代政権の常套(じょうとう)手段だった。
===
Avoid irreparable animosity
President Lee's deeds this time, combined with his subsequent demand for an "apology from the Emperor" for the wartime past, is particularly unforgivable. South Korea should be cognizant of this.
だが、今回の李大統領の行動は、その後の「天皇謝罪」要求発言と合わせて、格段に罪深い。韓国側はそれを自覚すべきだ。
The Japanese side, in a bid to work out further countermeasures against Lee's words and deeds, is considering such steps as postponing a Japan-South Korea summit meeting and intergovernmental consultations scheduled for the near future.
日本側は、さらなる対抗措置として、日韓の首脳会談や政府間協議の延期を検討している。
Finance Minister Jun Azumi, for that matter, does not rule out the possibility of scaling down a credit line Japan was prepared to set for a bilateral currency swap deal designed for the transfer of foreign currencies to one of the two countries in time of a monetary crisis.
安住財務相は、金融危機時に外貨を融通し合うための日韓通貨交換（スワップ）協定の融資枠を縮小する可能性を否定していない。
Indications are that Japan-South Korea ties will remain stalemated at least for the time being.
当面、日韓関係の停滞が続くのは避けられまい。
The price for the worsening of bilateral relations will eventually have to be paid by both Japan and South Korea.
関係悪化のツケは結局、日韓両国に回ってくる。
A prolonged feud between the countries is bound to benefit only North Korea in connection with security affairs in the northeastern Asian region.
北東アジアの安全保障問題でも、日韓の足並みの乱れは北朝鮮を利するだけだ。
Both Japan and South Korea must act with cool heads and keep talking to prevent bilateral relations from irreparably plunging into animosity.
日韓関係が決定的に悪化しないように、政府間で冷静に対話を重ねることも重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 18, 2012)
（2012年8月18日01時38分 読売新聞）
Use ICJ suit to emphasize Japan's Takeshima sovereignty
「竹島」提訴へ 日本領有の正当性を発信せよ（8月18日付・読売社説）
It is highly significant that our country is making a wide appeal to the international community to recognize the legitimacy of Japan's sovereignty over the Takeshima islands.
竹島に関する日本の領有権の正当性を広く国際社会に訴え、認知させる意義は大きい。
The government has announced plans to take the sovereignty row involving the islets in the Sea of Japan to the International Court of Justice.
政府が、竹島問題を国際司法裁判所に提訴する方針を発表した。
Japan will shortly propose that the two countries work together to bring the Takeshima issue before the U.N. tribunal in The Hague. If South Korea refuses the overture, Japan will file a suit on its own with the ICJ.
近日中に日韓両国による共同付託を韓国に提案し、韓国が応じない場合は、日本単独で提訴する方向だ。
Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura stressed in a news conference Friday that Japan wants to "resolve the issue calmly, fairly and peacefully based on international law."
藤村官房長官は「国際法に基づき、冷静公平かつ平和的な紛争解決を目指す。
He went on to say, "If South Korea believes its claim to the ownership of Takeshima is justifiable, it should accept our government's proposal."
韓国が自国の領有権主張が正当と考えるなら、提案に応じるべきだ」と強調した。
South Korea has rejected going to the ICJ for a ruling on the disputed islets two times so far, and it plans to dismiss the Japanese move this time, too.
韓国は従来、付託を拒否しており、今回も応じない方針だ。
Given the ICJ is unable to begin proceedings over an international dispute without the consent of all parties concerned, there are no prospects for the main judicial body of the United Nations to start hearings over the Tokyo-Seoul territorial row.
国際司法裁の紛争解決は当事国双方の同意が前提のため、裁判が開廷する見通しは立っていない。
===
Syngman Rhee Line outrageous
Through Japan's planned lodging of a suit, however, South Korea's illegal occupation of the islets and the unconscionability of its claim to Takeshima will become widely known to the international community. It is very important for Japan to calmly proceed with the court proceedings.
だが、提訴を通じて、竹島が韓国に不法占拠されている現状や、韓国の主張の不当性が国際社会に認識されよう。日本は粛々と手続きを進めることが大切だ。
A look at Takeshima's history makes it indisputably clear that Japan established its sovereignty over the islets in the middle of the 17th century. A Cabinet decision was made in 1905 to incorporate the islets under the jurisdiction of Shimane Prefecture.
竹島をめぐる過去の経緯を振り返れば、日本は、１７世紀半ばに領有権を確立し、１９０５年には島根県への編入を閣議決定した。
In the San Francisco Peace Treaty signed after World War II, Takeshima was excluded from the list of areas for which Japan was obliged to renounce its territorial claims.
大戦後のサンフランシスコ講和条約でも、日本が放棄すべき地域から竹島は除外されていた。
In 1952, just before the treaty went into effect, however, then South Korean President Syngman Rhee unilaterally took control of the Takeshima islets by creating the so-called Syngman Rhee Line--in violation of international law--and South Korea has been illegally occupying Takeshima since then.
ところが、韓国は条約発効直前の５２年、当時の李承晩大統領が公海に国際法違反の「李承晩ライン」を設定して竹島を取り込み、それ以降、不法占拠を続けている。
The Japanese government, for its part, must assert from time to time that Takeshima is clearly Japanese territory both historically and under international law.
竹島は歴史的にも国際法上も日本の領土であると、政府は折に触れて主張していく必要がある。
The responsibility for causing the turmoil this time lies entirely with South Korean President Lee Myung Bak, who brashly visited Takeshima on Aug. 10.
現在の混乱を招いた責任は、ひとえに、竹島訪問を一方的に強行した李明博韓国大統領にある。
It has been the practice of successive administrations of South Korean political leaders, when beleaguered by domestic politics, to wheel out historical and territorial problems vis-a-vis Japan in the form of political claptrap to exploit nationalistic sentiments of the South Korean people.
内政面で苦境にある首脳が、日本との歴史認識や領土の問題を持ち出し、国内のナショナリズムに訴えて人気取りを図るのは、韓国歴代政権の常套(じょうとう)手段だった。
===
Avoid irreparable animosity
President Lee's deeds this time, combined with his subsequent demand for an "apology from the Emperor" for the wartime past, is particularly unforgivable. South Korea should be cognizant of this.
だが、今回の李大統領の行動は、その後の「天皇謝罪」要求発言と合わせて、格段に罪深い。韓国側はそれを自覚すべきだ。
The Japanese side, in a bid to work out further countermeasures against Lee's words and deeds, is considering such steps as postponing a Japan-South Korea summit meeting and intergovernmental consultations scheduled for the near future.
日本側は、さらなる対抗措置として、日韓の首脳会談や政府間協議の延期を検討している。
Finance Minister Jun Azumi, for that matter, does not rule out the possibility of scaling down a credit line Japan was prepared to set for a bilateral currency swap deal designed for the transfer of foreign currencies to one of the two countries in time of a monetary crisis.
安住財務相は、金融危機時に外貨を融通し合うための日韓通貨交換（スワップ）協定の融資枠を縮小する可能性を否定していない。
Indications are that Japan-South Korea ties will remain stalemated at least for the time being.
当面、日韓関係の停滞が続くのは避けられまい。
The price for the worsening of bilateral relations will eventually have to be paid by both Japan and South Korea.
関係悪化のツケは結局、日韓両国に回ってくる。
A prolonged feud between the countries is bound to benefit only North Korea in connection with security affairs in the northeastern Asian region.
北東アジアの安全保障問題でも、日韓の足並みの乱れは北朝鮮を利するだけだ。
Both Japan and South Korea must act with cool heads and keep talking to prevent bilateral relations from irreparably plunging into animosity.
日韓関係が決定的に悪化しないように、政府間で冷静に対話を重ねることも重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 18, 2012)
（2012年8月18日01時38分 読売新聞）
2012/08/19
尖閣不法上陸 再発防止へ態勢を強化せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 18, 2012)
Beef up measures to prevent future Senkaku intrusions
尖閣不法上陸 再発防止へ態勢を強化せよ（8月17日付・読売社説）
It was an act of blatant defiance against Japan's sovereignty. To prevent the recurrence of such actions in the future, the government should enhance its preparedness to handle such cases.
日本の主権に公然と挑戦する行為である。再発防止へ、政府は態勢の強化に努めるべきだ。
A boat belonging to an anti-Japan group based in Hong Kong recently traveled to Uotsurijima, one of the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, and some of the group members landed on the island.
沖縄県の尖閣諸島・魚釣島に香港の反日団体の船が接岸し、活動家が上陸した。
The Okinawa prefectural police and the Japan Coast Guard arrested all 14 members who were aboard--five who illegally landed on the island and nine others who were on the boat--on suspicion of violating the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law.
県警と海上保安庁は、不法上陸した５人、船に乗っていた９人の計１４人全員を出入国管理・難民認定法違反容疑で逮捕した。
This group let Hong Kong television reporters accompanying them broadcast the activists' landing live on the Internet. They obviously intended to provoke Japan and whip up Chinese nationalism. They probably attempted to take advantage of a Japan-South Korea standoff over the Takeshima islands in Shimane Prefecture as well.
この団体は、香港のテレビ局の記者を同行させ、上陸の様子をネット中継した。日本を挑発し、中国のナショナリズムを煽(あお)る意図は明らかだ。竹島を巡る日韓両国の対立につけ込む狙いもあろう。
The JCG and police should be hailed for cooperating on such steps as the deployment of their respective members in advance and promptly making the arrests.
海保と警察が魚釣島への事前の要員配備などで連携し、速やかに検挙したことは評価できる。
The 14 arrested people likely will soon be deported by immigration authorities after being investigated. The same steps were taken after Chinese activists landed illegally on Uotsurijima in March 2004.
逮捕された１４人は取り調べを受けた上で、入国管理局を通じて強制送還される見通しだ。２００４年３月の中国人による魚釣島不法上陸時と同様の措置となる。
===
Smooth actions will bolster control
It is significant that Japan smoothly acted in accordance with the law to maintain order on the Senkaku Islands. It will help Japan bolster its effective control over the islands.
尖閣諸島の秩序を守るため、日本が法令を円滑に執行するという実績を残した意義は小さくない。尖閣諸島に対する日本の実効支配を補強することになろう。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said the government would strictly deal with the matter in accordance with the law. We hope the government duly moves ahead with procedures.
野田首相は「法令にのっとり厳正に対処する」と明言した。手続きを粛々と進めてもらいたい。
After a Chinese trawler collided with JCG patrol ships near the Senkaku Islands about two years ago, the trawler's skipper was sent to prosecutors on suspicion of obstructing official duties, which is a serious crime.
約２年前の漁船衝突事件では、公務執行妨害という重大な犯罪行為があったため、身柄送検した。
If the activists arrested this time are probed over alleged violations of the immigration law only, it is appropriate, at least for now, to settle the case quickly with their deportation.
今回、入管難民法違反にとどまるのなら、強制送還による早期の事態収拾はひとまず適切だろう。
What is important is not to allow the recurrence of such illegal entries into Japan's territory.
大事なのは、同様の不法入国を繰り返させないことだ。
Hong Kong authorities could have prevented the departure of the anti-Japan organization's boat, but instead gave it tacit approval. We sense the Chinese government's intention to pressure Japan over the Senkaku issue.
香港当局は、反日団体の船の出港を制止できたにもかかわらず、事実上容認した。尖閣問題で日本を牽制(けんせい)しようという中国政府の思惑も見え隠れする。
But it is obvious that if turmoil arises, Japan-China relations would be harmed, which would bring disadvantages for China as well.
だが、混乱が生じれば、日中関係は悪化し、結果的に中国にも不利益となるのは自明の理だ。
The government should make Chinese and Hong Kong authorities understand this point and urge them to take measures to prevent similar acts in the future through such means as strengthened surveillance of anti-Japan organizations.
政府は、中国や香港当局に対しそのことを理解させ、反日団体の監視強化などの再発防止策を取るよう働きかけるべきだ。
===
Did JCG do enough?
The opposition Liberal Democratic Party and others are stepping up their criticism of the fact that the JCG failed to block the activists' landing. The JCG needs to thoroughly examine whether it was sufficiently vigilant and further beef up its equipment and personnel.
海保が活動家の上陸を阻止できなかったことについて、自民党などが批判を強めている。海保は、警戒態勢に不備がなかったか、十分に検証し、装備や人員の一層の拡充を図る必要がある。
A bill to revise the law governing the coast guard to strengthen the JCG's power has finally passed the House of Representatives six months after it was submitted to the Diet. We attribute the long delay in passing the bill, which was unanimously approved, to the negligence of ruling and opposition parties.
海保の権限を強化する海上保安庁法改正案は、国会提出から半年たってようやく衆院を通過した。全会一致の法案をこれまで放置してきたのは与野党の怠慢だ。
It is essential to put the Senkaku Islands under state control to achieve stable administration of the islands. We hope the government expedites procedures for their nationalization by coordinating with the Tokyo metropolitan government, which plans to purchase the islands.
尖閣諸島の安定的管理を図るには国有化が欠かせない。政府は購入を計画している東京都と調整して手続きを急いでもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 17, 2012)
（2012年8月17日01時36分 読売新聞）
Beef up measures to prevent future Senkaku intrusions
尖閣不法上陸 再発防止へ態勢を強化せよ（8月17日付・読売社説）
It was an act of blatant defiance against Japan's sovereignty. To prevent the recurrence of such actions in the future, the government should enhance its preparedness to handle such cases.
日本の主権に公然と挑戦する行為である。再発防止へ、政府は態勢の強化に努めるべきだ。
A boat belonging to an anti-Japan group based in Hong Kong recently traveled to Uotsurijima, one of the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, and some of the group members landed on the island.
沖縄県の尖閣諸島・魚釣島に香港の反日団体の船が接岸し、活動家が上陸した。
The Okinawa prefectural police and the Japan Coast Guard arrested all 14 members who were aboard--five who illegally landed on the island and nine others who were on the boat--on suspicion of violating the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law.
県警と海上保安庁は、不法上陸した５人、船に乗っていた９人の計１４人全員を出入国管理・難民認定法違反容疑で逮捕した。
This group let Hong Kong television reporters accompanying them broadcast the activists' landing live on the Internet. They obviously intended to provoke Japan and whip up Chinese nationalism. They probably attempted to take advantage of a Japan-South Korea standoff over the Takeshima islands in Shimane Prefecture as well.
この団体は、香港のテレビ局の記者を同行させ、上陸の様子をネット中継した。日本を挑発し、中国のナショナリズムを煽(あお)る意図は明らかだ。竹島を巡る日韓両国の対立につけ込む狙いもあろう。
The JCG and police should be hailed for cooperating on such steps as the deployment of their respective members in advance and promptly making the arrests.
海保と警察が魚釣島への事前の要員配備などで連携し、速やかに検挙したことは評価できる。
The 14 arrested people likely will soon be deported by immigration authorities after being investigated. The same steps were taken after Chinese activists landed illegally on Uotsurijima in March 2004.
逮捕された１４人は取り調べを受けた上で、入国管理局を通じて強制送還される見通しだ。２００４年３月の中国人による魚釣島不法上陸時と同様の措置となる。
===
Smooth actions will bolster control
It is significant that Japan smoothly acted in accordance with the law to maintain order on the Senkaku Islands. It will help Japan bolster its effective control over the islands.
尖閣諸島の秩序を守るため、日本が法令を円滑に執行するという実績を残した意義は小さくない。尖閣諸島に対する日本の実効支配を補強することになろう。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said the government would strictly deal with the matter in accordance with the law. We hope the government duly moves ahead with procedures.
野田首相は「法令にのっとり厳正に対処する」と明言した。手続きを粛々と進めてもらいたい。
After a Chinese trawler collided with JCG patrol ships near the Senkaku Islands about two years ago, the trawler's skipper was sent to prosecutors on suspicion of obstructing official duties, which is a serious crime.
約２年前の漁船衝突事件では、公務執行妨害という重大な犯罪行為があったため、身柄送検した。
If the activists arrested this time are probed over alleged violations of the immigration law only, it is appropriate, at least for now, to settle the case quickly with their deportation.
今回、入管難民法違反にとどまるのなら、強制送還による早期の事態収拾はひとまず適切だろう。
What is important is not to allow the recurrence of such illegal entries into Japan's territory.
大事なのは、同様の不法入国を繰り返させないことだ。
Hong Kong authorities could have prevented the departure of the anti-Japan organization's boat, but instead gave it tacit approval. We sense the Chinese government's intention to pressure Japan over the Senkaku issue.
香港当局は、反日団体の船の出港を制止できたにもかかわらず、事実上容認した。尖閣問題で日本を牽制(けんせい)しようという中国政府の思惑も見え隠れする。
But it is obvious that if turmoil arises, Japan-China relations would be harmed, which would bring disadvantages for China as well.
だが、混乱が生じれば、日中関係は悪化し、結果的に中国にも不利益となるのは自明の理だ。
The government should make Chinese and Hong Kong authorities understand this point and urge them to take measures to prevent similar acts in the future through such means as strengthened surveillance of anti-Japan organizations.
政府は、中国や香港当局に対しそのことを理解させ、反日団体の監視強化などの再発防止策を取るよう働きかけるべきだ。
===
Did JCG do enough?
The opposition Liberal Democratic Party and others are stepping up their criticism of the fact that the JCG failed to block the activists' landing. The JCG needs to thoroughly examine whether it was sufficiently vigilant and further beef up its equipment and personnel.
海保が活動家の上陸を阻止できなかったことについて、自民党などが批判を強めている。海保は、警戒態勢に不備がなかったか、十分に検証し、装備や人員の一層の拡充を図る必要がある。
A bill to revise the law governing the coast guard to strengthen the JCG's power has finally passed the House of Representatives six months after it was submitted to the Diet. We attribute the long delay in passing the bill, which was unanimously approved, to the negligence of ruling and opposition parties.
海保の権限を強化する海上保安庁法改正案は、国会提出から半年たってようやく衆院を通過した。全会一致の法案をこれまで放置してきたのは与野党の怠慢だ。
It is essential to put the Senkaku Islands under state control to achieve stable administration of the islands. We hope the government expedites procedures for their nationalization by coordinating with the Tokyo metropolitan government, which plans to purchase the islands.
尖閣諸島の安定的管理を図るには国有化が欠かせない。政府は購入を計画している東京都と調整して手続きを急いでもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 17, 2012)
（2012年8月17日01時36分 読売新聞）
2012/08/18
韓国大統領発言 日韓関係の停滞化を懸念する
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 17, 2012)
Lee's remarks could paralyze Japan-South Korea relations
韓国大統領発言 日韓関係の停滞化を懸念する（8月16日付・読売社説）
No matter how much South Korea stresses it wants a "future-oriented" relationship with Japan, Seoul's diplomacy toward Tokyo always hits a snag due to historical perceptions and territorial issues.
どんなに「未来志向」を強調しようとも、結局、歴史認識問題や領土問題で、対日外交が暗礁に乗り上げる。
It seems that South Korean President Lee Myung Bak was unable to escape from this pattern, which has been repeated by his country's previous administrations.
韓国の歴代政権が繰り返したパターンから、李明博大統領も逃れることはできなかったということだろう。
Following his visit to the Takeshima islands last week, Lee indicated Tuesday that an apology from the bottom of the Emperor's heart to independence activists is a condition for the Emperor to visit South Korea.
先週の竹島訪問に次いで、今度は、「独立運動家への心からの謝罪」が天皇陛下の訪韓の条件だとする李大統領の発言である。
We have to say Lee's remark is unbecoming to the head of a Japanese ally.
友邦の国家元首らしからぬ言動と言わざるを得ない。
We are concerned that the Japan-South Korea relationship, which cooled due to Lee's Takeshima visit, will deteriorate further and the estrangement will be prolonged.
大統領の竹島上陸で冷え込んだ日韓関係が一段と悪化し、それが長期化することも懸念される。
It is very irresponsible for Lee, who has only six months left in his term, to commit himself with words and actions that could create problems for the future bilateral relationship.
あと半年しか任期が残っていない大統領が、日韓関係の将来に禍根を残すような言動をとるのは、無責任に過ぎよう。
After Japan and South Korea normalized diplomatic relations in 1965, former South Korean presidents, starting with Chun Doo Hwan in 1984, visited Japan and met with the Emperor. In 1990, Seoul formally invited the Emperor to visit South Korea.
１９６５年の日韓国交正常化以降、韓国の大統領は、８４年の全斗煥氏を最初に、歴代、日本を訪れ、天皇陛下と会っている。９０年には天皇訪韓を公式に招請した。
===
President changes tune
Lee himself invited the Emperor to visit his country while he was on an official visit to Japan in 2008. He also showed eagerness to realize the Emperor's visit to South Korea in 2010, the centennial year of Japan's annexation of Korea.
李大統領自身、２００８年の来日時に訪韓を招請した。日韓併合から１００年にあたる１０年の訪韓実現へ意欲を見せてもいた。
It has been reported that Lee went so far as to say during a meeting with a group of schoolteachers, "The Emperor doesn't need [to visit South Korea] if he is coming just to express his 'deepest regret.'" Lee was apparently referring to a term used by the Emperor at a banquet at the Imperial Palace for then South Korean President Roh Tae Woo during his visit to Japan 22 years ago.
李大統領は、教員らとの会合で、「『痛惜の念』という言葉だけなら（天皇訪韓の）必要はない」とまで述べたという。２２年前、当時の盧泰愚大統領が来日した時の、宮中晩さん会における陛下のお言葉を指したものだ。
The side that invited the Emperor set a condition afterward and said he does not need to come if the condition is not met. Such an attitude is extremely impolite.
招いた方が、後になって条件をつけ、それが満たされないなら来る必要はない、というのはあまりにも礼を失している。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said Lee's remark was "hard to understand and regrettable." Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura said, "Making unconstructive remarks goes against South Korea's own interests."
野田首相は「理解に苦しむ発言で、遺憾だ」と述べ、藤村官房長官も「韓国側が非建設的な発言をすることは韓国自身のためにもならない」と指摘した。
It is only natural that the Japanese government lodged a protest with the South Korean government.
日本政府が韓国に抗議したのは当然だ。
It is desirable for the Emperor's visit to South Korea to be realized in a way that it can be accepted naturally by the people of the two countries. As a result, there is no option but to shelve a possible visit by the Emperor to South Korea for the time being.
天皇訪韓は、両国民によって自然に受け止められるような形で実現することが望ましい。
それなら、天皇訪韓問題は、当面、棚上げにするしかない。
===
'Comfort women' issue settled
In a speech Wednesday during a ceremony to commemorate Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, Lee reiterated his demand that the Japanese government take "responsible measures" on the issue of so-called comfort women.
李大統領は１５日には、日本の植民地支配からの解放を記念する式典で演説し、いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題で「責任ある措置」をとるよう、改めて日本に求めた。
Against the backdrop of South Korean public opinion, Lee has urged Noda to apologize to victims and pay compensation. But as far as the right to claim compensation is concerned, it was fully and finally settled when the two countries normalized diplomatic ties.
韓国の世論を背景に、大統領が被害者への謝罪や補償などを野田首相に促してきた経緯があるが、請求権問題についていえば、国交正常化の際に、すでに完全かつ最終的に解決ずみだ。
When it comes to territorial and comfort women issues, Japan and South Korea must calmly discuss history based on accurate facts.
領土問題にせよ、慰安婦問題にせよ、日韓両国は、正確な事実関係を踏まえた冷静な歴史論議をしなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 16, 2012)
（2012年8月16日02時35分 読売新聞）
Lee's remarks could paralyze Japan-South Korea relations
韓国大統領発言 日韓関係の停滞化を懸念する（8月16日付・読売社説）
No matter how much South Korea stresses it wants a "future-oriented" relationship with Japan, Seoul's diplomacy toward Tokyo always hits a snag due to historical perceptions and territorial issues.
どんなに「未来志向」を強調しようとも、結局、歴史認識問題や領土問題で、対日外交が暗礁に乗り上げる。
It seems that South Korean President Lee Myung Bak was unable to escape from this pattern, which has been repeated by his country's previous administrations.
韓国の歴代政権が繰り返したパターンから、李明博大統領も逃れることはできなかったということだろう。
Following his visit to the Takeshima islands last week, Lee indicated Tuesday that an apology from the bottom of the Emperor's heart to independence activists is a condition for the Emperor to visit South Korea.
先週の竹島訪問に次いで、今度は、「独立運動家への心からの謝罪」が天皇陛下の訪韓の条件だとする李大統領の発言である。
We have to say Lee's remark is unbecoming to the head of a Japanese ally.
友邦の国家元首らしからぬ言動と言わざるを得ない。
We are concerned that the Japan-South Korea relationship, which cooled due to Lee's Takeshima visit, will deteriorate further and the estrangement will be prolonged.
大統領の竹島上陸で冷え込んだ日韓関係が一段と悪化し、それが長期化することも懸念される。
It is very irresponsible for Lee, who has only six months left in his term, to commit himself with words and actions that could create problems for the future bilateral relationship.
あと半年しか任期が残っていない大統領が、日韓関係の将来に禍根を残すような言動をとるのは、無責任に過ぎよう。
After Japan and South Korea normalized diplomatic relations in 1965, former South Korean presidents, starting with Chun Doo Hwan in 1984, visited Japan and met with the Emperor. In 1990, Seoul formally invited the Emperor to visit South Korea.
１９６５年の日韓国交正常化以降、韓国の大統領は、８４年の全斗煥氏を最初に、歴代、日本を訪れ、天皇陛下と会っている。９０年には天皇訪韓を公式に招請した。
===
President changes tune
Lee himself invited the Emperor to visit his country while he was on an official visit to Japan in 2008. He also showed eagerness to realize the Emperor's visit to South Korea in 2010, the centennial year of Japan's annexation of Korea.
李大統領自身、２００８年の来日時に訪韓を招請した。日韓併合から１００年にあたる１０年の訪韓実現へ意欲を見せてもいた。
It has been reported that Lee went so far as to say during a meeting with a group of schoolteachers, "The Emperor doesn't need [to visit South Korea] if he is coming just to express his 'deepest regret.'" Lee was apparently referring to a term used by the Emperor at a banquet at the Imperial Palace for then South Korean President Roh Tae Woo during his visit to Japan 22 years ago.
李大統領は、教員らとの会合で、「『痛惜の念』という言葉だけなら（天皇訪韓の）必要はない」とまで述べたという。２２年前、当時の盧泰愚大統領が来日した時の、宮中晩さん会における陛下のお言葉を指したものだ。
The side that invited the Emperor set a condition afterward and said he does not need to come if the condition is not met. Such an attitude is extremely impolite.
招いた方が、後になって条件をつけ、それが満たされないなら来る必要はない、というのはあまりにも礼を失している。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said Lee's remark was "hard to understand and regrettable." Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura said, "Making unconstructive remarks goes against South Korea's own interests."
野田首相は「理解に苦しむ発言で、遺憾だ」と述べ、藤村官房長官も「韓国側が非建設的な発言をすることは韓国自身のためにもならない」と指摘した。
It is only natural that the Japanese government lodged a protest with the South Korean government.
日本政府が韓国に抗議したのは当然だ。
It is desirable for the Emperor's visit to South Korea to be realized in a way that it can be accepted naturally by the people of the two countries. As a result, there is no option but to shelve a possible visit by the Emperor to South Korea for the time being.
天皇訪韓は、両国民によって自然に受け止められるような形で実現することが望ましい。
それなら、天皇訪韓問題は、当面、棚上げにするしかない。
===
'Comfort women' issue settled
In a speech Wednesday during a ceremony to commemorate Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, Lee reiterated his demand that the Japanese government take "responsible measures" on the issue of so-called comfort women.
李大統領は１５日には、日本の植民地支配からの解放を記念する式典で演説し、いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題で「責任ある措置」をとるよう、改めて日本に求めた。
Against the backdrop of South Korean public opinion, Lee has urged Noda to apologize to victims and pay compensation. But as far as the right to claim compensation is concerned, it was fully and finally settled when the two countries normalized diplomatic ties.
韓国の世論を背景に、大統領が被害者への謝罪や補償などを野田首相に促してきた経緯があるが、請求権問題についていえば、国交正常化の際に、すでに完全かつ最終的に解決ずみだ。
When it comes to territorial and comfort women issues, Japan and South Korea must calmly discuss history based on accurate facts.
領土問題にせよ、慰安婦問題にせよ、日韓両国は、正確な事実関係を踏まえた冷静な歴史論議をしなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 16, 2012)
（2012年8月16日02時35分 読売新聞）
2012/08/17
８月１５日 「史実」の国際理解を広げたい
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 16, 2012)
Govt must explain historical facts to the rest of the world
８月１５日 「史実」の国際理解を広げたい（8月15日付・読売社説）
◆日本の発信・説得力が問われる◆
Sixty-seven years have passed since then. Today marks the anniversary of the end of World War II for Japan. This is a day to remember the war dead who laid the foundation for Japan's postwar prosperity.
あれから６７年。終戦の日を迎えた。繁栄する日本の礎となった戦没者を追悼する一日である。
But almost as if to coincide with this day, South Korean President Lee Myung Bak brazenly visited the Takeshima islands in Shimane Prefecture without any hesitation. We consider his visit extremely regrettable.
ところが、この日に照準を合わせたかのように韓国の李明博大統領が島根県・竹島への訪問を強行して、はばかるところがない。極めて残念だ。
Why did South Korea make such an outrageous move at this particular time?
なぜ今、韓国がこうした暴挙に出たのだろうか。
Lee flaunted Seoul's effective control of the islets over which Japan and South Korea remain locked in a standoff over territorial rights. He also referred to the issue of the so-called wartime comfort women. He asserted that Japan has failed to show sincerity on the issue, although it has been raised during a summit meeting with the Japanese prime minister.
李大統領は、領有権をめぐる日韓対立が続く竹島の支配を誇示するとともに、いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題に言及した。首脳会談で提起したのに日本政府が「誠意を示していない」とも語っている。
===
Anti-Japan feeling whipped up
◆あおられた反日感情◆
It is generally believed that Lee, who has seen his influence wane as his term as president draws to a close, was attempting to show his "achievement" as the first South Korean head of state to visit the Takeshima islands.
政権末期で求心力を失った李大統領は、「初めて竹島を訪問した国家元首」という“業績”を残そうとしたとの見方が一般的だ。
Deep-rooted anti-Japan sentiment remains in South Korea, which was once under Japan's colonial rule. Lee's actions also can be perceived as populism designed to tap that national sentiment.
日本の植民地支配を受けた韓国には根強い「反日感情」がある。そこに訴えた大衆迎合主義（ポピュリズム）とも言えよう。
During the London Olympics, a South Korean soccer player held up a paper sign reading "Dokdo is our land" while celebrating his team's win over Japan in the third-place playoff. The Takeshima islands are called Dokdo in South Korea. The player's act was blatantly a political activity at a games venue, which is prohibited by the Olympic Charter.
ロンドン五輪で男子サッカーの３位を決める日韓戦の後、勝利した韓国の一選手が「独島（竹島の韓国側呼称）はわが領土」と書いた紙を掲げる一幕があった。五輪憲章が禁止する、競技会場での政治的活動であるのは明らかだ。
There is no doubt that Lee's recent actions have recklessly whipped up nationalism among the South Korean people.
李大統領の行動が、韓国国民のナショナリズムをいたずらにかきたてたのは間違いない。
Japan-South Korea relations, which appear to be sound, are actually fragile and could suddenly collapse when issues of historical perceptions become politicized. Both sides must make efforts to overcome differences in their perceptions of history and build a constructive relationship.
良好に見える日韓関係も、政治に歴史認識問題が絡むと、一気に崩れる脆弱(ぜいじゃく)さをはらんでいる。歴史認識の違いを乗り越え、建設的な関係を築いていく努力が日韓双方に必要である。
Meanwhile, South Korea has hosted a summit meeting of the Group of 20 major economies as well as the Nuclear Security Summit. The post of U.N. secretary general is held by a South Korean. That nation has produced many world-class companies, such as Samsung and Hyundai Motor Co., that rival Japanese companies.
一方、韓国は主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）首脳会議や核安全サミットの主催国ともなった。国連事務総長には韓国人が就任している。サムスンや現代自動車など日本企業に匹敵する世界的な企業も数多く誕生した。
Lee himself said Japan no longer wields the international influence it once did. It should be noted that Seoul apparently is attaching less importance to some aspects of its relations with Japan as a result of confidence bred by South Korea's rapid economic growth.
大統領自身、「日本はかつてのような国際的な影響力はない」と述べている。韓国が急速な経済成長を遂げた結果、以前ほど日本との関係を重視しなくなった面にも留意しなければなるまい。
Japan intends to file a suit on the Takeshima issue with the International Court of Justice. At the same time, we believe the government should strongly urge Seoul to refrain from making further efforts to impose its illegal occupation of the islands.
日本は竹島問題を国際司法裁判所に提訴する方針だ。同時に、韓国に対して、不法占拠をこれ以上強化しないよう強く自制を求めるべきである。
===
Territorial dispute with Russia
◆領土問題に積極姿勢を◆
A territorial dispute is also causing friction in Japan's relations with Russia.
ロシアとの関係でも、同様の問題が浮上している。
In November 2010, then Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited Kunashiri--one of the four islands off Hokkaido claimed by Japan but which have been held by Russia since the end of World War II. In July this year, Medvedev, this time as prime minister, conducted an inspection tour of the same island.
一昨年１１月、当時のメドベージェフ露大統領は北方領土の国後島を訪れた。今年７月にも再び首相として国後島を視察している。
Moscow probably wants to demonstrate to people at home and overseas that Russia acquired the islands--the northern territories of Japan--as a result of the war and has been promoting development projects there on its own.
ロシア側は先の大戦の結果として北方領土を領有し、しかも独自に開発を進めていることを内外にアピールしたいのだろう。
Moreover, in view of the fact that Russia's oil and natural gas development projects in Sakhalin in the Russian Far East have been proceeding steadily, Moscow apparently is telling Tokyo it will no longer need Japan's assistance in developing the four islands.
さらに、極東サハリン州で石油・天然ガス開発は着実に進んでおり、もはや北方領土への日本の支援は必要ない、と日本を牽制(けんせい)する狙いもうかがえる。
In fact, South Korean firms have taken part in development projects on Etorofu and Shikotan islands. If the situation continues like this, the "Russianization" of the northern territories will only advance further.
実際、択捉島や色丹島では、韓国の企業が開発に参画している。このままでは北方領土の「ロシア化」が進むのは避けられない。
On the other hand, bolstering Japan-Russia relations will be indispensable in countering China, which has been increasing its presence through its growing economic and military might.
一方で、経済・軍事力で膨張を続ける中国に向き合うためにも、日露関係の強化は欠かせない。
The government must rework its strategy for resolving the territorial dispute with Moscow from many angles.
政府は、複眼的な視点に立って北方領土問題解決への戦略を練り直さなければならない。
Historical claims made by South Korea and Russia are being heard over the world. The Japanese government should handle these territorial issues with a stronger sense of urgency.
韓国やロシアの主張する「歴史」が世界に拡散しつつある。日本政府は、もっと危機感を持って対処すべきである。
A cenotaph for the comfort women was installed at a public library in a small town near New York City in 2010. An inscription on the plaque reads: "In memory of the more than 200,000 women and girls who were abducted by the armed forces of the government of Imperial Japan."
一昨年、米国ニューヨーク近郊の小さな町の公立図書館に「日本軍に拉致された２０万人以上の女性と少女のために」などと記された慰安婦の碑が設置された。
Korean-Americans have been promoting the movement to build such cenotaphs in various parts of the United States. The movement is apparently aimed at generating pressure on Japan from the United States.
韓国系米国人によって、こうした碑を米国各地に建設する運動が進められている。米国発の対日圧力を強めるのが狙いだろう。
The comfort women issue became more prominent following a statement by then Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono in 1993.
慰安婦問題がここまで広がっている根底には、１９９３年の河野官房長官談話の存在がある。
===
Kono's remarks problematic
◆誤解広める河野談話◆
His statement included a portion indicating as if the women were systematically and forcibly made comfort women by Japanese authorities at the time. This opened the door to greater misunderstanding on the issue. In the end, no documents that could prove there was any truth to what Kono had suggested have been found.
日本の官憲が組織的、強制的に女性を慰安婦にしたかのような記述があり、誤解を広めることになった。しかし、結局、こうした事実を裏付ける資料的な根拠は見つからなかった。
It has been widely publicized in the United States that Korean girls and women were abducted by the Japanese military and used as comfort women. Due to the existence of Kono's statement, the Japanese government cannot refute this effectively. This is extremely problematic.
「日本軍によって拉致され、慰安婦にされた」と米国で喧伝(けんでん)されているが、この談話の存在のため、日本政府が有効な反論ができないことは極めて問題である。
Tokyo should thoroughly explain both at home and abroad the historical facts and background surrounding the Takeshima, northern territories and comfort women issues.
日本政府は、竹島、北方領土、そして慰安婦などの歴史の事実関係を、国内はもとより、広く海外にも説明すべきだ。
In August, when we remember the end of the war, it is essential to disseminate Japan's position on these issues to the international community in an effort to seek its understanding and support.
終戦を思い起こす８月の機会に、国際社会に日本の立場を積極的に発信し、理解と支持を獲得していくことが大切である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 15, 2012)
（2012年8月15日01時37分 読売新聞）
Govt must explain historical facts to the rest of the world
８月１５日 「史実」の国際理解を広げたい（8月15日付・読売社説）
◆日本の発信・説得力が問われる◆
Sixty-seven years have passed since then. Today marks the anniversary of the end of World War II for Japan. This is a day to remember the war dead who laid the foundation for Japan's postwar prosperity.
あれから６７年。終戦の日を迎えた。繁栄する日本の礎となった戦没者を追悼する一日である。
But almost as if to coincide with this day, South Korean President Lee Myung Bak brazenly visited the Takeshima islands in Shimane Prefecture without any hesitation. We consider his visit extremely regrettable.
ところが、この日に照準を合わせたかのように韓国の李明博大統領が島根県・竹島への訪問を強行して、はばかるところがない。極めて残念だ。
Why did South Korea make such an outrageous move at this particular time?
なぜ今、韓国がこうした暴挙に出たのだろうか。
Lee flaunted Seoul's effective control of the islets over which Japan and South Korea remain locked in a standoff over territorial rights. He also referred to the issue of the so-called wartime comfort women. He asserted that Japan has failed to show sincerity on the issue, although it has been raised during a summit meeting with the Japanese prime minister.
李大統領は、領有権をめぐる日韓対立が続く竹島の支配を誇示するとともに、いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題に言及した。首脳会談で提起したのに日本政府が「誠意を示していない」とも語っている。
===
Anti-Japan feeling whipped up
◆あおられた反日感情◆
It is generally believed that Lee, who has seen his influence wane as his term as president draws to a close, was attempting to show his "achievement" as the first South Korean head of state to visit the Takeshima islands.
政権末期で求心力を失った李大統領は、「初めて竹島を訪問した国家元首」という“業績”を残そうとしたとの見方が一般的だ。
Deep-rooted anti-Japan sentiment remains in South Korea, which was once under Japan's colonial rule. Lee's actions also can be perceived as populism designed to tap that national sentiment.
日本の植民地支配を受けた韓国には根強い「反日感情」がある。そこに訴えた大衆迎合主義（ポピュリズム）とも言えよう。
During the London Olympics, a South Korean soccer player held up a paper sign reading "Dokdo is our land" while celebrating his team's win over Japan in the third-place playoff. The Takeshima islands are called Dokdo in South Korea. The player's act was blatantly a political activity at a games venue, which is prohibited by the Olympic Charter.
ロンドン五輪で男子サッカーの３位を決める日韓戦の後、勝利した韓国の一選手が「独島（竹島の韓国側呼称）はわが領土」と書いた紙を掲げる一幕があった。五輪憲章が禁止する、競技会場での政治的活動であるのは明らかだ。
There is no doubt that Lee's recent actions have recklessly whipped up nationalism among the South Korean people.
李大統領の行動が、韓国国民のナショナリズムをいたずらにかきたてたのは間違いない。
Japan-South Korea relations, which appear to be sound, are actually fragile and could suddenly collapse when issues of historical perceptions become politicized. Both sides must make efforts to overcome differences in their perceptions of history and build a constructive relationship.
良好に見える日韓関係も、政治に歴史認識問題が絡むと、一気に崩れる脆弱(ぜいじゃく)さをはらんでいる。歴史認識の違いを乗り越え、建設的な関係を築いていく努力が日韓双方に必要である。
Meanwhile, South Korea has hosted a summit meeting of the Group of 20 major economies as well as the Nuclear Security Summit. The post of U.N. secretary general is held by a South Korean. That nation has produced many world-class companies, such as Samsung and Hyundai Motor Co., that rival Japanese companies.
一方、韓国は主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）首脳会議や核安全サミットの主催国ともなった。国連事務総長には韓国人が就任している。サムスンや現代自動車など日本企業に匹敵する世界的な企業も数多く誕生した。
Lee himself said Japan no longer wields the international influence it once did. It should be noted that Seoul apparently is attaching less importance to some aspects of its relations with Japan as a result of confidence bred by South Korea's rapid economic growth.
大統領自身、「日本はかつてのような国際的な影響力はない」と述べている。韓国が急速な経済成長を遂げた結果、以前ほど日本との関係を重視しなくなった面にも留意しなければなるまい。
Japan intends to file a suit on the Takeshima issue with the International Court of Justice. At the same time, we believe the government should strongly urge Seoul to refrain from making further efforts to impose its illegal occupation of the islands.
日本は竹島問題を国際司法裁判所に提訴する方針だ。同時に、韓国に対して、不法占拠をこれ以上強化しないよう強く自制を求めるべきである。
===
Territorial dispute with Russia
◆領土問題に積極姿勢を◆
A territorial dispute is also causing friction in Japan's relations with Russia.
ロシアとの関係でも、同様の問題が浮上している。
In November 2010, then Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited Kunashiri--one of the four islands off Hokkaido claimed by Japan but which have been held by Russia since the end of World War II. In July this year, Medvedev, this time as prime minister, conducted an inspection tour of the same island.
一昨年１１月、当時のメドベージェフ露大統領は北方領土の国後島を訪れた。今年７月にも再び首相として国後島を視察している。
Moscow probably wants to demonstrate to people at home and overseas that Russia acquired the islands--the northern territories of Japan--as a result of the war and has been promoting development projects there on its own.
ロシア側は先の大戦の結果として北方領土を領有し、しかも独自に開発を進めていることを内外にアピールしたいのだろう。
Moreover, in view of the fact that Russia's oil and natural gas development projects in Sakhalin in the Russian Far East have been proceeding steadily, Moscow apparently is telling Tokyo it will no longer need Japan's assistance in developing the four islands.
さらに、極東サハリン州で石油・天然ガス開発は着実に進んでおり、もはや北方領土への日本の支援は必要ない、と日本を牽制(けんせい)する狙いもうかがえる。
In fact, South Korean firms have taken part in development projects on Etorofu and Shikotan islands. If the situation continues like this, the "Russianization" of the northern territories will only advance further.
実際、択捉島や色丹島では、韓国の企業が開発に参画している。このままでは北方領土の「ロシア化」が進むのは避けられない。
On the other hand, bolstering Japan-Russia relations will be indispensable in countering China, which has been increasing its presence through its growing economic and military might.
一方で、経済・軍事力で膨張を続ける中国に向き合うためにも、日露関係の強化は欠かせない。
The government must rework its strategy for resolving the territorial dispute with Moscow from many angles.
政府は、複眼的な視点に立って北方領土問題解決への戦略を練り直さなければならない。
Historical claims made by South Korea and Russia are being heard over the world. The Japanese government should handle these territorial issues with a stronger sense of urgency.
韓国やロシアの主張する「歴史」が世界に拡散しつつある。日本政府は、もっと危機感を持って対処すべきである。
A cenotaph for the comfort women was installed at a public library in a small town near New York City in 2010. An inscription on the plaque reads: "In memory of the more than 200,000 women and girls who were abducted by the armed forces of the government of Imperial Japan."
一昨年、米国ニューヨーク近郊の小さな町の公立図書館に「日本軍に拉致された２０万人以上の女性と少女のために」などと記された慰安婦の碑が設置された。
Korean-Americans have been promoting the movement to build such cenotaphs in various parts of the United States. The movement is apparently aimed at generating pressure on Japan from the United States.
韓国系米国人によって、こうした碑を米国各地に建設する運動が進められている。米国発の対日圧力を強めるのが狙いだろう。
The comfort women issue became more prominent following a statement by then Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono in 1993.
慰安婦問題がここまで広がっている根底には、１９９３年の河野官房長官談話の存在がある。
===
Kono's remarks problematic
◆誤解広める河野談話◆
His statement included a portion indicating as if the women were systematically and forcibly made comfort women by Japanese authorities at the time. This opened the door to greater misunderstanding on the issue. In the end, no documents that could prove there was any truth to what Kono had suggested have been found.
日本の官憲が組織的、強制的に女性を慰安婦にしたかのような記述があり、誤解を広めることになった。しかし、結局、こうした事実を裏付ける資料的な根拠は見つからなかった。
It has been widely publicized in the United States that Korean girls and women were abducted by the Japanese military and used as comfort women. Due to the existence of Kono's statement, the Japanese government cannot refute this effectively. This is extremely problematic.
「日本軍によって拉致され、慰安婦にされた」と米国で喧伝(けんでん)されているが、この談話の存在のため、日本政府が有効な反論ができないことは極めて問題である。
Tokyo should thoroughly explain both at home and abroad the historical facts and background surrounding the Takeshima, northern territories and comfort women issues.
日本政府は、竹島、北方領土、そして慰安婦などの歴史の事実関係を、国内はもとより、広く海外にも説明すべきだ。
In August, when we remember the end of the war, it is essential to disseminate Japan's position on these issues to the international community in an effort to seek its understanding and support.
終戦を思い起こす８月の機会に、国際社会に日本の立場を積極的に発信し、理解と支持を獲得していくことが大切である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 15, 2012)
（2012年8月15日01時37分 読売新聞）
2012/08/16
ＧＤＰ減速 景気優先の政策対応を急げ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 15, 2012)
Govt, BOJ must act quickly to shore up economy
ＧＤＰ減速 景気優先の政策対応を急げ（8月14日付・読売社説）
The nation's economic growth, which had been buoyed by demand for reconstruction from last year's earthquake and tsunami disasters, has slowed down.
東日本大震災の復興需要などに下支えされた経済成長が、減速した。
Concerning the economic outlook, the government said, "Mild growth is expected to continue." But no optimism is warranted.
今後の景気について政府は「緩やかな成長が続く」としているが、油断は禁物だろう。
The government and the Bank of Japan should strengthen economy-boosting policies and realize stable growth led by private demand.
政府・日銀は、景気優先の政策運営を強化し、民需が主導する安定成長の実現を図るべきだ。
The real gross domestic product for the April-June period increased 0.3 percent over the previous quarter, marking the fourth straight quarter of growth. But the pace slackened from the 1.3 percent growth recorded in the previous quarter. The nominal growth rate, which reflects economic conditions more vividly than the real economic growth rate, dropped into negative territory for the first time in two quarters.
今年４～６月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は前期比０・３％増と、４四半期連続でプラス成長を維持したものの、成長率は前期の１・３％から鈍化した。景気の実感に近い名目成長率は２期ぶりにマイナスに落ち込んだ。
The standstill in growth is attributed to the stagnation of consumer spending, which accounts for a major portion of domestic demand. New car sales were brisk thanks to government subsidies for purchases of fuel-efficient eco-friendly vehicles. But overall consumer spending did not fare well due to the bad weather and the drop in workers' income, among other factors.
成長が足踏みした要因は、内需の柱である消費の低迷にある。低燃費車の購入を支援するエコカー補助金の効果で新車の販売は好調だったが、天候不順や労働者の所得減少などが響いて、消費全体は振るわなかった。
===
Grim outlook ahead
The eco-car subsidies, which have been a lifeline for domestic consumption, are likely to be cut off in September as the budget set aside for that purpose runs out. This makes it impossible to dispel concern that the economy will slow down further in autumn.
頼みのエコカー補助金も、９月には予算が底をつき、打ち切られる見通しという。秋から消費がさらに冷え込む懸念は拭えない。
The growth rate for public investment, which had been robust in disaster-stricken areas, shrank. The signs of decline emerging in domestic demand, which is said to be sustained by government spending for purposes such as reconstruction, are a cause for concern.
被災地などを中心に堅調だった公共投資も伸び率が縮小した。復興予算など財政に支えられているはずの内需に、陰りが出てきたのは気がかりだ。
Prospects are also growing uncertain over foreign demand. Japan's exports slackened due to the slowdown of the world economy, particularly that of Europe, and domestic industrial production declined for the third straight month in June.
一方の外需も不透明感が増してきた。欧州をはじめ世界経済の減速の影響で輸出が低迷し、国内の工業生産は、６月まで３か月連続で減少した。
To prevent the economy from losing steam, the government should adopt policies that back up private-sector economic activity.
景気を失速させないようにするには、民間の経済活動を後押しする政策対応が求められる。
It will also be necessary to rectify the strength of the yen, which has risen to historic highs, to save the export industry from the predicament it now faces. We hope the government and the central bank will look into the possibility of market intervention and further easing of monetary policy. We suggest that they positively study measures, such as the central bank's purchase of foreign government bonds, that will lead to selling of the yen and buying of the U.S. dollar.
歴史的な円高を是正し、輸出産業を窮地から救う必要がある。政府・日銀は市場介入や追加的な金融緩和策を検討してもらいたい。円売り・ドル買いにつながる日銀の外債購入など、新たな方策について前向きに考えてはどうか。
===
Aggressive policies vital
It will be essential to strengthen aggressive policies such as promoting overseas investment by taking advantage of the yen's strength.
円高のメリットを生かした海外投資の促進など、攻めの政策も一段と強化したい。
Nearly all of the nation's nuclear reactors currently stand idle, leaving the power supply still in limbo. It is feared that the possibility of power shortages will restrain domestic production and investment, further accelerating the hollowing out of industry. Reactors must be put back into operation in rapid succession as soon as their safety is confirmed.
ほとんどの原子力発電所が運転を再開できず、電力不足は依然として深刻だ。国内の生産や投資が抑制され、産業空洞化が一層加速しよう。安全を確認できた原発を順次、再稼働すべきである。
It will also be important to push ahead with a growth strategy by working to expand free trade through participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade framework talks, lowering the corporate tax rate and promoting deregulation for fostering of new industries.
環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）の交渉参加による自由貿易の拡大や法人税率の引き下げ、新産業の育成に向けた規制緩和など、成長戦略の推進も重要となる。
The delay in implementing policies due to the confrontation between ruling and opposition parties over a dissolution of the House of Representatives for a snap election is another factor in the uncertain economic outlook.
衆院解散をにらんで与野党が対立し、政策実現が遅れることも、景気の不安材料だ。
The government and ruling parties must work hard to achieve early legislation of important bills, including a special bill for issuance of deficit-covering bonds that is indispensable to the implementation of the budget for the current fiscal year.
政府・与党は今年度予算の執行に欠かせない特例公債法案など、重要法案の成立を急がねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 14, 2012)
（2012年8月14日01時32分 読売新聞）
Govt, BOJ must act quickly to shore up economy
ＧＤＰ減速 景気優先の政策対応を急げ（8月14日付・読売社説）
The nation's economic growth, which had been buoyed by demand for reconstruction from last year's earthquake and tsunami disasters, has slowed down.
東日本大震災の復興需要などに下支えされた経済成長が、減速した。
Concerning the economic outlook, the government said, "Mild growth is expected to continue." But no optimism is warranted.
今後の景気について政府は「緩やかな成長が続く」としているが、油断は禁物だろう。
The government and the Bank of Japan should strengthen economy-boosting policies and realize stable growth led by private demand.
政府・日銀は、景気優先の政策運営を強化し、民需が主導する安定成長の実現を図るべきだ。
The real gross domestic product for the April-June period increased 0.3 percent over the previous quarter, marking the fourth straight quarter of growth. But the pace slackened from the 1.3 percent growth recorded in the previous quarter. The nominal growth rate, which reflects economic conditions more vividly than the real economic growth rate, dropped into negative territory for the first time in two quarters.
今年４～６月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は前期比０・３％増と、４四半期連続でプラス成長を維持したものの、成長率は前期の１・３％から鈍化した。景気の実感に近い名目成長率は２期ぶりにマイナスに落ち込んだ。
The standstill in growth is attributed to the stagnation of consumer spending, which accounts for a major portion of domestic demand. New car sales were brisk thanks to government subsidies for purchases of fuel-efficient eco-friendly vehicles. But overall consumer spending did not fare well due to the bad weather and the drop in workers' income, among other factors.
成長が足踏みした要因は、内需の柱である消費の低迷にある。低燃費車の購入を支援するエコカー補助金の効果で新車の販売は好調だったが、天候不順や労働者の所得減少などが響いて、消費全体は振るわなかった。
===
Grim outlook ahead
The eco-car subsidies, which have been a lifeline for domestic consumption, are likely to be cut off in September as the budget set aside for that purpose runs out. This makes it impossible to dispel concern that the economy will slow down further in autumn.
頼みのエコカー補助金も、９月には予算が底をつき、打ち切られる見通しという。秋から消費がさらに冷え込む懸念は拭えない。
The growth rate for public investment, which had been robust in disaster-stricken areas, shrank. The signs of decline emerging in domestic demand, which is said to be sustained by government spending for purposes such as reconstruction, are a cause for concern.
被災地などを中心に堅調だった公共投資も伸び率が縮小した。復興予算など財政に支えられているはずの内需に、陰りが出てきたのは気がかりだ。
Prospects are also growing uncertain over foreign demand. Japan's exports slackened due to the slowdown of the world economy, particularly that of Europe, and domestic industrial production declined for the third straight month in June.
一方の外需も不透明感が増してきた。欧州をはじめ世界経済の減速の影響で輸出が低迷し、国内の工業生産は、６月まで３か月連続で減少した。
To prevent the economy from losing steam, the government should adopt policies that back up private-sector economic activity.
景気を失速させないようにするには、民間の経済活動を後押しする政策対応が求められる。
It will also be necessary to rectify the strength of the yen, which has risen to historic highs, to save the export industry from the predicament it now faces. We hope the government and the central bank will look into the possibility of market intervention and further easing of monetary policy. We suggest that they positively study measures, such as the central bank's purchase of foreign government bonds, that will lead to selling of the yen and buying of the U.S. dollar.
歴史的な円高を是正し、輸出産業を窮地から救う必要がある。政府・日銀は市場介入や追加的な金融緩和策を検討してもらいたい。円売り・ドル買いにつながる日銀の外債購入など、新たな方策について前向きに考えてはどうか。
===
Aggressive policies vital
It will be essential to strengthen aggressive policies such as promoting overseas investment by taking advantage of the yen's strength.
円高のメリットを生かした海外投資の促進など、攻めの政策も一段と強化したい。
Nearly all of the nation's nuclear reactors currently stand idle, leaving the power supply still in limbo. It is feared that the possibility of power shortages will restrain domestic production and investment, further accelerating the hollowing out of industry. Reactors must be put back into operation in rapid succession as soon as their safety is confirmed.
ほとんどの原子力発電所が運転を再開できず、電力不足は依然として深刻だ。国内の生産や投資が抑制され、産業空洞化が一層加速しよう。安全を確認できた原発を順次、再稼働すべきである。
It will also be important to push ahead with a growth strategy by working to expand free trade through participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade framework talks, lowering the corporate tax rate and promoting deregulation for fostering of new industries.
環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）の交渉参加による自由貿易の拡大や法人税率の引き下げ、新産業の育成に向けた規制緩和など、成長戦略の推進も重要となる。
The delay in implementing policies due to the confrontation between ruling and opposition parties over a dissolution of the House of Representatives for a snap election is another factor in the uncertain economic outlook.
衆院解散をにらんで与野党が対立し、政策実現が遅れることも、景気の不安材料だ。
The government and ruling parties must work hard to achieve early legislation of important bills, including a special bill for issuance of deficit-covering bonds that is indispensable to the implementation of the budget for the current fiscal year.
政府・与党は今年度予算の執行に欠かせない特例公債法案など、重要法案の成立を急がねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 14, 2012)
（2012年8月14日01時32分 読売新聞）
2012/08/15
終盤国会 民自公で残る懸案に取り組め
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 14, 2012)
Parties must tackle remaining issues before end of Diet session
終盤国会 民自公で残る懸案に取り組め（8月13日付・読売社説）
The passage rate of bills submitted by the government during the current ordinary Diet session is only 48 percent. Many observers doubt whether it will even reach the record-low 54 percent seen in the 2010 ordinary Diet session.
政府が今通常国会に提出した法案の成立率が現在、４８％にとどまっている。過去最低となった２０１０年通常国会の５４％に届くかどうかも危ぶまれている状況だ。
Poor management of Diet affairs by the ruling Democratic Party of Japan and resistance of the opposition parties, triggered by censure against two cabinet ministers, have stagnated deliberations on bills.
民主党の稚拙な国会運営や、２閣僚問責を契機とした野党の抵抗が法案審議停滞の原因である。
A large number of issues need to be dealt with in the final phase of the current Diet session. We expect the DPJ, the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito to maintain their current partnership and achieve tangible results.
終盤国会で処理すべき懸案は、数多い。民主、自民、公明３党は現在の連携を堅持し、具体的な成果を上げてもらいたい。
Only three weeks--if the Bon holiday period is excluded--remain to discuss bills before the end of the current session on Sept. 8.
お盆休みを除けば、９月８日の会期末まで実質的に審議できるのは３週間程度しかない。
===
Prioritize important bills
Diet members have to identify important bills and deliberate them efficiently. These include a bill to allow the government to issue deficit-covering bonds and bills on the revision of the Public Offices Election Law to alleviate disparity in the value of votes by reducing the number of seats at the House of Representatives by five.
赤字国債発行を認める特例公債法案や、衆院選の「１票の格差」を是正する「０増５減」の公職選挙法改正案など重要法案を絞り、効率良く審議する必要がある。
For instance, the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito have agreed on the early passage of bills to create a common personal identification number for social security and taxation systems, which is necessary for comprehensive reform of those systems, and to realize an Osaka metropolis.
例えば、一体改革に欠かせない社会保障と税の共通番号（マイナンバー）を創設する法案や、「大阪都構想」のための法案について、少なくとも民自公３党は早期実現の方向で一致している。
The three parties must also recognize the urgency of Diet agreement on personnel appointments for a nuclear regulatory commission.
原子力規制委員会人事の国会同意についても、３党は緊急性の認識を共有しているはずだ。
Why has Diet agreement on the personnel appointments proposed by the government in late July been put off?
にもかかわらず、政府が７月下旬に提案した同意人事案を放置しているのはどうしたことか。
If the launch of the commission scheduled for September is postponed, it might delay the safety inspections necessary for reactivation of idle nuclear reactors.
９月予定の規制委発足がずれ込めば、原子力発電所再稼働の前提となる安全性審査が遅れかねない。
It is also intolerable the Diet failed to approve international treaties.
条約承認の停滞も目に余る。
The government has submitted 11 bills in the current session on international treaties for Diet approval, including the Hague Convention on treatment of children when international marriages fail.
国際結婚が破綻した場合の子の扱いを定めるハーグ条約など、今国会には１１本の条約承認案が提出されている。
However, none have been approved so far, due to confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties in the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee. The Diet cannot escape criticism for being negligent in its duty.
しかし、衆院外務委員会での与野党対立のあおりを受け、いまだに１本も成立していない。国会として怠慢のそしりは免れまい。
===
TPP, energy also on agenda
There is also a mountain of political issues other than bills, which require consensus building between the ruling and opposition parties.
法案以外にも、与野党の調整を必要とする重要な政策課題は山積している。
They include possible participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral free trade agreement, the realization of a new energy policy, including the role of nuclear power, and mid- and long-term reform of the public pension system.
アジアの成長を取り込むための環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への参加、原子力の活用を含む新エネルギー政策の実現、中長期的な年金制度の改革などである。
None of the issues can move forward without a stable political foundation where the national leader can look resolutely forward.
いずれも、将来を見据えられる、安定的な政治基盤がなければ、前に動かすことはできない。
It is a grave fact that neither the DPJ nor the LDP and Komeito have a majority in the House of Councillors. 参院では、民主党も自公両党も過半数を握っていないという事実は重い。
Whatever election pledges or policy issues the three parties make in the next lower house election, they cannot be realized and will become empty promises without a tripartite partnership among the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito in the so-called divided Diet where the opposition maintains control of the upper house.
次期衆院選でどのような政権公約や政策課題を掲げても、衆参ねじれ国会が続く状況では、３党が手を組まなければ実現できず、空証文となってしまう。
We believe it is significant for the three parties to maintain a relationship of trust as they must seek a tripartite partnership not only before, but also after the lower house election.
衆院選をはさんでも３党連携を模索せざるを得ない以上、３党間の信頼関係を維持していくことが肝要ではないか。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 13, 2012)
（2012年8月13日01時17分 読売新聞）
Parties must tackle remaining issues before end of Diet session
終盤国会 民自公で残る懸案に取り組め（8月13日付・読売社説）
The passage rate of bills submitted by the government during the current ordinary Diet session is only 48 percent. Many observers doubt whether it will even reach the record-low 54 percent seen in the 2010 ordinary Diet session.
政府が今通常国会に提出した法案の成立率が現在、４８％にとどまっている。過去最低となった２０１０年通常国会の５４％に届くかどうかも危ぶまれている状況だ。
Poor management of Diet affairs by the ruling Democratic Party of Japan and resistance of the opposition parties, triggered by censure against two cabinet ministers, have stagnated deliberations on bills.
民主党の稚拙な国会運営や、２閣僚問責を契機とした野党の抵抗が法案審議停滞の原因である。
A large number of issues need to be dealt with in the final phase of the current Diet session. We expect the DPJ, the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito to maintain their current partnership and achieve tangible results.
終盤国会で処理すべき懸案は、数多い。民主、自民、公明３党は現在の連携を堅持し、具体的な成果を上げてもらいたい。
Only three weeks--if the Bon holiday period is excluded--remain to discuss bills before the end of the current session on Sept. 8.
お盆休みを除けば、９月８日の会期末まで実質的に審議できるのは３週間程度しかない。
===
Prioritize important bills
Diet members have to identify important bills and deliberate them efficiently. These include a bill to allow the government to issue deficit-covering bonds and bills on the revision of the Public Offices Election Law to alleviate disparity in the value of votes by reducing the number of seats at the House of Representatives by five.
赤字国債発行を認める特例公債法案や、衆院選の「１票の格差」を是正する「０増５減」の公職選挙法改正案など重要法案を絞り、効率良く審議する必要がある。
For instance, the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito have agreed on the early passage of bills to create a common personal identification number for social security and taxation systems, which is necessary for comprehensive reform of those systems, and to realize an Osaka metropolis.
例えば、一体改革に欠かせない社会保障と税の共通番号（マイナンバー）を創設する法案や、「大阪都構想」のための法案について、少なくとも民自公３党は早期実現の方向で一致している。
The three parties must also recognize the urgency of Diet agreement on personnel appointments for a nuclear regulatory commission.
原子力規制委員会人事の国会同意についても、３党は緊急性の認識を共有しているはずだ。
Why has Diet agreement on the personnel appointments proposed by the government in late July been put off?
にもかかわらず、政府が７月下旬に提案した同意人事案を放置しているのはどうしたことか。
If the launch of the commission scheduled for September is postponed, it might delay the safety inspections necessary for reactivation of idle nuclear reactors.
９月予定の規制委発足がずれ込めば、原子力発電所再稼働の前提となる安全性審査が遅れかねない。
It is also intolerable the Diet failed to approve international treaties.
条約承認の停滞も目に余る。
The government has submitted 11 bills in the current session on international treaties for Diet approval, including the Hague Convention on treatment of children when international marriages fail.
国際結婚が破綻した場合の子の扱いを定めるハーグ条約など、今国会には１１本の条約承認案が提出されている。
However, none have been approved so far, due to confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties in the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee. The Diet cannot escape criticism for being negligent in its duty.
しかし、衆院外務委員会での与野党対立のあおりを受け、いまだに１本も成立していない。国会として怠慢のそしりは免れまい。
===
TPP, energy also on agenda
There is also a mountain of political issues other than bills, which require consensus building between the ruling and opposition parties.
法案以外にも、与野党の調整を必要とする重要な政策課題は山積している。
They include possible participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral free trade agreement, the realization of a new energy policy, including the role of nuclear power, and mid- and long-term reform of the public pension system.
アジアの成長を取り込むための環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への参加、原子力の活用を含む新エネルギー政策の実現、中長期的な年金制度の改革などである。
None of the issues can move forward without a stable political foundation where the national leader can look resolutely forward.
いずれも、将来を見据えられる、安定的な政治基盤がなければ、前に動かすことはできない。
It is a grave fact that neither the DPJ nor the LDP and Komeito have a majority in the House of Councillors. 参院では、民主党も自公両党も過半数を握っていないという事実は重い。
Whatever election pledges or policy issues the three parties make in the next lower house election, they cannot be realized and will become empty promises without a tripartite partnership among the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito in the so-called divided Diet where the opposition maintains control of the upper house.
次期衆院選でどのような政権公約や政策課題を掲げても、衆参ねじれ国会が続く状況では、３党が手を組まなければ実現できず、空証文となってしまう。
We believe it is significant for the three parties to maintain a relationship of trust as they must seek a tripartite partnership not only before, but also after the lower house election.
衆院選をはさんでも３党連携を模索せざるを得ない以上、３党間の信頼関係を維持していくことが肝要ではないか。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 13, 2012)
（2012年8月13日01時17分 読売新聞）
2012/08/14
大統領竹島入り 日韓関係を悪化させる暴挙だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 13, 2012)
Lee's visit to Takeshima threatens Japan-S. Korea ties
大統領竹島入り 日韓関係を悪化させる暴挙だ（8月12日付・読売社説）
South Korean President Lee Myung Bak went ahead with a visit to the Takeshima islands in the Sea of Japan on Friday. The islets are part of Japan's sovereign territory but illegally occupied by South Korea.
日本固有の領土で、韓国が不法占拠している竹島に、韓国の李明博大統領が上陸を強行した。
If a head of state visits an area of land whose sovereignty is also claimed by another country, the act can be considered provocative, as it blatantly disregards the other nation. It is inevitable that Lee's visit will erode the trust Japan and South Korea have built until now and cool bilateral relations.
係争中の領土を一方の国家元首が踏めば、相手国を度外視した暴挙と言える。日韓関係も、これまで築いてきた信頼は損なわれ、冷却化は避けられない。
Soon after assuming the presidency, Lee focused on cultivating mature relations with Japan. He maintained a pragmatic, forward-looking stance and was dedicated to strengthening ties with his neighbor.
李大統領は就任当初から「成熟した日韓関係」を重視してきた。実務的で未来志向が強く、日本との連携強化に熱心だった。
However, Lee spoiled his progressive reputation when he brought up the so-called comfort women issue again during talks with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in December last year. We cannot help but feel more disappointment over the South Korean president's latest indiscretion.
だが、昨年１２月の日韓首脳会談で従軍慰安婦問題を蒸し返し、高かった評価を帳消しにした。今回の大統領の短慮には、一層の失望を禁じ得ない。
===
Japan should take firm stance
As territorial issues pertain to state sovereignty, the government should not treat Lee's visit lightly.
領土問題は国の主権に関わる。ゆるがせにしてはならない。
Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba summoned the South Korean ambassador to Japan to file a complaint on the matter and temporarily recalled Japanese Ambassador to Seoul Masatoshi Muto. He also made clear the government's intention to refer the Takeshima issue to the International Court of Justice at The Hague. These were natural diplomatic countermoves.
玄葉外相が、韓国の駐日大使を呼んで強く抗議し、武藤駐韓大使を一時帰国させた上で、国際司法裁判所に提訴する方針を表明したのは、当然の外交的措置だ。
Noda expressed his strong disapproval of Lee's visit, describing it as "totally unacceptable" and saying the government would "resolutely respond" to the incident.
野田首相も「到底受け入れることはできない」と不快感を示し、「毅然(きぜん)とした対応」をとる方針を表明した。
The question remains as to how effective the government's response can really be.
問題は、どこまで実効性のある対応をとれるかだ。
The Takeshima islets, known as Dokdo in South Korea, are a symbol of independence and patriotism for South Koreans. However, the country's past presidents--even Lee's predecessor Roh Moo Hyun, who was known for having made many anti-Japan remarks--did not visit the disputed islands out of consideration for Japan and to prevent bilateral relations from deteriorating.
韓国が「独島」と呼ぶ竹島は、韓国人にとっては独立・愛国の象徴的な存在だ。だが、歴代大統領は、反日的な発言が目立った盧武鉉前大統領ですら、訪問は控えてきた。日本との関係悪化を避けるための配慮があったからだ。
Lee has now crossed the line. The president, in an apparent bid to regain popularity in his last days of presidency, pulled out the anti-Japan card. Lee's leadership has come into question recently as his brother and various close aides have been arrested or resigned from their posts over corruption and other scandals.
その一線を李大統領は越えた。政権末期で、金銭疑惑などによる実兄や側近らの相次ぐ逮捕、辞任によって求心力が著しく低下する中、人気回復を図ろうと「反日カード」を切った側面があろう。
South Korea's ruling camp might have felt pressured to show hostility toward Japan because opposition parties have been displaying a more confrontational stance against the nation as South Korea's presidential election approaches in December.
１２月には大統領選が行われる。野党側が反日色を強める中、与党陣営で何らかの対応を迫られていた事情もあるのかもしれない。
===
Govt's leniency also to blame
Japan is also indirectly responsible for the incident. The Democratic Party of Japan-led government has been lenient in its diplomatic approach toward Russia over the disputed northern territories.
だが、今回の事態を招いた遠因は、日本側にもある。民主党政権の対ロシア外交にみられる北方領土問題への対応の甘さだ。
The government was unable to prevent former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev from visiting Kunashiri Island, one of the four islets claimed by Japan, two years ago. It also failed to prevent his subsequent visit to the island in July after he became prime minister.
２年前、当時の大統領だったメドベージェフ氏の国後島訪問を許した。今年７月には、首相となったメドベージェフ氏の再訪を防ぐことができなかった。
The government said it would take "appropriate steps" when Medvedev first visited the island. However, its later stance toward the issue failed to encourage Russia to exercise restraint.
日本政府は「適切な対応をとる」と口にこそしたが、その後の展開はロシアの自制につながっていない。
It is only natural South Korea has exploited the fact that Japan's diplomatic relations with the United States and China have been faltering.
対米関係も対中関係も弱体化した日本が、韓国から足元を見られても不思議ではない。
It is also concerning that South Korea has been conducting military exercises near Takeshima in recent years. The government should monitor such developments to ensure they do not lead to the acceleration of the islands' position as a strategic military base, while also calling on Seoul to refrain from further provocations.
懸念されるのは、韓国が竹島の周辺で近年、軍事訓練を行っていることだ。島の軍事化につながる動きなのか、注視するとともに、韓国には自制を強く求めたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 12, 2012)
（2012年8月12日01時36分 読売新聞）
Lee's visit to Takeshima threatens Japan-S. Korea ties
大統領竹島入り 日韓関係を悪化させる暴挙だ（8月12日付・読売社説）
South Korean President Lee Myung Bak went ahead with a visit to the Takeshima islands in the Sea of Japan on Friday. The islets are part of Japan's sovereign territory but illegally occupied by South Korea.
日本固有の領土で、韓国が不法占拠している竹島に、韓国の李明博大統領が上陸を強行した。
If a head of state visits an area of land whose sovereignty is also claimed by another country, the act can be considered provocative, as it blatantly disregards the other nation. It is inevitable that Lee's visit will erode the trust Japan and South Korea have built until now and cool bilateral relations.
係争中の領土を一方の国家元首が踏めば、相手国を度外視した暴挙と言える。日韓関係も、これまで築いてきた信頼は損なわれ、冷却化は避けられない。
Soon after assuming the presidency, Lee focused on cultivating mature relations with Japan. He maintained a pragmatic, forward-looking stance and was dedicated to strengthening ties with his neighbor.
李大統領は就任当初から「成熟した日韓関係」を重視してきた。実務的で未来志向が強く、日本との連携強化に熱心だった。
However, Lee spoiled his progressive reputation when he brought up the so-called comfort women issue again during talks with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in December last year. We cannot help but feel more disappointment over the South Korean president's latest indiscretion.
だが、昨年１２月の日韓首脳会談で従軍慰安婦問題を蒸し返し、高かった評価を帳消しにした。今回の大統領の短慮には、一層の失望を禁じ得ない。
===
Japan should take firm stance
As territorial issues pertain to state sovereignty, the government should not treat Lee's visit lightly.
領土問題は国の主権に関わる。ゆるがせにしてはならない。
Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba summoned the South Korean ambassador to Japan to file a complaint on the matter and temporarily recalled Japanese Ambassador to Seoul Masatoshi Muto. He also made clear the government's intention to refer the Takeshima issue to the International Court of Justice at The Hague. These were natural diplomatic countermoves.
玄葉外相が、韓国の駐日大使を呼んで強く抗議し、武藤駐韓大使を一時帰国させた上で、国際司法裁判所に提訴する方針を表明したのは、当然の外交的措置だ。
Noda expressed his strong disapproval of Lee's visit, describing it as "totally unacceptable" and saying the government would "resolutely respond" to the incident.
野田首相も「到底受け入れることはできない」と不快感を示し、「毅然(きぜん)とした対応」をとる方針を表明した。
The question remains as to how effective the government's response can really be.
問題は、どこまで実効性のある対応をとれるかだ。
The Takeshima islets, known as Dokdo in South Korea, are a symbol of independence and patriotism for South Koreans. However, the country's past presidents--even Lee's predecessor Roh Moo Hyun, who was known for having made many anti-Japan remarks--did not visit the disputed islands out of consideration for Japan and to prevent bilateral relations from deteriorating.
韓国が「独島」と呼ぶ竹島は、韓国人にとっては独立・愛国の象徴的な存在だ。だが、歴代大統領は、反日的な発言が目立った盧武鉉前大統領ですら、訪問は控えてきた。日本との関係悪化を避けるための配慮があったからだ。
Lee has now crossed the line. The president, in an apparent bid to regain popularity in his last days of presidency, pulled out the anti-Japan card. Lee's leadership has come into question recently as his brother and various close aides have been arrested or resigned from their posts over corruption and other scandals.
その一線を李大統領は越えた。政権末期で、金銭疑惑などによる実兄や側近らの相次ぐ逮捕、辞任によって求心力が著しく低下する中、人気回復を図ろうと「反日カード」を切った側面があろう。
South Korea's ruling camp might have felt pressured to show hostility toward Japan because opposition parties have been displaying a more confrontational stance against the nation as South Korea's presidential election approaches in December.
１２月には大統領選が行われる。野党側が反日色を強める中、与党陣営で何らかの対応を迫られていた事情もあるのかもしれない。
===
Govt's leniency also to blame
Japan is also indirectly responsible for the incident. The Democratic Party of Japan-led government has been lenient in its diplomatic approach toward Russia over the disputed northern territories.
だが、今回の事態を招いた遠因は、日本側にもある。民主党政権の対ロシア外交にみられる北方領土問題への対応の甘さだ。
The government was unable to prevent former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev from visiting Kunashiri Island, one of the four islets claimed by Japan, two years ago. It also failed to prevent his subsequent visit to the island in July after he became prime minister.
２年前、当時の大統領だったメドベージェフ氏の国後島訪問を許した。今年７月には、首相となったメドベージェフ氏の再訪を防ぐことができなかった。
The government said it would take "appropriate steps" when Medvedev first visited the island. However, its later stance toward the issue failed to encourage Russia to exercise restraint.
日本政府は「適切な対応をとる」と口にこそしたが、その後の展開はロシアの自制につながっていない。
It is only natural South Korea has exploited the fact that Japan's diplomatic relations with the United States and China have been faltering.
対米関係も対中関係も弱体化した日本が、韓国から足元を見られても不思議ではない。
It is also concerning that South Korea has been conducting military exercises near Takeshima in recent years. The government should monitor such developments to ensure they do not lead to the acceleration of the islands' position as a strategic military base, while also calling on Seoul to refrain from further provocations.
懸念されるのは、韓国が竹島の周辺で近年、軍事訓練を行っていることだ。島の軍事化につながる動きなのか、注視するとともに、韓国には自制を強く求めたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 12, 2012)
（2012年8月12日01時36分 読売新聞）
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