この技術開発はイギリスでも日本でも見通しが立っていない。
出来ないことを、素直に出来ないと認める勇気だって必要なのです。
規模を縮小して大学の研究機関あたりにダメ元で委託したらどうでしょうか。
（スラチャイ）
(Mainichi Japan) December 5, 2011
Plutonium brings no real chance of prosperity
風知草：プルトニウムの反乱＝山田孝男
Some readers appear to wonder why I recently write only about nuclear power generation in this column. I do so because I believe that it is a crucial issue that will determine the fate of Japan as well as the whole world.
なんで原発のことばかり書くのかと心配してくださる向きもあるが、これからの日本と世界を左右する決定的なテーマだと思うからである。
There have recently been various news reports that offer valuable insight into the future of nuclear power generation.
原発の今後を考えるうえで示唆に富む報道が続いている。
The Dec. 2 morning edition of the Mainichi Shimbun ran an article reporting that in 2002, the then administrative vice minister of economy, trade and industry and the chairman and president of Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) were nearing an agreement to withdraw from a nuclear fuel recycling project.
本紙（２日朝刊）によれば、０２年、当時の経済産業省事務次官と東京電力の会長・社長が、「核燃料再処理事業から撤退」で合意に近づいていた。
Nuclear fuel recycling refers to a process of treating spent nuclear fuel from nuclear power stations with chemicals and extracting reusable uranium and plutonium from it.
核燃料再処理とは、原発から出る使用済み燃料に化学処理を施し、再利用可能なウランやプルトニウムを取り出すことをいう。これがうまくいかない。
This project has so far been unsuccessful and there are no prospects that the project will work.
うまくいく見通しもない。
It was only natural that the government regulator and the power supplier were negotiating a withdrawal from the project.
撤退協議は自然だった。
The negotiations came to nothing after top executives of TEPCO were forced to resign over the utility's cover-up of a series of technical problems. Nevertheless, the Mainichi report indicates that a change in Japan's nuclear power policy is not a pipe dream.
結局、立ち消えになった（＝東電のトラブル隠し発覚で首脳陣が交代し、途絶）とはいえ、この逸話は、原発政策転換が夢物語ではないことを示している。
Furthermore, the Mainichi evening edition of the same day (the morning edition the following day in some areas) reported that the United Kingdom is planning to dispose of some of its surplus plutonium, which it had accumulated as a result of nuclear fuel reprocessing, in an underground repository. This news is of greater significance.
同じ日の本紙夕刊（統合版地域は３日朝刊）に、イギリスが核燃料再処理で蓄積したプルトニウムをもてあまし、一部を地下処分場に捨てる予定だという記事が出ていた。このニュースはさらに重要だ。
Plutonium is generated as a result of burning uranium in nuclear reactors.
プルトニウムは原子炉のウラン燃焼過程で生まれる。
One gram of the substance has energy equal to that in 1 kiloliter of oil.
１グラムに石油１キロリットル分のエネルギーを秘める。
It can be used as a material for both atomic bombs and fuel for nuclear reactors.
The U.K. has steadily accumulated plutonium, but failed to develop fast-breeder nuclear reactors, which had been viewed as the core of the peaceful use of such a substance.
原爆の材料にも、原発の燃料にもなる。イギリスはせっせと蓄えてきたが、平和利用の柱と目されていた高速増殖炉の開発に失敗した。
The U.K. then attempted to develop technology for the use of plutonium-uranium MOX fuel in thermal reactors at nuclear power stations, a project known in Japan as "pluthermal." However, the country has been unsuccessful in producing such fuel. The same is true with Japan.
そこでＭＯＸ（ウラン・プルトニウム混合酸化物）燃料にして原発で燃やすプルサーマル発電をめざしたが、ＭＯＸがつくれない（日本も同じ。
Areva SA, a nuclear technology company in France, is now manufacturing plutonium-uranium MOX fuel, but questions remain as to its quality.
現在、仏アレバ社だけが生産しているが、品質の評価は定まらない）。
The U.K. ended up being the world's largest holder of surplus plutonium.
そうこうするうちに、イギリスは世界最大の「余剰（＝利用先のない）プルトニウム」保有国になってしまった。
The U.K. faced a major challenge in dealing with a massive amount of plutonium, which needs to be stored safely. イギリスは困った。プルトニウムは厳重に保管しなければならない。
The storage of plutonium costs a huge amount of money, but the U.K. can no longer afford to pay for this.
カネがかかるが、カネはない。
The U.K. needs to prevent such a substance from falling into the hands of terrorists.
とはいえ、ズサン管理でテロリストの手に渡ったら困る。
The country has consequently decided to bury part of its plutonium in an underground repository that is scheduled to begin operations in 2040.
そこで一部を、２０４０年操業開始予定の地下処分場に埋めることにした。
Even if the U.K. says it will bury only "part" of its surplus plutonium, its amount is enough to produce hundreds of atomic bombs.
一部といっても、原爆を数十発から数百発つくれる量だ。
The amount of surplus plutonium that needs to be buried could increase as there is no prospect that the U.K. will be successful in developing technology to use plutonium-uranium MOX fuel in thermal reactors.
ＭＯＸ開発は引き続きイバラの道だから、埋める量が増える可能性がある。
Moreover, the U.K. will abandon its project to reprocess spent nuclear fuel over the next decade.
しかもイギリスは今後１０年かけ、核燃料の再処理をやめる。
Behind the decision is the growing awareness that plutonium offers no positives, while also being a terrible nuisance.
この政策の背景には、もはやプルトニウムは希望ではなく、厄介者だという根本的な認識の変化がある。
This is the essence of the story written by Haruyuki Aikawa, a Mainichi correspondent in London.
これが、ロンドンから届いた会川晴之記者の特報のミソだ。
The U.K. has already abandoned developing fast-breeder nuclear reactors, and is set to give up nuclear fuel reprocessing as well.
イギリスは高速増殖炉開発を既にやめ、核燃料再処理もやめる。
Moreover, its planned construction of a facility to dispose of radioactive waste including plutonium is likely to materialize even though it is still at a planning phase.
計画段階とはいえ、プルトニウムを含む核廃棄物の処分場のメドもついた。
In contrast, there are no prospects that Japan can build a disposal facility.
日本は処分場建設の見込みが立たない。
However, for Japan to call for operations at the Monju prototype fast-breeder nuclear reactor in Fukui Prefecture and the nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in the Aomori Prefecture village of Rokkasho to be carried out as planned, would be like putting the cart before the horse as it appears the country is incapable of building a disposal facility.
だが、だから、もんじゅや核燃料再処理工場（青森県六ケ所村）を動かせというのは本末転倒だ。
Plutonium is directly related to security issues.
プルトニウムは安全保障にも直結する。
The U.K. possesses nuclear weapons but Japan does not. One may wonder whether Japan's independence will be threatened if it abandons nuclear fuel recycling and loses its ability to produce plutonium.
イギリスは核保有国だが、日本の場合、プルトニウムから離れて潜在能力を失えば、独立を脅かされないか。
Even though it is an important point of contention the issue should not be used as a reason to underestimate the harm of plutonium.
重要な論点だが、これさえ、プルトニウムの害毒を軽視する理由にはならないと思う。
Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano who is in charge of energy policy, Goshi Hosono, state minister for handling the nuclear crisis, and Yoshito Sengoku, second-in-command in the ruling Democratic Party of Japan's Policy Research Committee, have been hearing the views of experts on the issue.
これらの問題について、エネルギー担当閣僚である枝野幸男経産相、細野豪志原発事故担当相や、仙谷由人・民主党政調会長代行らが、専門家から意見聴取を続けている。
It is not enough for the government to talk only about the dream of "prosperity" built on dependence on nuclear power. Japan's ability to overcome the mess that follows such prosperity is now being tested.
国内はもちろん、対外交渉においても、原発依存の繁栄の夢を説くだけでなく、繁栄の後始末を引き受け、乗り越える覚悟が問われている。
(By Takao Yamada, Expert Senior Writer)
（毎週月曜日掲載）
毎日新聞 2011年12月5日 東京朝刊
2011/12/07
2011/12/06
香山リカのココロの万華鏡：神童にならなくても ／東京
好きこそ物の上手なれ！
それが大好きなら続けられるし、そうでなければ子供に苦痛を与えるだけなのです。
努力していれば、結果は後からついてくるものです＾＾。
（スラチャイ）
(Mainichi Japan) December 4, 2011
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Not every child has to become a prodigy
香山リカのココロの万華鏡：神童にならなくても ／東京
This year has been marked by a drastic rise in the popularity of child celebrities.
今年は、子役が大ブーム。
There are many child actors and singers, all of whom are still in kindergarten or lower elementary school, with skills that would put adults to shame.
幼稚園生や小学校の低学年のあどけない子どもたちが、おとな顔負けの芝居をしたり歌を歌ったり。
They're well mannered in interviews but still maintain age-appropriate cuteness.
インタビューでも礼儀正しく、それでいて年相応の無邪気さも見せる。
Amidst the endless serious and dark news these days, these children's smiles have become indispensable in soothing our minds.
何かと暗い話題が多い中、子役たちの笑顔は私たちをなごませる上で欠かせないものとなっている。
Such children are not only present in the world of TV; there are athletes, musicians, English and math experts, and many other "child prodigies" with impressive talents in various fields.
活躍しているのはテレビに出てくる子役だけではない。ときどきスポーツ教室や音楽教室にも“神童”が現れ、抜群の才能でおとなたちを驚かさせる。
幼児のための学習教室には、英語の達人、計算の名人などもいるようだ。
There is nothing wrong with looking at these children and thinking, "Wow, there are some really amazing kids out there." However, there are many occasions when this fascination escalates and some parents become obsessed with the idea of turning their children into prodigies no matter what.
「すごい子どももいるものだね」と感心しているうちはまだよいが、子を持つ親の中には、「ウチの子も」といわゆる英才教育に熱心になる人もいる。
Because children like to be praised by their parents, at the beginning they try very hard and show good results in everything they do. They try to live up to their parents' expectations.
子どもは親にほめられるとうれしいので、最初のうちは期待にこたえようと、一生懸命、勉強、練習などに励み、それなりの成果を上げる。
However, not everyone who tries hard becomes a success.
しかし、努力すれば誰もが天才になれるわけではない。
Dealing with failure is a major challenge for parents and children. Sometimes no matter how much kids try they can't pass an audition or receive a prize, and that is part of the reality that many parents and their children face in the pursuit of success.
いくらやってもコンテストで入賞しない、オーディションに合格しない、という現実の壁に突き当たったとき、その親子はどうするかが問題。
I once had a patient in my consultation room, a mother, who told me that she just couldn't give up on the idea of her daughter becoming a professional ballerina.
She told me the following:
"I have sacrificed everything in my life to make my dream of her becoming a ballerina come true. But her ballet instructor told me that I should give up, because my daughter doesn't have the potential. I just can't accept this. When I told my husband that I want to send our daughter to ballet lessons abroad, he advised me to consult a psychiatrist."
いつだったか、診察室に「どうしてもあきらめきれない」という母親がやって来たことがあった。
「娘をバレリーナにするのが夢で、これまですべてを注ぎ込んで親子でその道を目指してきたんです。バレエ教室の先生に『これ以上、上はムリ』と言われてしまったけれど受け入れられない。娘を外国に連れて行ってレッスンを受けさせたい、と言ったら、夫に『一度、精神科で相談してきたら』と言われたんです」
As the mother talked away, her still very young daughter listened, looking down.
必死に訴える母親のそばで、まだ幼い娘は申し訳なさそうにうつむいていた。
She seemed embarrassed and apologetic for not having the ability her mother would have wished for her.
She looked as if she was saying, "My mother is suffering because of me."
「私のせいでママが苦しんでる」と自分を責めているようだった。
My job on such occasions is to first try to console the child before the mother. I have to tell them that it's not their fault. Otherwise they will forever feel responsible for not living up to their parents' expectations.
こういう場合は、母親よりも先に子どものほうに「あなたが悪いわけじゃないよ」と伝えなければ、心に深い傷を残してしまう。
Needless to say, every parent is proud and happy if their children are especially talented.
わが子が天才なら、もちろん親はうれしいはずだ。
However, not every child can become a prodigy.
Sometimes it is in fact better for children not to be so special.
ただ、誰もが神童や天才になる必要はないし、もっと言えば「そんな特別な存在にならないほうがいい」とも言える。
Always being in the spotlight and admired is not necessarily a positive experience. Sometimes it may harm children emotionally as they grow up.
いつも注目され称賛されながらすごすのは、子どもの心の成長には必ずしもプラスとは言えないからだ。
Having a talent can bring happiness, but not having a special skill can also leave one content.
才能があればあったで幸せだし、なければないでまたそれも幸せなこと。
This is what I thought as I recently observed popular child celebrities.
子役たちの活躍を見ながら、そんなことを思った。
(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞 2011年11月29日 地方版
それが大好きなら続けられるし、そうでなければ子供に苦痛を与えるだけなのです。
努力していれば、結果は後からついてくるものです＾＾。
（スラチャイ）
(Mainichi Japan) December 4, 2011
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Not every child has to become a prodigy
香山リカのココロの万華鏡：神童にならなくても ／東京
This year has been marked by a drastic rise in the popularity of child celebrities.
今年は、子役が大ブーム。
There are many child actors and singers, all of whom are still in kindergarten or lower elementary school, with skills that would put adults to shame.
幼稚園生や小学校の低学年のあどけない子どもたちが、おとな顔負けの芝居をしたり歌を歌ったり。
They're well mannered in interviews but still maintain age-appropriate cuteness.
インタビューでも礼儀正しく、それでいて年相応の無邪気さも見せる。
Amidst the endless serious and dark news these days, these children's smiles have become indispensable in soothing our minds.
何かと暗い話題が多い中、子役たちの笑顔は私たちをなごませる上で欠かせないものとなっている。
Such children are not only present in the world of TV; there are athletes, musicians, English and math experts, and many other "child prodigies" with impressive talents in various fields.
活躍しているのはテレビに出てくる子役だけではない。ときどきスポーツ教室や音楽教室にも“神童”が現れ、抜群の才能でおとなたちを驚かさせる。
幼児のための学習教室には、英語の達人、計算の名人などもいるようだ。
There is nothing wrong with looking at these children and thinking, "Wow, there are some really amazing kids out there." However, there are many occasions when this fascination escalates and some parents become obsessed with the idea of turning their children into prodigies no matter what.
「すごい子どももいるものだね」と感心しているうちはまだよいが、子を持つ親の中には、「ウチの子も」といわゆる英才教育に熱心になる人もいる。
Because children like to be praised by their parents, at the beginning they try very hard and show good results in everything they do. They try to live up to their parents' expectations.
子どもは親にほめられるとうれしいので、最初のうちは期待にこたえようと、一生懸命、勉強、練習などに励み、それなりの成果を上げる。
However, not everyone who tries hard becomes a success.
しかし、努力すれば誰もが天才になれるわけではない。
Dealing with failure is a major challenge for parents and children. Sometimes no matter how much kids try they can't pass an audition or receive a prize, and that is part of the reality that many parents and their children face in the pursuit of success.
いくらやってもコンテストで入賞しない、オーディションに合格しない、という現実の壁に突き当たったとき、その親子はどうするかが問題。
I once had a patient in my consultation room, a mother, who told me that she just couldn't give up on the idea of her daughter becoming a professional ballerina.
She told me the following:
"I have sacrificed everything in my life to make my dream of her becoming a ballerina come true. But her ballet instructor told me that I should give up, because my daughter doesn't have the potential. I just can't accept this. When I told my husband that I want to send our daughter to ballet lessons abroad, he advised me to consult a psychiatrist."
いつだったか、診察室に「どうしてもあきらめきれない」という母親がやって来たことがあった。
「娘をバレリーナにするのが夢で、これまですべてを注ぎ込んで親子でその道を目指してきたんです。バレエ教室の先生に『これ以上、上はムリ』と言われてしまったけれど受け入れられない。娘を外国に連れて行ってレッスンを受けさせたい、と言ったら、夫に『一度、精神科で相談してきたら』と言われたんです」
As the mother talked away, her still very young daughter listened, looking down.
必死に訴える母親のそばで、まだ幼い娘は申し訳なさそうにうつむいていた。
She seemed embarrassed and apologetic for not having the ability her mother would have wished for her.
She looked as if she was saying, "My mother is suffering because of me."
「私のせいでママが苦しんでる」と自分を責めているようだった。
My job on such occasions is to first try to console the child before the mother. I have to tell them that it's not their fault. Otherwise they will forever feel responsible for not living up to their parents' expectations.
こういう場合は、母親よりも先に子どものほうに「あなたが悪いわけじゃないよ」と伝えなければ、心に深い傷を残してしまう。
Needless to say, every parent is proud and happy if their children are especially talented.
わが子が天才なら、もちろん親はうれしいはずだ。
However, not every child can become a prodigy.
Sometimes it is in fact better for children not to be so special.
ただ、誰もが神童や天才になる必要はないし、もっと言えば「そんな特別な存在にならないほうがいい」とも言える。
Always being in the spotlight and admired is not necessarily a positive experience. Sometimes it may harm children emotionally as they grow up.
いつも注目され称賛されながらすごすのは、子どもの心の成長には必ずしもプラスとは言えないからだ。
Having a talent can bring happiness, but not having a special skill can also leave one content.
才能があればあったで幸せだし、なければないでまたそれも幸せなこと。
This is what I thought as I recently observed popular child celebrities.
子役たちの活躍を見ながら、そんなことを思った。
(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞 2011年11月29日 地方版
2011/12/05
米・ミャンマー―対話を民主化にいかせ
I love Burma (Myanmar). Burma is one of the most important country in my life.
In order for the Myanmar regime to claim that democracy has taken root solidly in the country, it must release all political prisoners, reconcile itself with ethnic minorities and amend the Constitution, which provides legal foundation for the military’s rule.
(srachai)
私はビルマ（ミャンマー）が大好きです。ビルマは私にとって特別な国なのです。
民主化が定着したというには、政治犯の全員釈放、少数民族との和解に加え、軍の支配構造を支える憲法が改正されなければならない。
（スラチャイ）
--The Asahi Shimbun, Dec. 3
EDITORIAL: Myanmar must continue with political reforms toward true democracy
米・ミャンマー―対話を民主化にいかせ
Aung San Suu Kyi, the iconic leader of Myanmar's (Burma's) pro-democracy movement, shook hands with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and had a private dinner with her on Dec. 2 in Yangon (Rangoon), the country's commercial capital.
ミャンマー（ビルマ）の民主化運動指導者アウン・サン・スー・チーさんと米国のクリントン国務長官がヤンゴンで握手し夕食をともにした。
This would have been unimaginable just half a year ago.
半年前には想像できなかった光景である。
After meeting with the country's new president, Thein Sein, Clinton praised the steps he has taken for political reform, including the release of political prisoners and dialogue with pro-democracy forces, and said the United States will consider upgrading diplomatic relations with Myanmar.
テイン・セイン大統領と会談した長官は、政治犯の一部釈放や民主化勢力との対話など一連の措置を歓迎し、外交関係の格上げを検討すると表明した。
However, Clinton stopped short of explicitly referring to the possibility of lifting Washington’s economic sanctions against Myanmar, saying Thein Sein’s reforms had only just begun.
一方で改革は始まったばかりだとして経済制裁の解除には踏み込まなかった。
She also warned the regime against military cooperation with North Korea.
北朝鮮との軍事協力には強く釘を刺した。
Clinton’s visit to Myanmar is the first step for President Barack Obama’s new security strategy, which defines the Asia-Pacific region as a “top priority.”
今回の訪問は、アジア太平洋地域を「最優先」と位置づけるオバマ大統領の安保新戦略の第一歩といえる。
Having been under autocratic military rule for years, Mynamar is now making steady progress toward democracy.
This development can only be very beneficial to the United States and its allies.
軍事政権による独裁体制を長年続けた国が民主化を着実に進めれば、米国や同盟国の大きな利益となる。
But there is no room for unreserved optimism about the country’s current regime, whose key posts are occupied almost exclusively by former senior military officers.
Washington has good reason to think it would be premature to lift sanctions.
しかし、かつての軍幹部が主要ポストを独占する現体制の行方を完全には楽観できない以上、制裁解除を時期尚早とした米政府の判断は妥当といえる。
The U.S. move is also intended as a warning to China, which has been increasing its influence over the geopolitically important Southeast Asian country.
地政学上重要な位置にあるミャンマーで影響力を増す中国を牽制（けんせい）する狙いも米国にはあろう。
While the United States has continued its economic sanctions against Myanmar, China has helped develop ports in southern parts of the country and is now building a pipeline to carry natural gas from a Myanmar port to China’s Yunnan province.
制裁を続けるうちに、中国はミャンマー南部の港湾を整備し、雲南省につなぐ天然ガスパイプラインを建設している。
In September, however, Myanmar’s government decided to freeze construction of a dam in the north funded by aid from China.
ミャンマー政府は９月、中国の支援で北部に建設中のダム工事の凍結を決めた。
The United States and other countries have welcomed the decision as a sign that Myanmar is reconsidering its unqualified pro-China foreign policy.
中国一辺倒の姿勢に変化の兆しがみえたとして米国などは歓迎している。
We, too, welcome the Myanmar government’s attempt to diversify its foreign policy focus and strike a balance between its relations with China and the United States if it contributes to the nation’s progress toward democracy.
外交を多角化させ、米中間のバランスをとろうとするミャンマー政府の姿勢が、結果として民主化の促進につながるのであれば歓迎したい。
Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) recently re-registered as a political party after a ban on the group was lifted.
スー・チーさん率いる国民民主連盟（ＮＬＤ）は法改正を受けて政党登録をすませた。
Aung San Suu Kyi has also announced her intention to run for parliamentary by-elections to be held next year.
スー・チーさん自身も来年に予定される国会の補欠選挙に立候補すると表明した。
Some people in the pro-democracy camp question the wisdom of her decision, recalling how the ruling military junta refused to recognize the result of the 1990 general election, in which the NLD won a landslide victory. These skeptics also point out that the number of parliamentary seats that come up for contest in the forthcoming by-elections will be less than one-tenth of the total.
９０年の総選挙でＮＬＤが圧勝しながら軍政に黙殺された経緯や、補欠選挙で勝っても議席は国会の１０分の１に満たないことから、民主化勢力の内部にもこの決定を疑問視する声がある。
However, it is true that missing out on this opportunity would further muddy the party's political prospects.
だがこの機会を逃せば、先の展望が見えないことも事実だ。
It is easy to imagine that it was a difficult decision to make.
苦渋の決断と想像できる。
Aung San Suu Kyi must be looking beyond next year to a victory in the general election scheduled for 2015.
その先には１５年の総選挙で勝利をめざす思いがあるはずだ。
In order for the Myanmar regime to claim that democracy has taken root solidly in the country, it must release all political prisoners, reconcile itself with ethnic minorities and amend the Constitution, which provides legal foundation for the military’s rule.
民主化が定着したというには、政治犯の全員釈放、少数民族との和解に加え、軍の支配構造を支える憲法が改正されなければならない。
We hope the nation’s new government will pluck up the courage to make such bold moves.
新政権には大胆な妥協を望みたい。
Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba and Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano will both visit the country soon.
玄葉外相や枝野経済産業相が相次いで現地入りする。
Tokyo should also watch carefully to see whether Myanmar is making steady progress toward democracy before it decides to supply aid to the country or expand bilateral economic ties with it.
援助や経済交流促進の前提として、民主化の着実な進展を見極める必要があることを指摘したい。
In order for the Myanmar regime to claim that democracy has taken root solidly in the country, it must release all political prisoners, reconcile itself with ethnic minorities and amend the Constitution, which provides legal foundation for the military’s rule.
(srachai)
私はビルマ（ミャンマー）が大好きです。ビルマは私にとって特別な国なのです。
民主化が定着したというには、政治犯の全員釈放、少数民族との和解に加え、軍の支配構造を支える憲法が改正されなければならない。
（スラチャイ）
--The Asahi Shimbun, Dec. 3
EDITORIAL: Myanmar must continue with political reforms toward true democracy
米・ミャンマー―対話を民主化にいかせ
Aung San Suu Kyi, the iconic leader of Myanmar's (Burma's) pro-democracy movement, shook hands with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and had a private dinner with her on Dec. 2 in Yangon (Rangoon), the country's commercial capital.
ミャンマー（ビルマ）の民主化運動指導者アウン・サン・スー・チーさんと米国のクリントン国務長官がヤンゴンで握手し夕食をともにした。
This would have been unimaginable just half a year ago.
半年前には想像できなかった光景である。
After meeting with the country's new president, Thein Sein, Clinton praised the steps he has taken for political reform, including the release of political prisoners and dialogue with pro-democracy forces, and said the United States will consider upgrading diplomatic relations with Myanmar.
テイン・セイン大統領と会談した長官は、政治犯の一部釈放や民主化勢力との対話など一連の措置を歓迎し、外交関係の格上げを検討すると表明した。
However, Clinton stopped short of explicitly referring to the possibility of lifting Washington’s economic sanctions against Myanmar, saying Thein Sein’s reforms had only just begun.
一方で改革は始まったばかりだとして経済制裁の解除には踏み込まなかった。
She also warned the regime against military cooperation with North Korea.
北朝鮮との軍事協力には強く釘を刺した。
Clinton’s visit to Myanmar is the first step for President Barack Obama’s new security strategy, which defines the Asia-Pacific region as a “top priority.”
今回の訪問は、アジア太平洋地域を「最優先」と位置づけるオバマ大統領の安保新戦略の第一歩といえる。
Having been under autocratic military rule for years, Mynamar is now making steady progress toward democracy.
This development can only be very beneficial to the United States and its allies.
軍事政権による独裁体制を長年続けた国が民主化を着実に進めれば、米国や同盟国の大きな利益となる。
But there is no room for unreserved optimism about the country’s current regime, whose key posts are occupied almost exclusively by former senior military officers.
Washington has good reason to think it would be premature to lift sanctions.
しかし、かつての軍幹部が主要ポストを独占する現体制の行方を完全には楽観できない以上、制裁解除を時期尚早とした米政府の判断は妥当といえる。
The U.S. move is also intended as a warning to China, which has been increasing its influence over the geopolitically important Southeast Asian country.
地政学上重要な位置にあるミャンマーで影響力を増す中国を牽制（けんせい）する狙いも米国にはあろう。
While the United States has continued its economic sanctions against Myanmar, China has helped develop ports in southern parts of the country and is now building a pipeline to carry natural gas from a Myanmar port to China’s Yunnan province.
制裁を続けるうちに、中国はミャンマー南部の港湾を整備し、雲南省につなぐ天然ガスパイプラインを建設している。
In September, however, Myanmar’s government decided to freeze construction of a dam in the north funded by aid from China.
ミャンマー政府は９月、中国の支援で北部に建設中のダム工事の凍結を決めた。
The United States and other countries have welcomed the decision as a sign that Myanmar is reconsidering its unqualified pro-China foreign policy.
中国一辺倒の姿勢に変化の兆しがみえたとして米国などは歓迎している。
We, too, welcome the Myanmar government’s attempt to diversify its foreign policy focus and strike a balance between its relations with China and the United States if it contributes to the nation’s progress toward democracy.
外交を多角化させ、米中間のバランスをとろうとするミャンマー政府の姿勢が、結果として民主化の促進につながるのであれば歓迎したい。
Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) recently re-registered as a political party after a ban on the group was lifted.
スー・チーさん率いる国民民主連盟（ＮＬＤ）は法改正を受けて政党登録をすませた。
Aung San Suu Kyi has also announced her intention to run for parliamentary by-elections to be held next year.
スー・チーさん自身も来年に予定される国会の補欠選挙に立候補すると表明した。
Some people in the pro-democracy camp question the wisdom of her decision, recalling how the ruling military junta refused to recognize the result of the 1990 general election, in which the NLD won a landslide victory. These skeptics also point out that the number of parliamentary seats that come up for contest in the forthcoming by-elections will be less than one-tenth of the total.
９０年の総選挙でＮＬＤが圧勝しながら軍政に黙殺された経緯や、補欠選挙で勝っても議席は国会の１０分の１に満たないことから、民主化勢力の内部にもこの決定を疑問視する声がある。
However, it is true that missing out on this opportunity would further muddy the party's political prospects.
だがこの機会を逃せば、先の展望が見えないことも事実だ。
It is easy to imagine that it was a difficult decision to make.
苦渋の決断と想像できる。
Aung San Suu Kyi must be looking beyond next year to a victory in the general election scheduled for 2015.
その先には１５年の総選挙で勝利をめざす思いがあるはずだ。
In order for the Myanmar regime to claim that democracy has taken root solidly in the country, it must release all political prisoners, reconcile itself with ethnic minorities and amend the Constitution, which provides legal foundation for the military’s rule.
民主化が定着したというには、政治犯の全員釈放、少数民族との和解に加え、軍の支配構造を支える憲法が改正されなければならない。
We hope the nation’s new government will pluck up the courage to make such bold moves.
新政権には大胆な妥協を望みたい。
Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba and Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano will both visit the country soon.
玄葉外相や枝野経済産業相が相次いで現地入りする。
Tokyo should also watch carefully to see whether Myanmar is making steady progress toward democracy before it decides to supply aid to the country or expand bilateral economic ties with it.
援助や経済交流促進の前提として、民主化の着実な進展を見極める必要があることを指摘したい。
2011/12/04
欧州危機―思い切った金融緩和を
--The Asahi Shimbun, Dec. 2
EDITORIAL: Drastic financial easing needed to solve Europe debt crisis
欧州危機―思い切った金融緩和を
The central banks of Japan, the United States, Canada and Europe jointly proposed measures to deal with the ongoing financial crisis.
日米欧の主要中央銀行が、協調して金融危機への対応策を打ち出した。
They will lower interest rates on their U.S. dollar loans to make it easier for banks facing financial difficulties because of the European debt crisis to borrow funds.
欧州の債務問題で経営が悪くなった銀行が資金繰りに窮しないよう、中央銀行が貸し出すドル資金の金利を下げ、借りやすくする。
In stock markets across the world, share prices rose on the grounds that concerns for a financial system crisis were alleviated.
各国の株式市場は、金融システム危機への懸念が和らいだとして、いずれも上昇した。
However, the dollar supply plan is no more than a stopgap measure.
ただ、今回のドル供給策はあくまで急場しのぎでしかない。
The European debt crisis that spread to Italy has become increasingly serious with concerns for the downgrading of French government bonds and the failure of a German government bond auction to draw investors.
イタリアへ波及した欧州の債務危機は、フランス国債の格下げ不安やドイツ国債の入札不調で一段と深刻化している。
With the drop in bond prices, European banks are facing deteriorating financial standings, and pressure of a credit crunch caused by cutbacks in lending and sales of assets shows no signs of abating.
国債の値下がりで欧州の銀行は財務内容が悪化しており、貸し渋りや資産売却による信用収縮の圧力は収まりそうにない。
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development predicts that the economy of the euro zone will shrink for two consecutive quarters from the October-December period of 2011.
経済協力開発機構（ＯＥＣＤ）はユーロ圏が１０～１２月期から２四半期連続でマイナス成長になると予測する。
The debt crisis is undermining financial functions and cooling the real economy.
債務問題が金融機能を損なわせ、実体経済を冷え込ませる構図だ。
At this rate, the situation could lead to a global economic crisis, affecting the United States, which has a huge amount of investments and loans in Europe, China, with its large quantities of exports to Europe, and Japan, which has been hit by a strong yen.
このままでは、欧州に多額の投融資をしている米国や、欧州への輸出が多い中国、円高の直撃を受ける日本など、世界に経済危機が広がる。
A recurrence of the Lehman Shock must be averted at any cost.
リーマン・ショックの再来は断じて防がねばならない。
However, major European countries that are the key players in the euro zone have yet to make a concerted effort to deal with the crisis.
ところが、肝心のユーロ圏主要国の足並みは乱れたままだ。
The expansion of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), which is considered an ace in the hole for now, has a far way to go to meet its target of 1 trillion euros in the face of objections by Germany, which puts importance on financial discipline of each country.
当面の切り札である欧州金融安定化基金（ＥＦＳＦ）の拡大についても、各国の財政規律を重視するドイツの反対で、目標の１兆ユーロはおぼつかない。
While it is important to restore fiscal health, the European Central Bank (ECB) should first expand its purchase of government bonds.
財政健全化も重要だが、まずは欧州中央銀行（ＥＣＢ）が国債の購入を拡大すべきだ。
It is also necessary to drastically reduce interest rates and implement drastic financial easing.
金利も大幅に引き下げ、大胆な金融緩和に踏み込む必要がある。
We urge Germany, which is objecting to the purchase of government bonds on the grounds that it would cause inflation, to change its stance on this matter.
インフレを招くとして国債購入に反対しているドイツは、ここから「君子豹変（ひょうへん）」してほしい。
A credit crunch would sooner or later develop into massive pressure for deflation.
信用収縮は早晩、巨大なデフレ圧力となる。
Unless unrest of financial systems is brought under control, the situation could lead to a deflationary spiral beyond help.
金融システムの動揺を抑えないと、手の施しようがないデフレ・スパイラルに陥りかねない。
Currently, the growth rate of prices in the euro zone is 3 percent.
ユーロ圏の物価上昇率は現在３％。
Since it is higher than the ECB's target of "2 percent or less," the situation calls for austerity measures under ordinary circumstances.
ＥＣＢが目安とする「２％以下」を上回り、通常なら引き締めの情勢だ。
But now is a time of emergency.
しかし、いまは非常事態である。
While Germany bitterly remembers the hyperinflation that hit the country after World War I, if the current situation leads to a deflationary spiral, it would be a total loss.
第１次大戦後のハイパーインフレが骨身に染みているドイツだが、デフレ・スパイラルを招いては元も子もない。
Furthermore, as France proposed, the EFSF should be reorganized into a bank.
さらに、フランスが提案していたように、ＥＦＳＦは銀行へと改組するのが望ましい。
Like ordinary banks, if it borrows funds from the ECB by using government bonds in its possession as collateral and purchases more bonds, the expansion of the EFSF would be unnecessary.
ふつうの銀行と同様に、手持ちの国債を担保にＥＣＢから資金を借りて国債を買えば、ＥＦＳＦの規模を拡大せずにすむ。
Although the idea was scrapped because of Germany's opposition, top priority must be given to the prevention of a crisis.
これもドイツの反対でつぶれたが、危機の防止を最優先にしなければならない。
EDITORIAL: Drastic financial easing needed to solve Europe debt crisis
欧州危機―思い切った金融緩和を
The central banks of Japan, the United States, Canada and Europe jointly proposed measures to deal with the ongoing financial crisis.
日米欧の主要中央銀行が、協調して金融危機への対応策を打ち出した。
They will lower interest rates on their U.S. dollar loans to make it easier for banks facing financial difficulties because of the European debt crisis to borrow funds.
欧州の債務問題で経営が悪くなった銀行が資金繰りに窮しないよう、中央銀行が貸し出すドル資金の金利を下げ、借りやすくする。
In stock markets across the world, share prices rose on the grounds that concerns for a financial system crisis were alleviated.
各国の株式市場は、金融システム危機への懸念が和らいだとして、いずれも上昇した。
However, the dollar supply plan is no more than a stopgap measure.
ただ、今回のドル供給策はあくまで急場しのぎでしかない。
The European debt crisis that spread to Italy has become increasingly serious with concerns for the downgrading of French government bonds and the failure of a German government bond auction to draw investors.
イタリアへ波及した欧州の債務危機は、フランス国債の格下げ不安やドイツ国債の入札不調で一段と深刻化している。
With the drop in bond prices, European banks are facing deteriorating financial standings, and pressure of a credit crunch caused by cutbacks in lending and sales of assets shows no signs of abating.
国債の値下がりで欧州の銀行は財務内容が悪化しており、貸し渋りや資産売却による信用収縮の圧力は収まりそうにない。
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development predicts that the economy of the euro zone will shrink for two consecutive quarters from the October-December period of 2011.
経済協力開発機構（ＯＥＣＤ）はユーロ圏が１０～１２月期から２四半期連続でマイナス成長になると予測する。
The debt crisis is undermining financial functions and cooling the real economy.
債務問題が金融機能を損なわせ、実体経済を冷え込ませる構図だ。
At this rate, the situation could lead to a global economic crisis, affecting the United States, which has a huge amount of investments and loans in Europe, China, with its large quantities of exports to Europe, and Japan, which has been hit by a strong yen.
このままでは、欧州に多額の投融資をしている米国や、欧州への輸出が多い中国、円高の直撃を受ける日本など、世界に経済危機が広がる。
A recurrence of the Lehman Shock must be averted at any cost.
リーマン・ショックの再来は断じて防がねばならない。
However, major European countries that are the key players in the euro zone have yet to make a concerted effort to deal with the crisis.
ところが、肝心のユーロ圏主要国の足並みは乱れたままだ。
The expansion of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), which is considered an ace in the hole for now, has a far way to go to meet its target of 1 trillion euros in the face of objections by Germany, which puts importance on financial discipline of each country.
当面の切り札である欧州金融安定化基金（ＥＦＳＦ）の拡大についても、各国の財政規律を重視するドイツの反対で、目標の１兆ユーロはおぼつかない。
While it is important to restore fiscal health, the European Central Bank (ECB) should first expand its purchase of government bonds.
財政健全化も重要だが、まずは欧州中央銀行（ＥＣＢ）が国債の購入を拡大すべきだ。
It is also necessary to drastically reduce interest rates and implement drastic financial easing.
金利も大幅に引き下げ、大胆な金融緩和に踏み込む必要がある。
We urge Germany, which is objecting to the purchase of government bonds on the grounds that it would cause inflation, to change its stance on this matter.
インフレを招くとして国債購入に反対しているドイツは、ここから「君子豹変（ひょうへん）」してほしい。
A credit crunch would sooner or later develop into massive pressure for deflation.
信用収縮は早晩、巨大なデフレ圧力となる。
Unless unrest of financial systems is brought under control, the situation could lead to a deflationary spiral beyond help.
金融システムの動揺を抑えないと、手の施しようがないデフレ・スパイラルに陥りかねない。
Currently, the growth rate of prices in the euro zone is 3 percent.
ユーロ圏の物価上昇率は現在３％。
Since it is higher than the ECB's target of "2 percent or less," the situation calls for austerity measures under ordinary circumstances.
ＥＣＢが目安とする「２％以下」を上回り、通常なら引き締めの情勢だ。
But now is a time of emergency.
しかし、いまは非常事態である。
While Germany bitterly remembers the hyperinflation that hit the country after World War I, if the current situation leads to a deflationary spiral, it would be a total loss.
第１次大戦後のハイパーインフレが骨身に染みているドイツだが、デフレ・スパイラルを招いては元も子もない。
Furthermore, as France proposed, the EFSF should be reorganized into a bank.
さらに、フランスが提案していたように、ＥＦＳＦは銀行へと改組するのが望ましい。
Like ordinary banks, if it borrows funds from the ECB by using government bonds in its possession as collateral and purchases more bonds, the expansion of the EFSF would be unnecessary.
ふつうの銀行と同様に、手持ちの国債を担保にＥＣＢから資金を借りて国債を買えば、ＥＦＳＦの規模を拡大せずにすむ。
Although the idea was scrapped because of Germany's opposition, top priority must be given to the prevention of a crisis.
これもドイツの反対でつぶれたが、危機の防止を最優先にしなければならない。
2011/12/03
沖縄局長更迭 政府は信頼の再構築に全力を
一杯の酒が人生を狂わせることも、日常的に経験される現象です。
酒は、百薬の長としての役割りよりも、覚せい剤や麻薬に近い働きを果たします。
昨年はご近所のご主人が、一昨日はその息子が、飲酒が原因で命を落としました。
で、一昨日は葬儀に出席したのです。
断酒して正解だったのかも知れません。
やがては死への道をたどることに変わりはありませんが。
（スラチャイ）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 2, 2011)
Govt must rebuild trust with Okinawa Prefecture
沖縄局長更迭 政府は信頼の再構築に全力を（12月1日付・読売社説）
It is not easy for the central government to regain the trust of Okinawa Prefecture, which recently was adversely affected.
傷ついた沖縄との信頼関係を回復するのは容易ではない。
The government should do its best to rebuild the relationship by sincerely tackling the issue of U.S. bases in the prefecture.
政府は、米軍基地問題に誠実に取り組むことで、関係再構築に全力を挙げるべきだ。
Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa has dismissed Satoshi Tanaka as chief of the Okinawa Defense Bureau over an inappropriate remark concerning the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station.
一川防衛相が、米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題をめぐり不適切な発言をしたとして、防衛省の田中聡沖縄防衛局長を更迭した。
During an informal drinking session at an izakaya bar with reporters in Naha, Tanaka said, "You don't say you're going to commit a rape before you do it, do you?" when asked a question about the submission of an environment impact assessment report on the base relocation to the Okinawa prefectural government.
田中氏は記者団との居酒屋での懇談で、普天間飛行場移設に関する環境影響評価書の沖縄県への提出について「犯す前にやらせろとは言わない」などと語った。
Tanaka joined the drinking session on condition that any remarks he made would be off the record. But the Ryukyu Shimpo, a local newspaper, printed his remarks based on its judgment that they were of a public nature and it was in the public's interest to know.
懇談は、報道しないというオフレコが条件だったが、地元紙の琉球新報が「公共性、公益性がある」との独自判断で記事化した。
The newspaper's decision is questionable.
この報道姿勢は疑問である。
===
Honor off-the-record remarks
While regarding off-the-record news gathering as "an important means to meet the people's right to know," the Japan Newspaper Publishers & Editors Association said news organizations have a moral obligation to abide by off-the-record agreements.
オフレコ取材について日本新聞協会は「国民の知る権利にこたえうる重要な手段」としつつ、報道機関にオフレコを守る道義的責任があるとの見解を示している。
If a news organization reports off-the-record remarks without the prior consent of the news source, a relationship of trust cannot be built between the media and the source, which in the end may limit the people's right to know.
報道機関が、オフレコ取材の相手の了解を得ず一方的に報道するようだと、取材先との信頼関係が築けず、結果的に国民の知る権利の制約にもつながりかねない。
When Yoshio Hachiro resigned as economy, trade and industry minister over a verbal lapse concerning the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power station's meltdown accident, it was not clear whether his remark was off-the-record or not. But this time it definitely was.
鉢呂吉雄前経済産業相が原発事故をめぐる失言で辞任した際は、オフレコ発言かどうか曖昧だったが、今回は明らかに違う。
Needless to say, Tanaka's remark likening the government's submission of the assessment report to raping a woman is extremely inappropriate.
無論、評価書の提出を女性への暴行に例えた田中氏の発言自体は極めて不適切だ。
It is not surprising the remark upset people in Okinawa Prefecture, particularly as the issue of relocating Futenma Air Station was triggered by the rape of a primary school girl by U.S. marines in 1995.
普天間問題の発端が１９９５年の女児暴行事件だったこともあり、沖縄県民が反発したのはもっともである。
It is natural for Tanaka to have been dismissed for his remark.
こうした結果を招いた以上、田中氏の更迭は当然だろう。
While apologizing to the people of Okinawa Prefecture for Tanaka's remark, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda indicated the government would submit the assessment report as scheduled.
野田首相は田中氏の発言について謝罪するとともに、環境影響評価書を予定通り提出する考えを示した。
The submission of the report before the end of the year has been confirmed on several occasions between Japan and the United States.
評価書の年内提出は日米間で何度も確認している。
The government needs to do so without delay.
きちんと実行する必要がある。
===
Steadily implement measures
The government recently tried to mend its relationship with Okinawa Prefecture by enabling the Japanese authorities to put on trial civilian employees of the U.S. military who commit serious offenses while on duty in Japan, through a review of the application of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement.
政府は最近、日米地位協定の運用を見直し、米国人軍属の裁判を日本で行うことを可能にするなど沖縄との関係修復に努めていた。
It is important in the days ahead for the government to steadily implement measures, including the transfer of military exercises by U.S. forces outside the prefecture, to lessen the burden on Okinawa Prefecture of hosting U.S. forces.
今後も、米軍の訓練の県外移転など、地元の基地負担の軽減策を地道に実行に移すことが大切だ。
In the United States, congressional pressure is increasing to cut defense spending, making it more difficult to realize the planned transfer of marines stationed in Okinawa Prefecture to Guam.
米国では、連邦議会の国防費削減圧力が強く、在沖縄海兵隊のグアム移転が困難になりつつある。
If there is no progress made on the Futenma relocation issue, the Futenma base will remain where it is, and the plan to transfer U.S. marines to Guam may founder.
普天間問題が進展しなければ、普天間飛行場の固定化に加え、海兵隊移転が白紙になりかねない。
The Okinawa prefectural government wants the transfer of U.S. marines separated from the Futenma relocation issue. But this seems no longer possible.
沖縄県側には、海兵隊移転を普天間問題と切り離して実現することへの期待があるが、それは、もはや不可能な情勢にある。
The central and Okinawa prefectural governments should consult with each other in a levelheaded manner over how to proceed with the issue of reducing the burden on the prefecture in hosting the U.S. military base.
沖縄全体の基地負担軽減をどう進めるのか、政府と沖縄県は冷静に協議することが求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 1, 2011)
（2011年12月1日00時55分 読売新聞）
酒は、百薬の長としての役割りよりも、覚せい剤や麻薬に近い働きを果たします。
昨年はご近所のご主人が、一昨日はその息子が、飲酒が原因で命を落としました。
で、一昨日は葬儀に出席したのです。
断酒して正解だったのかも知れません。
やがては死への道をたどることに変わりはありませんが。
（スラチャイ）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 2, 2011)
Govt must rebuild trust with Okinawa Prefecture
沖縄局長更迭 政府は信頼の再構築に全力を（12月1日付・読売社説）
It is not easy for the central government to regain the trust of Okinawa Prefecture, which recently was adversely affected.
傷ついた沖縄との信頼関係を回復するのは容易ではない。
The government should do its best to rebuild the relationship by sincerely tackling the issue of U.S. bases in the prefecture.
政府は、米軍基地問題に誠実に取り組むことで、関係再構築に全力を挙げるべきだ。
Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa has dismissed Satoshi Tanaka as chief of the Okinawa Defense Bureau over an inappropriate remark concerning the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station.
一川防衛相が、米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題をめぐり不適切な発言をしたとして、防衛省の田中聡沖縄防衛局長を更迭した。
During an informal drinking session at an izakaya bar with reporters in Naha, Tanaka said, "You don't say you're going to commit a rape before you do it, do you?" when asked a question about the submission of an environment impact assessment report on the base relocation to the Okinawa prefectural government.
田中氏は記者団との居酒屋での懇談で、普天間飛行場移設に関する環境影響評価書の沖縄県への提出について「犯す前にやらせろとは言わない」などと語った。
Tanaka joined the drinking session on condition that any remarks he made would be off the record. But the Ryukyu Shimpo, a local newspaper, printed his remarks based on its judgment that they were of a public nature and it was in the public's interest to know.
懇談は、報道しないというオフレコが条件だったが、地元紙の琉球新報が「公共性、公益性がある」との独自判断で記事化した。
The newspaper's decision is questionable.
この報道姿勢は疑問である。
===
Honor off-the-record remarks
While regarding off-the-record news gathering as "an important means to meet the people's right to know," the Japan Newspaper Publishers & Editors Association said news organizations have a moral obligation to abide by off-the-record agreements.
オフレコ取材について日本新聞協会は「国民の知る権利にこたえうる重要な手段」としつつ、報道機関にオフレコを守る道義的責任があるとの見解を示している。
If a news organization reports off-the-record remarks without the prior consent of the news source, a relationship of trust cannot be built between the media and the source, which in the end may limit the people's right to know.
報道機関が、オフレコ取材の相手の了解を得ず一方的に報道するようだと、取材先との信頼関係が築けず、結果的に国民の知る権利の制約にもつながりかねない。
When Yoshio Hachiro resigned as economy, trade and industry minister over a verbal lapse concerning the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power station's meltdown accident, it was not clear whether his remark was off-the-record or not. But this time it definitely was.
鉢呂吉雄前経済産業相が原発事故をめぐる失言で辞任した際は、オフレコ発言かどうか曖昧だったが、今回は明らかに違う。
Needless to say, Tanaka's remark likening the government's submission of the assessment report to raping a woman is extremely inappropriate.
無論、評価書の提出を女性への暴行に例えた田中氏の発言自体は極めて不適切だ。
It is not surprising the remark upset people in Okinawa Prefecture, particularly as the issue of relocating Futenma Air Station was triggered by the rape of a primary school girl by U.S. marines in 1995.
普天間問題の発端が１９９５年の女児暴行事件だったこともあり、沖縄県民が反発したのはもっともである。
It is natural for Tanaka to have been dismissed for his remark.
こうした結果を招いた以上、田中氏の更迭は当然だろう。
While apologizing to the people of Okinawa Prefecture for Tanaka's remark, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda indicated the government would submit the assessment report as scheduled.
野田首相は田中氏の発言について謝罪するとともに、環境影響評価書を予定通り提出する考えを示した。
The submission of the report before the end of the year has been confirmed on several occasions between Japan and the United States.
評価書の年内提出は日米間で何度も確認している。
The government needs to do so without delay.
きちんと実行する必要がある。
===
Steadily implement measures
The government recently tried to mend its relationship with Okinawa Prefecture by enabling the Japanese authorities to put on trial civilian employees of the U.S. military who commit serious offenses while on duty in Japan, through a review of the application of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement.
政府は最近、日米地位協定の運用を見直し、米国人軍属の裁判を日本で行うことを可能にするなど沖縄との関係修復に努めていた。
It is important in the days ahead for the government to steadily implement measures, including the transfer of military exercises by U.S. forces outside the prefecture, to lessen the burden on Okinawa Prefecture of hosting U.S. forces.
今後も、米軍の訓練の県外移転など、地元の基地負担の軽減策を地道に実行に移すことが大切だ。
In the United States, congressional pressure is increasing to cut defense spending, making it more difficult to realize the planned transfer of marines stationed in Okinawa Prefecture to Guam.
米国では、連邦議会の国防費削減圧力が強く、在沖縄海兵隊のグアム移転が困難になりつつある。
If there is no progress made on the Futenma relocation issue, the Futenma base will remain where it is, and the plan to transfer U.S. marines to Guam may founder.
普天間問題が進展しなければ、普天間飛行場の固定化に加え、海兵隊移転が白紙になりかねない。
The Okinawa prefectural government wants the transfer of U.S. marines separated from the Futenma relocation issue. But this seems no longer possible.
沖縄県側には、海兵隊移転を普天間問題と切り離して実現することへの期待があるが、それは、もはや不可能な情勢にある。
The central and Okinawa prefectural governments should consult with each other in a levelheaded manner over how to proceed with the issue of reducing the burden on the prefecture in hosting the U.S. military base.
沖縄全体の基地負担軽減をどう進めるのか、政府と沖縄県は冷静に協議することが求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 1, 2011)
（2011年12月1日00時55分 読売新聞）
2011/12/02
沖縄侮辱発言―アセス強行はあり得ぬ
--The Asahi Shimbun, Nov. 30
EDITORIAL: Rape remark could spell end to Futenma plan
沖縄侮辱発言―アセス強行はあり得ぬ
It was about the most unconscionable slur anyone could have directed at women and the people of Okinawa.
女性と沖縄を蔑視する暴言であり、断じて許せない。
Discussing the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Satoshi Tanaka, director-general of the Okinawa Defense Bureau, said to the effect on Nov. 28, "Would you say, 'I will rape you,' before you rape someone?"
沖縄防衛局の田中聡局長が、米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題に絡んで、「これから犯す前に犯しますよと言いますか」という趣旨の発言をした。
Tanaka used the rape analogy to explain the government's reluctance to set the submission date of an assessment report on the environmental impact of the air station's planned relocation to the Henoko district in Nago--a plan the people of Okinawa vehemently oppose.
沖縄の反対を無視して、名護市辺野古への移設を進めるための環境影響評価（アセスメント）の提出時期を明かさない政府の姿勢を、女性への性的暴行に例えたものだ。
Tanaka was reportedly holding court with members of the press at a pub in Naha when he made that comment. 那覇市の居酒屋で県内の報道関係者と懇談し、酒を飲んでいた。
He was drinking, and the session was supposed to be off the record, which must have loosened his tongue.
オフレコが前提でもあり、口が軽くなったのだろう。
But an Okinawan newspaper went ahead and reported his gaffe.
地元紙が報じ、表面化した。
The Asahi Shimbun did not have any of its reporters at the pub when he made the outrageous remark, but the paper ran its own version of the story after establishing the veracity of the original report.
朝日新聞は発言時は、その場にいなかったが、補強取材をして記事にした。
What Tanaka said should never be condoned.
私たちも、あってはならない暴言だと考える。
In fact, it was the rape of an Okinawan schoolgirl by U.S. soldiers 16 years ago that triggered the move to relocate the Futenma base.
振り返れば、普天間移設のきっかけは、１６年前の米海兵隊員による少女暴行事件だった。
But the girl was certainly not the last victim of sex crimes by U.S. service personnel.
その後も米軍人による暴行事件は続いている。
Anyone who has any understanding of the feelings of the people of Okinawa would never even dream of saying what Tanaka said.
県民感情に少しでも寄り添える人物なら、こんな例え話をできるはずがない。
He was totally unqualified for the job, and of course he had to go.
県民と向き合う責任者としては不適任極まりない。更迭は当然である。
The Yoshihiko Noda administration has at least shown its readiness to gradually lighten Okinawa's base burden. 野田政権は、沖縄の基地負担を軽減する具体策を少しずつ積み上げてきた。
For instance, drills at the Kadena Air Base will be partially moved to Guam, and the Status of Forces Agreement will be reviewed to allow Japanese courts to try civilians in the employ of the U.S. military for crimes they commit while on duty.
米軍嘉手納基地での訓練の一部をグアムに移す。米軍属の公務中の犯罪を日本で裁判にかけられるよう、日米地位協定の運用を見直す、などだ。
These measures are nowhere near adequate, of course, and they may well represent nothing more than the administration's ploy to defuse opposition to Futenma's move to Henoko.
いずれも不十分な内容だし、辺野古移設のための懐柔策という底意も否定できない。
Still, Okinawans might have taken these moves as Tokyo's attempt to restore trust.
それでも、沖縄の信頼を取り戻したいという政府の心構えを示す効果はあったかもしれない。
But these efforts have gone down the drain now.
そんな努力も水の泡だ。
Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima said of Tanaka's gaffe, "I refuse to make any comment on his remarks that are grossly offensive to decency."
仲井真弘多知事は「コメントもしたくない。口が汚れるから」と述べた。
We are sure this is how many Okinawans feel.
多くの県民が同じ思いだろう。
For all this mess, however, the government is reportedly set on going ahead with the final environmental assessment procedures before the end of this year.
それにもかかわらず、政府は年内に、アセスメントの最終手続きに入る方針を変えないのだという。
Earlier this month, the Okinawa prefectural assembly unanimously adopted a statement demanding that the government abandon the submission of an environmental assessment report.
沖縄県議会は今月、アセス提出の断念を求める意見書を全会一致で可決したばかりである。
Now that Tanaka has vastly compounded the problem, it must be all too obvious that the assessment cannot possibly proceed as planned.
そこに、この暴言が重なったのだ。もはや、アセス手続きなど進むはずがないことは明らかではないか。
We have repeatedly argued that the planned relocation to Henoko is no longer viable, and that Tokyo and Washington must seek a new solution.
私たちは辺野古案はもう不可能であり、日米両政府は新たな策を探るべきだと繰り返し主張してきた。
It appears that the mess caused by Tanaka spells the end of the Henoko plan.
この騒動は辺野古案撤回への決定打に見える。
The government must stop and think.
政府は、まず立ち止まるべきだ。
Should the government go ahead with the environmental assessment as if nothing has happened, it would be tantamount to accepting Tanaka's slur.
何もなかったかのようにアセスを強行するなら、局長の暴言を追認したことになる。
The government must not repeat the same mistake.
政府が過ちを重ねてはならない。
EDITORIAL: Rape remark could spell end to Futenma plan
沖縄侮辱発言―アセス強行はあり得ぬ
It was about the most unconscionable slur anyone could have directed at women and the people of Okinawa.
女性と沖縄を蔑視する暴言であり、断じて許せない。
Discussing the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Satoshi Tanaka, director-general of the Okinawa Defense Bureau, said to the effect on Nov. 28, "Would you say, 'I will rape you,' before you rape someone?"
沖縄防衛局の田中聡局長が、米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題に絡んで、「これから犯す前に犯しますよと言いますか」という趣旨の発言をした。
Tanaka used the rape analogy to explain the government's reluctance to set the submission date of an assessment report on the environmental impact of the air station's planned relocation to the Henoko district in Nago--a plan the people of Okinawa vehemently oppose.
沖縄の反対を無視して、名護市辺野古への移設を進めるための環境影響評価（アセスメント）の提出時期を明かさない政府の姿勢を、女性への性的暴行に例えたものだ。
Tanaka was reportedly holding court with members of the press at a pub in Naha when he made that comment. 那覇市の居酒屋で県内の報道関係者と懇談し、酒を飲んでいた。
He was drinking, and the session was supposed to be off the record, which must have loosened his tongue.
オフレコが前提でもあり、口が軽くなったのだろう。
But an Okinawan newspaper went ahead and reported his gaffe.
地元紙が報じ、表面化した。
The Asahi Shimbun did not have any of its reporters at the pub when he made the outrageous remark, but the paper ran its own version of the story after establishing the veracity of the original report.
朝日新聞は発言時は、その場にいなかったが、補強取材をして記事にした。
What Tanaka said should never be condoned.
私たちも、あってはならない暴言だと考える。
In fact, it was the rape of an Okinawan schoolgirl by U.S. soldiers 16 years ago that triggered the move to relocate the Futenma base.
振り返れば、普天間移設のきっかけは、１６年前の米海兵隊員による少女暴行事件だった。
But the girl was certainly not the last victim of sex crimes by U.S. service personnel.
その後も米軍人による暴行事件は続いている。
Anyone who has any understanding of the feelings of the people of Okinawa would never even dream of saying what Tanaka said.
県民感情に少しでも寄り添える人物なら、こんな例え話をできるはずがない。
He was totally unqualified for the job, and of course he had to go.
県民と向き合う責任者としては不適任極まりない。更迭は当然である。
The Yoshihiko Noda administration has at least shown its readiness to gradually lighten Okinawa's base burden. 野田政権は、沖縄の基地負担を軽減する具体策を少しずつ積み上げてきた。
For instance, drills at the Kadena Air Base will be partially moved to Guam, and the Status of Forces Agreement will be reviewed to allow Japanese courts to try civilians in the employ of the U.S. military for crimes they commit while on duty.
米軍嘉手納基地での訓練の一部をグアムに移す。米軍属の公務中の犯罪を日本で裁判にかけられるよう、日米地位協定の運用を見直す、などだ。
These measures are nowhere near adequate, of course, and they may well represent nothing more than the administration's ploy to defuse opposition to Futenma's move to Henoko.
いずれも不十分な内容だし、辺野古移設のための懐柔策という底意も否定できない。
Still, Okinawans might have taken these moves as Tokyo's attempt to restore trust.
それでも、沖縄の信頼を取り戻したいという政府の心構えを示す効果はあったかもしれない。
But these efforts have gone down the drain now.
そんな努力も水の泡だ。
Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima said of Tanaka's gaffe, "I refuse to make any comment on his remarks that are grossly offensive to decency."
仲井真弘多知事は「コメントもしたくない。口が汚れるから」と述べた。
We are sure this is how many Okinawans feel.
多くの県民が同じ思いだろう。
For all this mess, however, the government is reportedly set on going ahead with the final environmental assessment procedures before the end of this year.
それにもかかわらず、政府は年内に、アセスメントの最終手続きに入る方針を変えないのだという。
Earlier this month, the Okinawa prefectural assembly unanimously adopted a statement demanding that the government abandon the submission of an environmental assessment report.
沖縄県議会は今月、アセス提出の断念を求める意見書を全会一致で可決したばかりである。
Now that Tanaka has vastly compounded the problem, it must be all too obvious that the assessment cannot possibly proceed as planned.
そこに、この暴言が重なったのだ。もはや、アセス手続きなど進むはずがないことは明らかではないか。
We have repeatedly argued that the planned relocation to Henoko is no longer viable, and that Tokyo and Washington must seek a new solution.
私たちは辺野古案はもう不可能であり、日米両政府は新たな策を探るべきだと繰り返し主張してきた。
It appears that the mess caused by Tanaka spells the end of the Henoko plan.
この騒動は辺野古案撤回への決定打に見える。
The government must stop and think.
政府は、まず立ち止まるべきだ。
Should the government go ahead with the environmental assessment as if nothing has happened, it would be tantamount to accepting Tanaka's slur.
何もなかったかのようにアセスを強行するなら、局長の暴言を追認したことになる。
The government must not repeat the same mistake.
政府が過ちを重ねてはならない。
2011/12/01
エジプト情勢 公正な選挙が民主化の試金石
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 30, 2011)
Fair elections crucial to Egypt's democratization
エジプト情勢 公正な選挙が民主化の試金石（11月29日付・読売社説）
The election to choose Egypt's lower house (People's Assembly) members, the first national poll since the collapse of Hosni Mubarak's administration this year, has started.
エジプトで、ムバラク政権崩壊後、初の国政選挙となる人民議会（国会下院）選が始まった。
The election will be held over three phases that end in January and cover different regions.
来年１月まで地方ごとに３回に分けて実施される。
It will be followed by an upper house poll and a presidential election.
その後、上院選、大統領選が予定されている。
Steadily holding the staggered series of elections will be indispensable for transferring power from transitional military rule to a civilian government.
一連の選挙を着実に実施することが、軍による暫定統治から民政へと移行するために不可欠だ。
Whether Egypt, a major power in the Middle East and North Africa, follows a path of democracy will affect the entire region.
中東・北アフリカの大国エジプトが民主化の道を歩むか否かは、地域全体に影響を及ぼそう。
Social chaos has cast a shadow over the lower house election.
人民議会選には、社会の混乱が影を落としている。
Since the start of November, demonstrations and rallies calling for the immediate end to military rule have been held in Egypt.
１１月に入り、軍統治の即時終結を求めるデモや集会が続き、
More than 40 people were killed in clashes with security forces.
治安部隊との衝突で４０人以上の死者が出た。
Behind the unrest is the fact that the military made various demands regarding a new constitution that will be drafted after the formation of a new lower house.
新議会成立後に起草される新憲法について、軍が公然と注文をつけたことが背景にある。
The military demanded, among other things, that parliamentary approval should not be needed for military budgets.
旧政権に引き続き、軍予算に国会の承認は不要とすることなどを求めたため、
This was the case under the Mubarak administration, and the demand inflamed feelings of anger among the people.
国民の反発が強まった。
===
Aversion to military rule
After deciding it could no longer ignore the people's will, the military was forced to promise a presidential election would be held by next June.
軍が、大統領選の来年６月までの実施を約束せざるを得なくなったのも、これ以上、民意を無視できないとの判断からだろう。
Young Egyptians and other critics of the military indicated they would reject holding the elections under military rule.
軍を批判する若者らは、軍統治下での選挙自体に拒否感を示している。
The military government needs to hold fair elections so it can obtain the people's support and pave the way for reform toward democratization.
軍は、一連の選挙を公正に実施することで国民の理解を得て、その後の民主化に向けた改革に道筋をつける必要がある。
Egypt's stock prices and revenue from tourism plunged as the political and social turmoil rumbled on, seriously hurting the national economy.
政治・社会の混乱は、観光収入の落ち込みや株価下落など経済に深刻な影響を与えている。
A stable government urgently needs to be established after the elections.
選挙によって安定した政権を樹立することが急務である。
The Freedom and Justice Party founded by the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamic fundamentalist organization, is widely forecast to win many lower house seats.
人民議会選では、イスラム原理主義組織「ムスリム同胞団」が設立した政党「自由公正党」が多数の議席を獲得し、
Various secular parties are tipped to trail behind.
世俗派諸政党がこれに続くと予想されている。
The Muslim Brotherhood was outlawed during the Mubarak administration but won the support of many people by promoting charitable and medical care activities.
ムスリム同胞団は、ムバラク政権下では非合法だったが、慈善や医療などの活動で、国民の間に根を張ってきた。
Greater freedoms introduced after the Mubarak administration fell made it possible for the organization to establish a political party.
政変による自由化で、政党作りが可能になった。
===
A gamut of challenges
If the Freedom and Justice Party is chosen to lead the government, how will Islamism be reflected in politics?
自由公正党を柱とする政権が誕生した場合、イスラム主義を現実政治にどう反映させるのか。
Will such an administration be able to reconcile with the military, which was hostile to Muslim elements under Mubarak's rule?
前政権下でイスラム勢力と敵対していた軍と“和解”はできるのか。
A host of challenges lie ahead for Egypt.
難題は山積している。
Several autocratic governments have been overthrown in democratic uprisings in Arab countries this year in a movement often referred to as the "Arab Spring," and these countries are taking steps toward democracy.
「アラブの春」と呼ばれる変革で、独裁体制が次々と倒れ、それぞれの国が民主化への道を模索している。
In Libya, where dictator Moammar Gaddafi was recently ousted, moves are afoot to hold a parliamentary election to establish a constitution.
カダフィ体制が崩壊したリビアも、制憲議会選に向けて動き出した。
The only alternative after ousting an autocratic ruler is to promote democratization through elections, no matter how difficult it may be.
独裁者を倒した後は、いかに困難であれ、選挙を通じた民主化を進めていく以外にはない。
Can democracy take root in the Middle East?
中東地域に民主化が根付くのか。
Egypt's lower house election will be a touchstone for achieving that goal.
エジプト人民議会選は一つの試金石となろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 29, 2011)
（2011年11月29日01時16分 読売新聞）
Fair elections crucial to Egypt's democratization
エジプト情勢 公正な選挙が民主化の試金石（11月29日付・読売社説）
The election to choose Egypt's lower house (People's Assembly) members, the first national poll since the collapse of Hosni Mubarak's administration this year, has started.
エジプトで、ムバラク政権崩壊後、初の国政選挙となる人民議会（国会下院）選が始まった。
The election will be held over three phases that end in January and cover different regions.
来年１月まで地方ごとに３回に分けて実施される。
It will be followed by an upper house poll and a presidential election.
その後、上院選、大統領選が予定されている。
Steadily holding the staggered series of elections will be indispensable for transferring power from transitional military rule to a civilian government.
一連の選挙を着実に実施することが、軍による暫定統治から民政へと移行するために不可欠だ。
Whether Egypt, a major power in the Middle East and North Africa, follows a path of democracy will affect the entire region.
中東・北アフリカの大国エジプトが民主化の道を歩むか否かは、地域全体に影響を及ぼそう。
Social chaos has cast a shadow over the lower house election.
人民議会選には、社会の混乱が影を落としている。
Since the start of November, demonstrations and rallies calling for the immediate end to military rule have been held in Egypt.
１１月に入り、軍統治の即時終結を求めるデモや集会が続き、
More than 40 people were killed in clashes with security forces.
治安部隊との衝突で４０人以上の死者が出た。
Behind the unrest is the fact that the military made various demands regarding a new constitution that will be drafted after the formation of a new lower house.
新議会成立後に起草される新憲法について、軍が公然と注文をつけたことが背景にある。
The military demanded, among other things, that parliamentary approval should not be needed for military budgets.
旧政権に引き続き、軍予算に国会の承認は不要とすることなどを求めたため、
This was the case under the Mubarak administration, and the demand inflamed feelings of anger among the people.
国民の反発が強まった。
===
Aversion to military rule
After deciding it could no longer ignore the people's will, the military was forced to promise a presidential election would be held by next June.
軍が、大統領選の来年６月までの実施を約束せざるを得なくなったのも、これ以上、民意を無視できないとの判断からだろう。
Young Egyptians and other critics of the military indicated they would reject holding the elections under military rule.
軍を批判する若者らは、軍統治下での選挙自体に拒否感を示している。
The military government needs to hold fair elections so it can obtain the people's support and pave the way for reform toward democratization.
軍は、一連の選挙を公正に実施することで国民の理解を得て、その後の民主化に向けた改革に道筋をつける必要がある。
Egypt's stock prices and revenue from tourism plunged as the political and social turmoil rumbled on, seriously hurting the national economy.
政治・社会の混乱は、観光収入の落ち込みや株価下落など経済に深刻な影響を与えている。
A stable government urgently needs to be established after the elections.
選挙によって安定した政権を樹立することが急務である。
The Freedom and Justice Party founded by the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamic fundamentalist organization, is widely forecast to win many lower house seats.
人民議会選では、イスラム原理主義組織「ムスリム同胞団」が設立した政党「自由公正党」が多数の議席を獲得し、
Various secular parties are tipped to trail behind.
世俗派諸政党がこれに続くと予想されている。
The Muslim Brotherhood was outlawed during the Mubarak administration but won the support of many people by promoting charitable and medical care activities.
ムスリム同胞団は、ムバラク政権下では非合法だったが、慈善や医療などの活動で、国民の間に根を張ってきた。
Greater freedoms introduced after the Mubarak administration fell made it possible for the organization to establish a political party.
政変による自由化で、政党作りが可能になった。
===
A gamut of challenges
If the Freedom and Justice Party is chosen to lead the government, how will Islamism be reflected in politics?
自由公正党を柱とする政権が誕生した場合、イスラム主義を現実政治にどう反映させるのか。
Will such an administration be able to reconcile with the military, which was hostile to Muslim elements under Mubarak's rule?
前政権下でイスラム勢力と敵対していた軍と“和解”はできるのか。
A host of challenges lie ahead for Egypt.
難題は山積している。
Several autocratic governments have been overthrown in democratic uprisings in Arab countries this year in a movement often referred to as the "Arab Spring," and these countries are taking steps toward democracy.
「アラブの春」と呼ばれる変革で、独裁体制が次々と倒れ、それぞれの国が民主化への道を模索している。
In Libya, where dictator Moammar Gaddafi was recently ousted, moves are afoot to hold a parliamentary election to establish a constitution.
カダフィ体制が崩壊したリビアも、制憲議会選に向けて動き出した。
The only alternative after ousting an autocratic ruler is to promote democratization through elections, no matter how difficult it may be.
独裁者を倒した後は、いかに困難であれ、選挙を通じた民主化を進めていく以外にはない。
Can democracy take root in the Middle East?
中東地域に民主化が根付くのか。
Egypt's lower house election will be a touchstone for achieving that goal.
エジプト人民議会選は一つの試金石となろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 29, 2011)
（2011年11月29日01時16分 読売新聞）
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