The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 24, 2012)
Revise law to improve Japan peacekeeping operations
駆けつけ警護 ＰＫＯの実効高める法改正を（7月23日付・読売社説）
The government should step up efforts to deal with issues left unresolved since the enactment of the nation's U.N. Peacekeeping Activities Cooperation Law 20 years ago.
国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）協力法の制定以来、２０年持ち越された重要課題の解決に向けて努力を重ねることが大切だ。
The Foreign and Defense ministries and the Cabinet Office have jointly compiled a bill to revise the PKO law. A major feature of the bill is a provision to allow the Self-Defense Forces to dispatch its members to rescue civilians in remote locations.
内閣、外務、防衛の３府省がＰＫＯ協力法改正案をまとめた。自衛隊が、離れた場所にいる民間人らを助ける「駆けつけ警護」を可能にすることが柱だ。
Since several members of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan are cautious about the revision, submission of the bill to the current Diet session may be difficult. However, we expect the Cabinet to approve it as soon as possible.
民主党内には慎重論があり、今国会への改正案提出は困難視されているが、できるだけ早期に閣議決定してもらいたい。
Under the current PKO law, SDF members engaged in a U.N. peacekeeping operation are not allowed to use weapons except in self-defense and to avert imminent danger. Therefore, even if civilians caught in the middle of a riot, for instance, ask the SDF to rescue them, SDF members may not be able to do so.
現行法では、ＰＫＯに従事中の自衛官は、正当防衛などの目的でしか武器を使えない。このため、暴動などに巻き込まれた民間人から救援要請を受けても、現場に駆けて救出することができない。
If SDF members use weapons against "an actor equivalent to a state," such as an armed insurgent, it may constitute "an exercise of force against other nations," which is prohibited by the Constitution, the Cabinet Legislation Bureau says.
武装勢力など「国に準じる組織」に対して武器を使った場合、憲法の禁じる「他国への武力行使」に当たる恐れがある、との見解を内閣法制局が示しているからだ。
===
Legalize rescue dispatch
However, is it feasible for the SDF to turn down a rescue request made by civilians--Japanese nationals in particular--because it might violate the Constitution? Such a situation could occur at any time.
だが、自衛隊が民間人、特に日本人からの救援要請を受けた際、「憲法に抵触する恐れがある」として断ることが、実際にできるだろうか。そうした事態は、いつ発生してもおかしくない。
In such a case, SDF members may rush to a scene to rescue civilians but will not use weapons unless their own lives are threatened. The law, which forces SDF commanders to make a difficult decision, must be revised.
結局、とりあえず救援要請のあった場所に向かい、自分の身が危うくなったら、武器を使う――。そんな厳しい、ぎりぎりの決断を部隊指揮官に迫るような法律は、やはり改正する必要がある。
When the SDF began participating in U.N. peacekeeping operations, public opinion was divided. In the beginning, it might have made sense to place tight restrictions on the SDF's use of weapons.
自衛隊がＰＫＯに参加し始めた初期の段階では、国内世論の賛否が分かれていた。自衛官の武器使用を抑制的にすることにも一定の意味があったかもしれない。
Today, however, an overwhelming majority of Japanese support SDF participation in U.N. peacekeeping operations. Not only has this become a normal role for the SDF, but it has been upgraded to one of its primary missions.
だが、今や、自衛隊のＰＫＯ参加は圧倒的多数の国民に支持されて定着し、自衛隊の本来任務に格上げされている。
We think it is reasonable to review restrictions on the use of weapons to improve the effectiveness of SDF activities, while taking the experience and needs of members actually involved in the activities into consideration.
様々な経験や現場のニーズを踏まえ、活動の実効性を高めるよう、武器使用のあり方を見直すのは当然だ。
===
New condition nonsensical
The bill stipulates that SDF members would be allowed to use weapons only to support and supplement security efforts by a host state.
３府省の案は、「受け入れ国の治安維持を支援・補完する」ための武器使用は容認するという。
However, the Cabinet Legislation Bureau has urged that a condition be added so an SDF rescue mission would be limited to a situation where an attack by a state or an actor equivalent to a state is not expected.
しかし、内閣法制局は、駆けつけ警護を「国や国に準じる組織の攻撃が想定されない」場合に限定する条件を追加するよう求めており、調整が難航している。
This condition makes coordination of views more difficult. We have doubts about the opinions of the bureau.
内閣法制局の主張は疑問だ。
Japan is the only country that interprets the use of weapons during peacekeeping operations based on a U.N. resolution as an exercise of military force. This contradicts conventional wisdom of the international community. If the Cabinet Legislation Bureau's condition is added to the envisaged revision, it could restrict SDF activities even more.
国連決議に基づくＰＫＯでの武器使用が「武力行使」に当たる恐れがあるとの解釈は、日本だけで、世界の常識から外れている。この条件を追加すれば、自衛隊の活動が今よりも制約されかねない。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda is positive about making SDF rescue missions legally possible. We hope the prime minister will tackle this issue based on the realities of places where peacekeeping operations are needed.
野田首相は、駆けつけ警護を可能にすることに前向きだ。ＰＫＯの現場の実情を踏まえ、この問題に取り組んでほしい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 23, 2012)
（2012年7月23日01時45分 読売新聞）
2012/07/25
2012/07/24
シリア情勢 アサド政権がほころび始めた
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 23, 2012)
Assad regime appears to be fraying from within
シリア情勢 アサド政権がほころび始めた（7月22日付・読売社説）
The civil war in Syria continues to intensify.
内戦は激しくなるばかりだ。
The fact that the U.N. Security Council is dysfunctional and has been unable to work out effective measures to end the civil war is profoundly serious.
それを食い止める有効策を打ち出せない国連安全保障理事会の機能不全は深刻である。
In the heart of Damascus, the national security headquarters was attacked by a suicide bomber on Wednesday. The attack killed senior government officials in a meeting, including the defense minister, the chief of the National Security Bureau and the deputy defense minister, President Bashar Assad's brother-in-law.
シリアの首都ダマスカスの中心部で、治安機関施設が爆破され、会議中だった国防相や国家治安局長、アサド大統領の義兄である国防次官らが死亡した。
An anti-Assad regime group, the Free Syrian Army, claimed responsibility for the attack.
反体制派「自由シリア軍」が、犯行声明を出した。
Although security in Damascus had been relatively stable until recently, attacks by rebel forces in the capital have been occurring one after another since the middle of this month.
比較的治安が安定していたダマスカスだが、今月中旬から反体制派による攻撃が相次いでいた。
The fact that the inner core of the Assad government has been hit directly in the uprising in spite of the regime's heavy security measures is of grave significance.
厳戒をかいくぐって体制の中枢が直撃された意味は重大だ。
===
No ceasefire in sight
A stream of defections has begun among the country's elites, such as the ambassador to Iraq and a brigadier general of an elite military unit. In addition, a large number of Syrian residents are fleeing abroad.
駐イラク大使や精鋭部隊の准将などエリートの離反が始まった。多数の住民が国外に脱出している。
In combination, the armed uprising against the Assad regime and deepening isolation of Damascus seem to have made Assad's hold on power increasingly tenuous.
反体制派の武装蜂起と国際的な孤立で、アサド体制は内部からほころび始めたのではないか。
The forces loyal to the government, whose firepower is superior to that of the rebels, have embarked on fierce retaliatory strikes in Damascus and many other parts of the country.
火力で優勢な政府軍は、ダマスカスなど各地で報復に乗り出した。
Both the government and antigovernment forces are bent on escalating the hostilities, and there are no signs of a ceasefire in sight.
政府軍と反体制派の双方が攻撃をエスカレートさせており、停戦の機運はまったく見えない。
Blame for the deterioration of the security conditions in Syria to this extent should be primarily placed on the Assad government. This is because the government, after expressing its intention to accept a six-point peace plan drawn up by joint U.N.-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan, has failed to carry it out.
治安がここまで悪化したのは、アサド政権の責任が大きい。国連とアラブ連盟の特使を務めるアナン前国連事務総長が示した停戦調停案を受け入れると表明しながら、実行しなかったからだ。
Prior to the expiration on Friday of the mandate of the U.N. observer mission in Syria, it is quite natural that the United States and European countries presented a resolution to the Security Council on Thursday, warning the Assad regime of additional economic sanctions. The resolution, however, was vetoed by Russia and China.
国連の停戦監視団の任期切れを前に、安保理で米欧が、アサド政権に経済制裁を警告する決議案を出したのは当然である。だが、ロシアと中国が拒否権を行使して廃案となった。
This is the third double veto by Moscow and Beijing of a Security Council resolution addressing the Syrian crisis since last year.
対シリア決議案で両国の拒否権行使は昨年から３度目だ。
The vetoes are part of a pattern of Russia acting in defense of Syria--with which Moscow has strong military ties--and China following along.
軍事的に深いつながりを持つロシアがアサド政権をかばい、中国が同調する図式が今回も繰り返された。
Russia should stop trying to help prolong the Assad government, but instead exercise its influence to end the bloodshed.
ロシアは、アサド政権の延命に固執せず、流血停止に向けて影響力を行使すべきである。
===
Spillover to wider region feared
It is regrettable that the Security Council has ended up adopting a resolution simply extending the U.N. observer force's mandate for 30 days.
安保理が決めたのは結局、停戦監視団の任期の３０日間延長だけ、というのは残念だ。
Given that no ceasefire has been effected, the U.N. observer mission will be limited to such activities as on-the-spot inspections in the event of another massacre of residents of Syria.
停戦が実現していない中で、監視団ができることは、住民虐殺が起きた場合の現地調査などに限られよう。
In a meeting held in June between permanent members of the Security Council--Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States--and countries neighboring Syria, an agreement was reached on establishment of a provisional government comprising Syrian government members and members of the rebel forces. All countries concerned should increase pressure on Syria to materialize the agreement.
米露中英仏の安保理常任理事国とシリア周辺国が６月に開催した関係国会合では、シリアの政府関係者と反体制派の双方が参加する暫定政府樹立で合意している。実現に向けて、関係国はシリア側への働きかけを強めるべきだ。
Japan has dispatched transport troops of the Self-Defense Forces on a U.N.-sponsored peacekeeping mission for the purpose of disengaging Syrian and Israeli forces in the Golan Heights.
日本は、ゴラン高原でシリア軍とイスラエル軍の引き離しにあたる国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）に自衛隊の輸送部隊を派遣している。
Further aggravation of the Syrian situation could destabilize the entire Middle East region.
シリア情勢のこれ以上の悪化は中東地域の不安定化につながる。
Japan, too, should keep a close watch on how things develop.
日本も注視する必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 22, 2012)
（2012年7月22日02時01分 読売新聞）
Assad regime appears to be fraying from within
シリア情勢 アサド政権がほころび始めた（7月22日付・読売社説）
The civil war in Syria continues to intensify.
内戦は激しくなるばかりだ。
The fact that the U.N. Security Council is dysfunctional and has been unable to work out effective measures to end the civil war is profoundly serious.
それを食い止める有効策を打ち出せない国連安全保障理事会の機能不全は深刻である。
In the heart of Damascus, the national security headquarters was attacked by a suicide bomber on Wednesday. The attack killed senior government officials in a meeting, including the defense minister, the chief of the National Security Bureau and the deputy defense minister, President Bashar Assad's brother-in-law.
シリアの首都ダマスカスの中心部で、治安機関施設が爆破され、会議中だった国防相や国家治安局長、アサド大統領の義兄である国防次官らが死亡した。
An anti-Assad regime group, the Free Syrian Army, claimed responsibility for the attack.
反体制派「自由シリア軍」が、犯行声明を出した。
Although security in Damascus had been relatively stable until recently, attacks by rebel forces in the capital have been occurring one after another since the middle of this month.
比較的治安が安定していたダマスカスだが、今月中旬から反体制派による攻撃が相次いでいた。
The fact that the inner core of the Assad government has been hit directly in the uprising in spite of the regime's heavy security measures is of grave significance.
厳戒をかいくぐって体制の中枢が直撃された意味は重大だ。
===
No ceasefire in sight
A stream of defections has begun among the country's elites, such as the ambassador to Iraq and a brigadier general of an elite military unit. In addition, a large number of Syrian residents are fleeing abroad.
駐イラク大使や精鋭部隊の准将などエリートの離反が始まった。多数の住民が国外に脱出している。
In combination, the armed uprising against the Assad regime and deepening isolation of Damascus seem to have made Assad's hold on power increasingly tenuous.
反体制派の武装蜂起と国際的な孤立で、アサド体制は内部からほころび始めたのではないか。
The forces loyal to the government, whose firepower is superior to that of the rebels, have embarked on fierce retaliatory strikes in Damascus and many other parts of the country.
火力で優勢な政府軍は、ダマスカスなど各地で報復に乗り出した。
Both the government and antigovernment forces are bent on escalating the hostilities, and there are no signs of a ceasefire in sight.
政府軍と反体制派の双方が攻撃をエスカレートさせており、停戦の機運はまったく見えない。
Blame for the deterioration of the security conditions in Syria to this extent should be primarily placed on the Assad government. This is because the government, after expressing its intention to accept a six-point peace plan drawn up by joint U.N.-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan, has failed to carry it out.
治安がここまで悪化したのは、アサド政権の責任が大きい。国連とアラブ連盟の特使を務めるアナン前国連事務総長が示した停戦調停案を受け入れると表明しながら、実行しなかったからだ。
Prior to the expiration on Friday of the mandate of the U.N. observer mission in Syria, it is quite natural that the United States and European countries presented a resolution to the Security Council on Thursday, warning the Assad regime of additional economic sanctions. The resolution, however, was vetoed by Russia and China.
国連の停戦監視団の任期切れを前に、安保理で米欧が、アサド政権に経済制裁を警告する決議案を出したのは当然である。だが、ロシアと中国が拒否権を行使して廃案となった。
This is the third double veto by Moscow and Beijing of a Security Council resolution addressing the Syrian crisis since last year.
対シリア決議案で両国の拒否権行使は昨年から３度目だ。
The vetoes are part of a pattern of Russia acting in defense of Syria--with which Moscow has strong military ties--and China following along.
軍事的に深いつながりを持つロシアがアサド政権をかばい、中国が同調する図式が今回も繰り返された。
Russia should stop trying to help prolong the Assad government, but instead exercise its influence to end the bloodshed.
ロシアは、アサド政権の延命に固執せず、流血停止に向けて影響力を行使すべきである。
===
Spillover to wider region feared
It is regrettable that the Security Council has ended up adopting a resolution simply extending the U.N. observer force's mandate for 30 days.
安保理が決めたのは結局、停戦監視団の任期の３０日間延長だけ、というのは残念だ。
Given that no ceasefire has been effected, the U.N. observer mission will be limited to such activities as on-the-spot inspections in the event of another massacre of residents of Syria.
停戦が実現していない中で、監視団ができることは、住民虐殺が起きた場合の現地調査などに限られよう。
In a meeting held in June between permanent members of the Security Council--Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States--and countries neighboring Syria, an agreement was reached on establishment of a provisional government comprising Syrian government members and members of the rebel forces. All countries concerned should increase pressure on Syria to materialize the agreement.
米露中英仏の安保理常任理事国とシリア周辺国が６月に開催した関係国会合では、シリアの政府関係者と反体制派の双方が参加する暫定政府樹立で合意している。実現に向けて、関係国はシリア側への働きかけを強めるべきだ。
Japan has dispatched transport troops of the Self-Defense Forces on a U.N.-sponsored peacekeeping mission for the purpose of disengaging Syrian and Israeli forces in the Golan Heights.
日本は、ゴラン高原でシリア軍とイスラエル軍の引き離しにあたる国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）に自衛隊の輸送部隊を派遣している。
Further aggravation of the Syrian situation could destabilize the entire Middle East region.
シリア情勢のこれ以上の悪化は中東地域の不安定化につながる。
Japan, too, should keep a close watch on how things develop.
日本も注視する必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 22, 2012)
（2012年7月22日02時01分 読売新聞）
2012/07/23
金利不正操作 市場の信頼回復へ改革を急げ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 22, 2012)
Reform urged to regain trust of market amid Libor scandal
金利不正操作 市場の信頼回復へ改革を急げ（7月21日付・読売社説）
Distrust in financial markets has been heightened recently by suspected rigging in Britain of the world's most highly cited benchmark interest rate. Financial authorities must dig up the whole truth of the rate manipulation scandal to work out thorough measures to prevent a recurrence of the problem.
国際的な基準金利の不正操作が英国で発覚し、市場への不信感が高まっている。金融当局は真相を解明して再発防止策を徹底すべきである。
We refer, of course, to the rate-fixing scandal involving the London Interbank Offered Rate, better known as Libor.
ＬＩＢＯＲ（ライボー）と呼ばれる「ロンドン銀行間取引金利」を巡る不正事件のことだ。
Libor is calculated on the basis of unregulated estimates of rates that major commercial banks operating in London--from Europe, the United States and elsewhere--submit to the British Bankers' Association, regarding costs the banks incur when borrowing from each other.
ＬＩＢＯＲは、ロンドン市場で取引する欧米などの大手銀行が英銀行協会に自己申告する調達金利をもとに算出される。
Libor is widely used as a benchmark in connection with rates for corporate loans, derivatives contracts and many other financial deals around the world. Financial transactions tied to Libor are said to be worth an estimated 360 trillion dollars globally.
企業向け融資や金融派生商品などの指標に幅広く使われ、これらの金融取引の規模は、世界で約３６０兆ドルに上るという。
Such an important benchmark rate has been revealed to have been distorted by false submissions from Barclays, one of Britain's top banking groups. Barclays has paid a huge fine over the irregularities, and its false reporting was a clear betrayal of investors' trust.
それほど重要な基準金利が英大手バークレイズの虚偽申告で歪(ゆが)められていた。バークレイズは巨額の罰金を支払ったが、投資家の信頼を裏切る背信行為である。
The wrongdoing is said to have been conducted from 2005 to 2009.
不正は２００５～０９年にかけて行われた。
===
Not altered single-handedly
It seems the bank initially submitted artificially high rates to manipulate Libor levels upward to shore up its own profits.
当初は金利を高めに申告してＬＩＢＯＲを高く誘導し、利益を稼いだようだ。
But from around 2008, Barclays submitted deliberately low rates, in the midst of the 2007-2009 financial crisis marked by the collapse of U.S. investment bank Lehman Brothers. The manipulation was apparently a bid to bolster its bottom line by giving the impression that the bank could borrow money more cheaply and was thus healthier than it really was, so as to maintain its credibility even while being shaken by the crisis.
リーマン・ショックの０８年前後からは、逆に低い金利を申告し、危機で揺らぐ自行の信用維持を狙ったらしい。
No one banking institution can single-handedly alter the calculations behind the Libor rate. There have been suspicions that banks other than Barclays may have conspired to rig Libor submissions. Suspicion has also arisen that an executive of the Bank of England, Britain's central bank, may have pressured Barclays to engage in the rate manipulation.
だが、単独ではＬＩＢＯＲを操作しにくい。他行も談合していた疑いがある。英中央銀行幹部がバークレイズに不正操作を促していたとの疑惑も浮上している。
Under the circumstances, it is only natural that Britain's financial regulatory authorities have embarked on full-scale investigations into the matter, questioning a number of U.S. and European financial institutions. The regulatory authorities should plunge their investigative scalpel into the dark side of the financial world.
英金融監督当局が、複数の欧米金融機関の本格調査に乗り出したのは当然だ。金融界の暗部にメスを入れるべきだ。
The conduct of not only British regulators but also of financial regulatory authorities of the United States has been brought into question.
英国だけでなく、米国の金融当局の姿勢も問われている。
U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, while heading the New York Federal Reserve Bank in 2008, obtained information concerning Libor manipulation and offered the head of Britain's central bank a proposal on how to "eliminate the incentive to misreport." Authorities in both Britain and the United States, however, eventually left the problem unaddressed. Their response to the problem was inadequate.
ガイトナー米財務長官はニューヨーク連邦準備銀行総裁だった０８年に問題を把握し、英中央銀行総裁に改善策を提言した。だが、英米当局とも結局は放置した。対応は不適切だったのではないか。
===
Collective suits looming
Taking such things into account, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, in testimony to a U.S. congressional committee earlier this week, stated the Libor system should be considered "structurally flawed."
こうした経緯を踏まえ、米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）のバーナンキ議長は今週、米議会公聴会で、「ＬＩＢＯＲには構造的な欠陥がある」と述べた。
To ascertain whether submissions by banks are proper, stronger supervision is a must.
銀行各行の申告が正しいかどうか、監査の強化は不可欠だ。
Steps that must urgently be taken include increasing the number of banks making Libor submissions to enhance the transparency and trustworthiness of the critical benchmark.
金利を提示する銀行数を増やすなど、ＬＩＢＯＲの透明性と信頼性を高める改革が急務である。
It is possible that false Libor reports by banks other than Barclays may be exposed and collective lawsuits may be filed by investors and others over losses they suffered because of the Libor manipulation. We hope that market upheaval due to the scandal can be prevented from spreading.
今後、他行の不正が発覚したり、不利益を被ったという投資家などが金融機関に集団訴訟を起こしたりする可能性もある。市場の動揺が拡大しないよう望みたい。
For Japan, this is no fire on the other side of the river.
日本にとっても対岸の火事ではない。
The Japanese Bankers Association has decided to beef up its inspections of submissions from banks for the Tokyo Interbank Offered Rate, or Tibor, which has become known as the Japanese version of Libor.
日本版ＬＩＢＯＲとして、公表している東京銀行間取引金利（ＴＩＢＯＲ）について、全国銀行協会が点検を強化する方針を決めた。
Ceaseless efforts by the association and its member banks are essential for dispelling investors' mistrust over the benchmark rates.
投資家の不信を払拭する不断の努力が欠かせない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 21, 2012)
（2012年7月21日01時20分 読売新聞）
Reform urged to regain trust of market amid Libor scandal
金利不正操作 市場の信頼回復へ改革を急げ（7月21日付・読売社説）
Distrust in financial markets has been heightened recently by suspected rigging in Britain of the world's most highly cited benchmark interest rate. Financial authorities must dig up the whole truth of the rate manipulation scandal to work out thorough measures to prevent a recurrence of the problem.
国際的な基準金利の不正操作が英国で発覚し、市場への不信感が高まっている。金融当局は真相を解明して再発防止策を徹底すべきである。
We refer, of course, to the rate-fixing scandal involving the London Interbank Offered Rate, better known as Libor.
ＬＩＢＯＲ（ライボー）と呼ばれる「ロンドン銀行間取引金利」を巡る不正事件のことだ。
Libor is calculated on the basis of unregulated estimates of rates that major commercial banks operating in London--from Europe, the United States and elsewhere--submit to the British Bankers' Association, regarding costs the banks incur when borrowing from each other.
ＬＩＢＯＲは、ロンドン市場で取引する欧米などの大手銀行が英銀行協会に自己申告する調達金利をもとに算出される。
Libor is widely used as a benchmark in connection with rates for corporate loans, derivatives contracts and many other financial deals around the world. Financial transactions tied to Libor are said to be worth an estimated 360 trillion dollars globally.
企業向け融資や金融派生商品などの指標に幅広く使われ、これらの金融取引の規模は、世界で約３６０兆ドルに上るという。
Such an important benchmark rate has been revealed to have been distorted by false submissions from Barclays, one of Britain's top banking groups. Barclays has paid a huge fine over the irregularities, and its false reporting was a clear betrayal of investors' trust.
それほど重要な基準金利が英大手バークレイズの虚偽申告で歪(ゆが)められていた。バークレイズは巨額の罰金を支払ったが、投資家の信頼を裏切る背信行為である。
The wrongdoing is said to have been conducted from 2005 to 2009.
不正は２００５～０９年にかけて行われた。
===
Not altered single-handedly
It seems the bank initially submitted artificially high rates to manipulate Libor levels upward to shore up its own profits.
当初は金利を高めに申告してＬＩＢＯＲを高く誘導し、利益を稼いだようだ。
But from around 2008, Barclays submitted deliberately low rates, in the midst of the 2007-2009 financial crisis marked by the collapse of U.S. investment bank Lehman Brothers. The manipulation was apparently a bid to bolster its bottom line by giving the impression that the bank could borrow money more cheaply and was thus healthier than it really was, so as to maintain its credibility even while being shaken by the crisis.
リーマン・ショックの０８年前後からは、逆に低い金利を申告し、危機で揺らぐ自行の信用維持を狙ったらしい。
No one banking institution can single-handedly alter the calculations behind the Libor rate. There have been suspicions that banks other than Barclays may have conspired to rig Libor submissions. Suspicion has also arisen that an executive of the Bank of England, Britain's central bank, may have pressured Barclays to engage in the rate manipulation.
だが、単独ではＬＩＢＯＲを操作しにくい。他行も談合していた疑いがある。英中央銀行幹部がバークレイズに不正操作を促していたとの疑惑も浮上している。
Under the circumstances, it is only natural that Britain's financial regulatory authorities have embarked on full-scale investigations into the matter, questioning a number of U.S. and European financial institutions. The regulatory authorities should plunge their investigative scalpel into the dark side of the financial world.
英金融監督当局が、複数の欧米金融機関の本格調査に乗り出したのは当然だ。金融界の暗部にメスを入れるべきだ。
The conduct of not only British regulators but also of financial regulatory authorities of the United States has been brought into question.
英国だけでなく、米国の金融当局の姿勢も問われている。
U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, while heading the New York Federal Reserve Bank in 2008, obtained information concerning Libor manipulation and offered the head of Britain's central bank a proposal on how to "eliminate the incentive to misreport." Authorities in both Britain and the United States, however, eventually left the problem unaddressed. Their response to the problem was inadequate.
ガイトナー米財務長官はニューヨーク連邦準備銀行総裁だった０８年に問題を把握し、英中央銀行総裁に改善策を提言した。だが、英米当局とも結局は放置した。対応は不適切だったのではないか。
===
Collective suits looming
Taking such things into account, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, in testimony to a U.S. congressional committee earlier this week, stated the Libor system should be considered "structurally flawed."
こうした経緯を踏まえ、米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）のバーナンキ議長は今週、米議会公聴会で、「ＬＩＢＯＲには構造的な欠陥がある」と述べた。
To ascertain whether submissions by banks are proper, stronger supervision is a must.
銀行各行の申告が正しいかどうか、監査の強化は不可欠だ。
Steps that must urgently be taken include increasing the number of banks making Libor submissions to enhance the transparency and trustworthiness of the critical benchmark.
金利を提示する銀行数を増やすなど、ＬＩＢＯＲの透明性と信頼性を高める改革が急務である。
It is possible that false Libor reports by banks other than Barclays may be exposed and collective lawsuits may be filed by investors and others over losses they suffered because of the Libor manipulation. We hope that market upheaval due to the scandal can be prevented from spreading.
今後、他行の不正が発覚したり、不利益を被ったという投資家などが金融機関に集団訴訟を起こしたりする可能性もある。市場の動揺が拡大しないよう望みたい。
For Japan, this is no fire on the other side of the river.
日本にとっても対岸の火事ではない。
The Japanese Bankers Association has decided to beef up its inspections of submissions from banks for the Tokyo Interbank Offered Rate, or Tibor, which has become known as the Japanese version of Libor.
日本版ＬＩＢＯＲとして、公表している東京銀行間取引金利（ＴＩＢＯＲ）について、全国銀行協会が点検を強化する方針を決めた。
Ceaseless efforts by the association and its member banks are essential for dispelling investors' mistrust over the benchmark rates.
投資家の不信を払拭する不断の努力が欠かせない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 21, 2012)
（2012年7月21日01時20分 読売新聞）
2012/07/22
核燃料の処分―国の責任で新戦略を
--The Asahi Shimbun, July 20
EDITORIAL: New strategy needed for disposal of spent nuclear fuel
核燃料の処分―国の責任で新戦略を
To build a safe society that does not rely on nuclear power, it is necessary for the government not only to lower the ratio of nuclear power to overall electricity generation but also to show clearly that Japan will withdraw from the “nuclear fuel cycle” program.
原発に依存しない安心な社会をつくっていく。そのためには、発電全体での原発比率を下げるだけでなく、核燃料サイクルからの明確な撤退方針を示すことが必要だ。
The Energy and Environmental Council comprising related Cabinet members is set to decide the direction of Japan’s future energy policy at the end of August. As the ratio of dependence on nuclear energy in 2030, it is studying three scenarios of zero percent, 15 percent and 20 to 25 percent.
関係閣僚による「エネルギー・環境会議」は８月末、今後のエネルギー政策の方向性を決める。２０３０年での原発依存比率は、０％、１５％、２０～２５％の選択肢を検討している。
The council will also decide disposal methods for spent nuclear fuel at the same time. Storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuel are problems that stand in the way even when nuclear power plants are closed down. Japan is now at a major crossroads.
その際、使用済み燃料の処分方法も決める。原発を止めても立ちはだかる使用済み燃料の保管・処分問題をどうするか。日本は今、大きな岐路に立つ。
The nuclear fuel cycle program, in which all spent nuclear fuel is reprocessed to extract plutonium and use it as fuel, has been the core of Japanese nuclear power policy.
使用済み燃料をすべて再処理し、プルトニウムをとり出して燃料として使う。この全量再処理・核燃料サイクルが日本の原子力政策の要となってきた。
The council presented the view that if Japan were to completely abolish nuclear power by adopting the “zero percent” case, it should not reprocess the spent nuclear fuel but bury it underground. In the remaining two cases, the methods of burying it and reprocessing it are both possible, according to the council. However, it should not make such half-baked conclusions but clearly shift gears from reprocessing it to burying it.
エネルギー・環境会議は、原発ゼロなら全量を再処理せず、地下に埋設する直接処分が妥当で、あとの二つの場合は直接処分と再処理の両方があり得るとの見方を示している。だが、中途半端な結論にせず、再処理路線から直接処分の方向へ、明確にかじを切るべきだ。
From now, it is unlikely that Japan would build more nuclear power plants, meaning consumption of uranium fuel will drop. Under such circumstances, it is unreasonable to reprocess spent nuclear fuel and use relatively expensive plutonium.
今後の日本では、原発を増やすことは考えにくい。ウラン燃料の使用量が減るのに、わざわざ再処理して割高のプルトニウムを使うのは合理的でない。
If Japan aims at massive use of plutonium, which can be used to make nuclear weapons, even though it does not pay, it may prompt other countries to follow its example and reprocess spent nuclear fuel. If that happens, it would have a negative impact on global efforts toward nuclear nonproliferation.
日本が、経済的に見合わないのに、核兵器の材料ともなるプルトニウムの大規模利用をめざせば、それをまねて再処理に動く国が続出しかねない。そうなれば世界の核不拡散体制にも悪影響を与える。
That is all the more why we believe it would be wiser not to reprocess spent nuclear fuel but to bury it underground after keeping it in temporary storage facilities for several decades.
だからこそ、使用済み燃料を再処理せず、数十年の間、中間貯蔵したあと直接処分するのが、得策と考える。
If we choose to bury it, however, spent nuclear fuel, which is supposedly a “valuable resource,” will suddenly become “worthless garbage.” As a result, the method, in which a private company handles spent nuclear fuel as a business, will hit a wall.
ただ、この直接処分路線を選ぶと、「価値ある資源」だった使用済み燃料は一転して「価値のないごみ」になる。その結果、民間企業がビジネスとして使用済み燃料を扱う方式はいずれ、壁にぶつかるだろう。
To avoid that, it is indispensable for the government to come to the fore and present a mid- to long-term strategy.
そこで、国が前面にたって中長期的な戦略をたてることが不可欠だ。
The government needs to advance the construction of temporary storage facilities for spent nuclear fuel, carry out research and development for burying it and find sites for the final disposal. It also needs to consider the nationalization of those projects. In Europe as well as the United States, instead of leaving the handling of spent nuclear fuel in the hands of private companies, governments are taking the initiative.
使用済み燃料の中間貯蔵施設の建設、最終処分の研究開発、最終処分地探しなどを、事業の国有化も含めて、国が責任を持って進めていくことだ。欧米諸国も、使用済み燃料の扱いを民間企業にあずけず、国が前面に出て取り組んでいる。
Many difficult problems need to be resolved, such as providing alternative pump-priming measures to Aomori Prefecture, which hosts nuclear fuel cycle facilities, and finding new businesses for Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd., which has been reprocessing spent nuclear fuel. They are all serious problems that weigh heavily and can only be shouldered by the government as Japan follows the path to a nuclear-free country.
核燃料サイクル施設がある青森県での代替の振興策や、再処理ビジネスをしてきた日本原燃の業務転換など、難題は多い。だが、いずれも、脱原発依存への途上で、国しか担いきれない重い任務である。
EDITORIAL: New strategy needed for disposal of spent nuclear fuel
核燃料の処分―国の責任で新戦略を
To build a safe society that does not rely on nuclear power, it is necessary for the government not only to lower the ratio of nuclear power to overall electricity generation but also to show clearly that Japan will withdraw from the “nuclear fuel cycle” program.
原発に依存しない安心な社会をつくっていく。そのためには、発電全体での原発比率を下げるだけでなく、核燃料サイクルからの明確な撤退方針を示すことが必要だ。
The Energy and Environmental Council comprising related Cabinet members is set to decide the direction of Japan’s future energy policy at the end of August. As the ratio of dependence on nuclear energy in 2030, it is studying three scenarios of zero percent, 15 percent and 20 to 25 percent.
関係閣僚による「エネルギー・環境会議」は８月末、今後のエネルギー政策の方向性を決める。２０３０年での原発依存比率は、０％、１５％、２０～２５％の選択肢を検討している。
The council will also decide disposal methods for spent nuclear fuel at the same time. Storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuel are problems that stand in the way even when nuclear power plants are closed down. Japan is now at a major crossroads.
その際、使用済み燃料の処分方法も決める。原発を止めても立ちはだかる使用済み燃料の保管・処分問題をどうするか。日本は今、大きな岐路に立つ。
The nuclear fuel cycle program, in which all spent nuclear fuel is reprocessed to extract plutonium and use it as fuel, has been the core of Japanese nuclear power policy.
使用済み燃料をすべて再処理し、プルトニウムをとり出して燃料として使う。この全量再処理・核燃料サイクルが日本の原子力政策の要となってきた。
The council presented the view that if Japan were to completely abolish nuclear power by adopting the “zero percent” case, it should not reprocess the spent nuclear fuel but bury it underground. In the remaining two cases, the methods of burying it and reprocessing it are both possible, according to the council. However, it should not make such half-baked conclusions but clearly shift gears from reprocessing it to burying it.
エネルギー・環境会議は、原発ゼロなら全量を再処理せず、地下に埋設する直接処分が妥当で、あとの二つの場合は直接処分と再処理の両方があり得るとの見方を示している。だが、中途半端な結論にせず、再処理路線から直接処分の方向へ、明確にかじを切るべきだ。
From now, it is unlikely that Japan would build more nuclear power plants, meaning consumption of uranium fuel will drop. Under such circumstances, it is unreasonable to reprocess spent nuclear fuel and use relatively expensive plutonium.
今後の日本では、原発を増やすことは考えにくい。ウラン燃料の使用量が減るのに、わざわざ再処理して割高のプルトニウムを使うのは合理的でない。
If Japan aims at massive use of plutonium, which can be used to make nuclear weapons, even though it does not pay, it may prompt other countries to follow its example and reprocess spent nuclear fuel. If that happens, it would have a negative impact on global efforts toward nuclear nonproliferation.
日本が、経済的に見合わないのに、核兵器の材料ともなるプルトニウムの大規模利用をめざせば、それをまねて再処理に動く国が続出しかねない。そうなれば世界の核不拡散体制にも悪影響を与える。
That is all the more why we believe it would be wiser not to reprocess spent nuclear fuel but to bury it underground after keeping it in temporary storage facilities for several decades.
だからこそ、使用済み燃料を再処理せず、数十年の間、中間貯蔵したあと直接処分するのが、得策と考える。
If we choose to bury it, however, spent nuclear fuel, which is supposedly a “valuable resource,” will suddenly become “worthless garbage.” As a result, the method, in which a private company handles spent nuclear fuel as a business, will hit a wall.
ただ、この直接処分路線を選ぶと、「価値ある資源」だった使用済み燃料は一転して「価値のないごみ」になる。その結果、民間企業がビジネスとして使用済み燃料を扱う方式はいずれ、壁にぶつかるだろう。
To avoid that, it is indispensable for the government to come to the fore and present a mid- to long-term strategy.
そこで、国が前面にたって中長期的な戦略をたてることが不可欠だ。
The government needs to advance the construction of temporary storage facilities for spent nuclear fuel, carry out research and development for burying it and find sites for the final disposal. It also needs to consider the nationalization of those projects. In Europe as well as the United States, instead of leaving the handling of spent nuclear fuel in the hands of private companies, governments are taking the initiative.
使用済み燃料の中間貯蔵施設の建設、最終処分の研究開発、最終処分地探しなどを、事業の国有化も含めて、国が責任を持って進めていくことだ。欧米諸国も、使用済み燃料の扱いを民間企業にあずけず、国が前面に出て取り組んでいる。
Many difficult problems need to be resolved, such as providing alternative pump-priming measures to Aomori Prefecture, which hosts nuclear fuel cycle facilities, and finding new businesses for Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd., which has been reprocessing spent nuclear fuel. They are all serious problems that weigh heavily and can only be shouldered by the government as Japan follows the path to a nuclear-free country.
核燃料サイクル施設がある青森県での代替の振興策や、再処理ビジネスをしてきた日本原燃の業務転換など、難題は多い。だが、いずれも、脱原発依存への途上で、国しか担いきれない重い任務である。
2012/07/21
オフィスビル 官民で災害に強い都市目指せ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 20, 2012)
New Tokyo office buildings should be disaster-resistant
オフィスビル 官民で災害に強い都市目指せ（7月19日付・読売社説）
Strengthening functions of office buildings in Tokyo can also help the nation revive its economy. Tokyo is urged to restore its status, as major cities in other Asian countries are gaining competitive edges against it.
東京のオフィス機能を強化することは、日本経済の再生につながる。アジア諸都市に押され気味のＴＯＫＹＯの復権が期待されよう。
Central Tokyo has seen the opening of a number of major office buildings in recent months.
都心で大規模なオフィスビルの開業が相次いでいる。
Among others, DiverCity Tokyo in Koto Ward, Shibuya Hikarie next to Shibuya Station and East Tower at the foot of Tokyo Skytree in Sumida Ward have become popular among sightseers who are attracted to the complexes' commercial facilities.
ダイバーシティ東京、渋谷ヒカリエ、東京スカイツリー脇のイーストタワーなどは、併設する商業施設とともに観光スポットとして人気を集めている。
Not a few of these newly opened buildings may become landmarks of their business districts, with JP Tower as an example. Built on the site of the historic Tokyo Central Post Office across the street from JR Tokyo Station, the high-rise was partially opened earlier this week.
東京駅前の旧東京中央郵便局跡に今週、一部オープンしたＪＰタワーなど、ビジネス街の顔となりそうな注目物件も少なくない。
According to a real estate industry estimate, the total floor space in large-scale buildings to become available this year in Tokyo's 23 wards will be about 1.8 million square meters--equivalent to the footprint of 38 Tokyo Domes. This marks the highest level since 2003, when the Roppongi Hills complex in Minato Ward was opened.
業界推計では、２３区内で今年供給される大型ビルの延べ床面積は東京ドーム３８個分の約１８０万平方メートルに上る。六本木ヒルズが開業した２００３年以来の水準だ。
The latest building boom is marked by high-rises created by the renovation or replacement of older structures in efforts to redevelop the capital's central districts, such as Marunouchi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.
今回の大型物件ラッシュの特徴は、丸の内・渋谷・新宿など都内中心部の再開発に伴う老朽ビルの建て替えや高層化である。テナント側のビル選定基準が変化していることも見逃せない。
===
Tenants' priorities changing
It should be noted that today's tenants have different standards in choosing the buildings they pay rent for.
Companies looking for office space used to focus on where buildings were located and how convenient they were. Nowadays, more and more firms are paying increased attention to whether a building would allow them to continue their business operations in the event of a disaster, considering such factors as its degree of earthquake resistance and whether it has an emergency power supply.
これまでは立地や利便性が中心だったが、ビルの耐震機能や非常用電源の設置など、災害時でも業務を継続できるかどうかを重視する企業が増えている。
Last year's Great East Japan Earthquake encouraged many companies to put a higher priority on preparing for a possible quake that could directly hit Tokyo.
東日本大震災を受けて、首都直下地震への備えを最優先に考えざるを得なくなったためだろう。
The real estate industry has been implementing disaster management measures, such as equipping newly constructed buildings with high-tech systems to inform tenants of the degree of damage sustained in an earthquake.
不動産業界は、地震時に被災状況を把握できるシステムを新型ビルに導入するなど防災対策を進めている。
It is important for the industry to further strengthen its efforts to make office buildings safer.
今後も安全面の取り組みを強化することが大切だ。
Considering the possibility of power shortages in the medium to long term, it is also vital for office buildings to work on energy measures, such as enhancing energy efficiency and diversifying power sources.
中長期的な電力不足を想定し、省エネや電源分散化など、エネルギー対策も欠かせない。
As the number of high-rise office buildings increase and more and more people work in them, it will become more important than ever for business districts to be prepared for a disaster.
大勢の人が働く高層オフィスが増えれば、従来以上にビジネス街の災害対策は重要となる。
Companies renting different buildings should work together to come up with plans to respond to a disaster, including ways to help people who are unable to return home.
複数のビルの入居企業が連携して帰宅困難者対策などを講じるべきだ。
===
Excessive supply negative factor
It is a cause for concern, however, that a glut of office space could harm the real estate market. The vacancy rate of these rooms remains high due to sluggish demand, causing rents to fall over a prolonged period. Some brand-new buildings even find it difficult to reach full occupancy.
懸念されるのは、オフィスが一時期に集中して供給されることで不動産市況が悪化しかねない問題だ。オフィス需要の伸び悩みで空室率は高止まりし、賃料の長期下落傾向が続く。完成間近でもテナントが埋まらない物件もある。
Therefore, there is serious worry about a "Year 2012 Problem" for the real estate industry.
「不動産業界の２０１２年問題」と警戒する声は根強い。
A growing gap between supply and demand in office space could put downward pressure on land prices, negatively influencing the economy. The government, therefore, should keep an eye on the real estate market.
需給ギャップ拡大は地価の下押し圧力となり、経済への悪影響が気がかりだ。政府は不動産市況を注視しなければならない。
In March, the Tokyo metropolitan government compiled a basic strategy to promote local industry, which stipulates that it should help foreign companies settle in the capital.
都は３月に策定した産業振興基本戦略に「外国企業の定着」を掲げた。海外投資家が日本の不動産への投資を再開する動きもある。
Overseas investors have resumed pouring money into Japanese real estate. The metropolitan government should become more aggressive in promoting foreign investment, which will also help narrow the supply-and-demand gap for office space.
オフィス需給を改善するためにも外資誘致を積極化すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 19, 2012)
（2012年7月19日01時26分 読売新聞）
New Tokyo office buildings should be disaster-resistant
オフィスビル 官民で災害に強い都市目指せ（7月19日付・読売社説）
Strengthening functions of office buildings in Tokyo can also help the nation revive its economy. Tokyo is urged to restore its status, as major cities in other Asian countries are gaining competitive edges against it.
東京のオフィス機能を強化することは、日本経済の再生につながる。アジア諸都市に押され気味のＴＯＫＹＯの復権が期待されよう。
Central Tokyo has seen the opening of a number of major office buildings in recent months.
都心で大規模なオフィスビルの開業が相次いでいる。
Among others, DiverCity Tokyo in Koto Ward, Shibuya Hikarie next to Shibuya Station and East Tower at the foot of Tokyo Skytree in Sumida Ward have become popular among sightseers who are attracted to the complexes' commercial facilities.
ダイバーシティ東京、渋谷ヒカリエ、東京スカイツリー脇のイーストタワーなどは、併設する商業施設とともに観光スポットとして人気を集めている。
Not a few of these newly opened buildings may become landmarks of their business districts, with JP Tower as an example. Built on the site of the historic Tokyo Central Post Office across the street from JR Tokyo Station, the high-rise was partially opened earlier this week.
東京駅前の旧東京中央郵便局跡に今週、一部オープンしたＪＰタワーなど、ビジネス街の顔となりそうな注目物件も少なくない。
According to a real estate industry estimate, the total floor space in large-scale buildings to become available this year in Tokyo's 23 wards will be about 1.8 million square meters--equivalent to the footprint of 38 Tokyo Domes. This marks the highest level since 2003, when the Roppongi Hills complex in Minato Ward was opened.
業界推計では、２３区内で今年供給される大型ビルの延べ床面積は東京ドーム３８個分の約１８０万平方メートルに上る。六本木ヒルズが開業した２００３年以来の水準だ。
The latest building boom is marked by high-rises created by the renovation or replacement of older structures in efforts to redevelop the capital's central districts, such as Marunouchi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.
今回の大型物件ラッシュの特徴は、丸の内・渋谷・新宿など都内中心部の再開発に伴う老朽ビルの建て替えや高層化である。テナント側のビル選定基準が変化していることも見逃せない。
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Tenants' priorities changing
It should be noted that today's tenants have different standards in choosing the buildings they pay rent for.
Companies looking for office space used to focus on where buildings were located and how convenient they were. Nowadays, more and more firms are paying increased attention to whether a building would allow them to continue their business operations in the event of a disaster, considering such factors as its degree of earthquake resistance and whether it has an emergency power supply.
これまでは立地や利便性が中心だったが、ビルの耐震機能や非常用電源の設置など、災害時でも業務を継続できるかどうかを重視する企業が増えている。
Last year's Great East Japan Earthquake encouraged many companies to put a higher priority on preparing for a possible quake that could directly hit Tokyo.
東日本大震災を受けて、首都直下地震への備えを最優先に考えざるを得なくなったためだろう。
The real estate industry has been implementing disaster management measures, such as equipping newly constructed buildings with high-tech systems to inform tenants of the degree of damage sustained in an earthquake.
不動産業界は、地震時に被災状況を把握できるシステムを新型ビルに導入するなど防災対策を進めている。
It is important for the industry to further strengthen its efforts to make office buildings safer.
今後も安全面の取り組みを強化することが大切だ。
Considering the possibility of power shortages in the medium to long term, it is also vital for office buildings to work on energy measures, such as enhancing energy efficiency and diversifying power sources.
中長期的な電力不足を想定し、省エネや電源分散化など、エネルギー対策も欠かせない。
As the number of high-rise office buildings increase and more and more people work in them, it will become more important than ever for business districts to be prepared for a disaster.
大勢の人が働く高層オフィスが増えれば、従来以上にビジネス街の災害対策は重要となる。
Companies renting different buildings should work together to come up with plans to respond to a disaster, including ways to help people who are unable to return home.
複数のビルの入居企業が連携して帰宅困難者対策などを講じるべきだ。
===
Excessive supply negative factor
It is a cause for concern, however, that a glut of office space could harm the real estate market. The vacancy rate of these rooms remains high due to sluggish demand, causing rents to fall over a prolonged period. Some brand-new buildings even find it difficult to reach full occupancy.
懸念されるのは、オフィスが一時期に集中して供給されることで不動産市況が悪化しかねない問題だ。オフィス需要の伸び悩みで空室率は高止まりし、賃料の長期下落傾向が続く。完成間近でもテナントが埋まらない物件もある。
Therefore, there is serious worry about a "Year 2012 Problem" for the real estate industry.
「不動産業界の２０１２年問題」と警戒する声は根強い。
A growing gap between supply and demand in office space could put downward pressure on land prices, negatively influencing the economy. The government, therefore, should keep an eye on the real estate market.
需給ギャップ拡大は地価の下押し圧力となり、経済への悪影響が気がかりだ。政府は不動産市況を注視しなければならない。
In March, the Tokyo metropolitan government compiled a basic strategy to promote local industry, which stipulates that it should help foreign companies settle in the capital.
都は３月に策定した産業振興基本戦略に「外国企業の定着」を掲げた。海外投資家が日本の不動産への投資を再開する動きもある。
Overseas investors have resumed pouring money into Japanese real estate. The metropolitan government should become more aggressive in promoting foreign investment, which will also help narrow the supply-and-demand gap for office space.
オフィス需給を改善するためにも外資誘致を積極化すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 19, 2012)
（2012年7月19日01時26分 読売新聞）
2012/07/20
社説:原発の意見聴取会 ずさん過ぎるやり方だ
July 18, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Editorial: Gov't should be fair in listening to public opinion on nuclear power
社説:原発の意見聴取会 ずさん過ぎるやり方だ
The government's decision to ban employees at electric power companies from expressing themselves during hearings of opinions from members of the general public on Japan's energy policy should be regarded as only natural.
政府は、今後のエネルギー政策について国民の声を聞くための意見聴取会に関し、電力会社の社員が意見表明することを認めないよう運営方法を改めることになった。
Such hearings are important opportunities to reflect public opinion on Japan's key policies, and not venues to listen to interested parties' assertions.
意見聴取会は、国の将来を左右する重要な政策に国民の声を反映させる大切な機会であり、当事者の主張を聞く場ではない。
One cannot help but wonder why electric power industry insiders were initially allowed to attend public hearings on atomic power policy. As long as members of the public doubt whether the government is serious about listening to their opinions, the government cannot ensure fairness of its policy-making process.
運営の見直しは当然のことだ。しかし、なぜ当初からそうしなかったのか。「国民の声を本気で聞く気があるのか」と疑われるようでは、政策決定の正当性は確保できない。
Hearings are being held on three scenarios of Japan's reliance on nuclear power as of 2030: scenario 1 under which nuclear plants would be totally shutdown; scenario 2 under which the ratio of atomic power to Japan's total power supply would be 15 percent; and scenario 3 under which the ratio would be 20-25 percent.
意見聴取会は、２０３０年時点での原発の比率を０％、１５％、２０?２５％とした政府の選択肢について、それぞれを支持する国民から考えを聞くものだ。
Specifically, three members of the public who support scenario 1, three others who back scenario 2 and another three who are in favor of scenario 3 are invited to each hearing to express their opinions. The government has introduced such hearings along with deliberative polls -- which consist of public comments, debate and surveys -- as a means to reflect public opinion in its policy-making.
パブリックコメントの募集、議論とアンケートを組み合わせた「討論型世論調査」と並び、今回の政策決定に国民の意見を生かす有力な手段として取り入れられた。
The government plans to hold 11 such sessions across the country. Three sessions have already been held, and the planning manager of Tohoku Electric Power Co. and a section chief at Chubu Electric Power Co.'s nuclear power department expressed their opinions in favor of atomic power at the Sendai and Nagoya sessions, respectively.
全国１１カ所で開催するが、これまでに開かれた３回のうち、仙台市では東北電力の企画部長が、名古屋市では中部電力原子力部の課長が、いずれも原発推進の立場で意見を述べた。
The number of speakers is limited to nine at each hearing. If one of the nine is a high-ranking official of a power supplier that is promoting nuclear power, it obviously runs counter to the hearings' purpose of listening to opinions from members of the general public, and raises serious questions about the fairness of such sessions.
発言者は、１会場９人に限られる。その１人が、原発推進の当事者である電力会社の幹部では、「国民の意見を聞く」という会の趣旨に反するし、公平性も疑われる。
Questions also remain about the way such hearings are being held. Speakers express their own opinions, but nobody asks questions and no discussion is held. Since opinions expressed by speakers are not summarized by the organizer, how can they be reflected in the government's energy policy?
聴取会の仕組みそのものにも疑問がある。発言者が一方的に考えを述べ、質疑も議論もない。意見はまったく集約されないが、これをどうやって政策決定に反映させるのか。
According to an advertising agency that serves as the secretariat of the hearings, of those who have applied to express their opinions at the Nagoya hearing, nearly 70 percent support a total elimination of nuclear plants, while over 20 percent back the 20-25 percent scenario. In Sendai, about 70 percent of applicants are in favor of the abolition of all nuclear power stations. Judging from these figures, the government's decision to allow three people each in favor of the three scenarios to express their opinions at the hearings is highly questionable.
事務局を務める広告代理店によると、名古屋では応募者のうち原発比率０％支持が７割弱、２０-２５％は２割強で、仙台でも応募者の約７割が０％支持だった。こうした比率を見ると、発言者を各選択肢につき３人ずつとすることにも疑問が残る。
Moreover, three people living in the Tokyo metropolitan area were selected as speakers at the Sendai hearing and underscored the need of nuclear power. In Nagoya, four of the nine speakers were from the Kansai or Kanto regions.
さらに、仙台では首都圏在住者３人が発言者に選ばれ、原発の必要性を訴えた。名古屋でも、発言者のうち４人が関東・関西在住だった。
Such hearings have been organized across the country on the assumption that public opinion on nuclear power varies from region to region depending on the local situation, such as whether they host nuclear power stations. Therefore, such hearings should be held in a way local communities' opinions are reflected in energy policy.
全国で開催するのは、原発立地の有無などにより、地域によって見解も異なりうるという前提で、各地域の意見を聞くためだろう。より地元の声を反映させる形での運営が望ましい。
Biased opinions were expressed in some past symposia and other sessions on nuclear power policy organized by the government in a bid to manipulate public opinion, inviting public distrust. There are observations that the government is reportedly seeking to settle the issue, with an eye to adopting the 15 percent option. Behind the widespread anti-nuclear power campaigns is strong public distrust of the government's stance.
原発政策を巡っては、国主催のシンポジウムなどで「やらせ」による世論誘導がなされ、国民の不信を招いた経緯がある。今回も、政府は１５％案を軸に着地点を探っているとの見方がある。反原発運動が大きな広がりを見せている背景にも、そうした政府への強い不信感があるはずだ。
Hearings on energy policy will continue, and the government is also poised to conduct a deliberative poll on the issue. The government should make every effort to ensure fairness in the way it listens to opinions from the public on nuclear power policy in order not to invite public distrust.
意見聴取会は今後も続き、討論型世論調査も控えている。政府は国民の不信を招くことのないよう、公正性の確保に意を尽くすべきだ。
毎日新聞 2012年07月18日 02時31分
Editorial: Gov't should be fair in listening to public opinion on nuclear power
社説:原発の意見聴取会 ずさん過ぎるやり方だ
The government's decision to ban employees at electric power companies from expressing themselves during hearings of opinions from members of the general public on Japan's energy policy should be regarded as only natural.
政府は、今後のエネルギー政策について国民の声を聞くための意見聴取会に関し、電力会社の社員が意見表明することを認めないよう運営方法を改めることになった。
Such hearings are important opportunities to reflect public opinion on Japan's key policies, and not venues to listen to interested parties' assertions.
意見聴取会は、国の将来を左右する重要な政策に国民の声を反映させる大切な機会であり、当事者の主張を聞く場ではない。
One cannot help but wonder why electric power industry insiders were initially allowed to attend public hearings on atomic power policy. As long as members of the public doubt whether the government is serious about listening to their opinions, the government cannot ensure fairness of its policy-making process.
運営の見直しは当然のことだ。しかし、なぜ当初からそうしなかったのか。「国民の声を本気で聞く気があるのか」と疑われるようでは、政策決定の正当性は確保できない。
Hearings are being held on three scenarios of Japan's reliance on nuclear power as of 2030: scenario 1 under which nuclear plants would be totally shutdown; scenario 2 under which the ratio of atomic power to Japan's total power supply would be 15 percent; and scenario 3 under which the ratio would be 20-25 percent.
意見聴取会は、２０３０年時点での原発の比率を０％、１５％、２０?２５％とした政府の選択肢について、それぞれを支持する国民から考えを聞くものだ。
Specifically, three members of the public who support scenario 1, three others who back scenario 2 and another three who are in favor of scenario 3 are invited to each hearing to express their opinions. The government has introduced such hearings along with deliberative polls -- which consist of public comments, debate and surveys -- as a means to reflect public opinion in its policy-making.
パブリックコメントの募集、議論とアンケートを組み合わせた「討論型世論調査」と並び、今回の政策決定に国民の意見を生かす有力な手段として取り入れられた。
The government plans to hold 11 such sessions across the country. Three sessions have already been held, and the planning manager of Tohoku Electric Power Co. and a section chief at Chubu Electric Power Co.'s nuclear power department expressed their opinions in favor of atomic power at the Sendai and Nagoya sessions, respectively.
全国１１カ所で開催するが、これまでに開かれた３回のうち、仙台市では東北電力の企画部長が、名古屋市では中部電力原子力部の課長が、いずれも原発推進の立場で意見を述べた。
The number of speakers is limited to nine at each hearing. If one of the nine is a high-ranking official of a power supplier that is promoting nuclear power, it obviously runs counter to the hearings' purpose of listening to opinions from members of the general public, and raises serious questions about the fairness of such sessions.
発言者は、１会場９人に限られる。その１人が、原発推進の当事者である電力会社の幹部では、「国民の意見を聞く」という会の趣旨に反するし、公平性も疑われる。
Questions also remain about the way such hearings are being held. Speakers express their own opinions, but nobody asks questions and no discussion is held. Since opinions expressed by speakers are not summarized by the organizer, how can they be reflected in the government's energy policy?
聴取会の仕組みそのものにも疑問がある。発言者が一方的に考えを述べ、質疑も議論もない。意見はまったく集約されないが、これをどうやって政策決定に反映させるのか。
According to an advertising agency that serves as the secretariat of the hearings, of those who have applied to express their opinions at the Nagoya hearing, nearly 70 percent support a total elimination of nuclear plants, while over 20 percent back the 20-25 percent scenario. In Sendai, about 70 percent of applicants are in favor of the abolition of all nuclear power stations. Judging from these figures, the government's decision to allow three people each in favor of the three scenarios to express their opinions at the hearings is highly questionable.
事務局を務める広告代理店によると、名古屋では応募者のうち原発比率０％支持が７割弱、２０-２５％は２割強で、仙台でも応募者の約７割が０％支持だった。こうした比率を見ると、発言者を各選択肢につき３人ずつとすることにも疑問が残る。
Moreover, three people living in the Tokyo metropolitan area were selected as speakers at the Sendai hearing and underscored the need of nuclear power. In Nagoya, four of the nine speakers were from the Kansai or Kanto regions.
さらに、仙台では首都圏在住者３人が発言者に選ばれ、原発の必要性を訴えた。名古屋でも、発言者のうち４人が関東・関西在住だった。
Such hearings have been organized across the country on the assumption that public opinion on nuclear power varies from region to region depending on the local situation, such as whether they host nuclear power stations. Therefore, such hearings should be held in a way local communities' opinions are reflected in energy policy.
全国で開催するのは、原発立地の有無などにより、地域によって見解も異なりうるという前提で、各地域の意見を聞くためだろう。より地元の声を反映させる形での運営が望ましい。
Biased opinions were expressed in some past symposia and other sessions on nuclear power policy organized by the government in a bid to manipulate public opinion, inviting public distrust. There are observations that the government is reportedly seeking to settle the issue, with an eye to adopting the 15 percent option. Behind the widespread anti-nuclear power campaigns is strong public distrust of the government's stance.
原発政策を巡っては、国主催のシンポジウムなどで「やらせ」による世論誘導がなされ、国民の不信を招いた経緯がある。今回も、政府は１５％案を軸に着地点を探っているとの見方がある。反原発運動が大きな広がりを見せている背景にも、そうした政府への強い不信感があるはずだ。
Hearings on energy policy will continue, and the government is also poised to conduct a deliberative poll on the issue. The government should make every effort to ensure fairness in the way it listens to opinions from the public on nuclear power policy in order not to invite public distrust.
意見聴取会は今後も続き、討論型世論調査も控えている。政府は国民の不信を招くことのないよう、公正性の確保に意を尽くすべきだ。
毎日新聞 2012年07月18日 02時31分
2012/07/19
社説:厚生年金基金改革 決められる政治の出番
July 16, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Editorial: Pension system must be drastically reformed, welfare pension funds axed
社説:厚生年金基金改革 決められる政治の出番
The alleged misappropriation of at least 100 billion yen of welfare pension funds by asset management firm AIJ Investment Advisors Co. has people worried about the survival of public pensions. Those concerns are a bit off the mark, however.
１０００億円以上もの厚生年金基金を消失させたＡＩＪ投資顧問事件で公的年金の存続を心配する人がいるが、それは違う。
Welfare pension funds are a third tier of pensions set up individually by corporations in addition to the two-tiered public pension scheme, comprised of a basic pension and an employees' pension. The ongoing scandal should not have any effect on public pensions, and any losses incurred by welfare pension funds should be dealt with by member companies.
厚生年金基金とは、基礎年金（１階）と厚生年金（２階）の上に企業が独自に設けた３階部分を指す。１、２階部分の公的年金には本来影響がなく、被害を受けた企業が自己責任で処理すべきものなのである。
The problem is that many of these funds cannot dissolve even if they want to, because they manage portions of the employees' pension on behalf of the national government. Furthermore, because many of the funds affected by the scandal are comprised of small- to mid-scale businesses in depressed industries, forcing repayment could push the companies themselves into bankruptcy. Demanding other fund members to take joint responsibility could even set off a chain of bankruptcies.
問題は、２階部分である厚生年金の一部を国から預かって代行運用しており、そこに穴が開いているため基金を解散したくてもできないことだ。もともと不況業種の中小企業が寄り集まった基金が多く、無理に返済を迫れば企業本体が倒産しかねない。共同で運用している他企業に連帯責任を求めれば連鎖倒産の恐れが出てくる。
The AIJ scandal is characterized by welfare pension funds that were lured by the sweet promise of high yields, after which they were dragged deeper and deeper into trouble. Of 578 welfare pension funds in Japan, some 40 percent now lack the cash necessary to manage a portion of employees' pensions; the total deficit comes out to over 700 billion yen.
危ない高利回りの甘言にだまされた基金がますます泥沼に引きずり込まれたのがＡＩＪ事件である。現在５７８の基金の約４割が、必要な積立金が不足する「代行割れ」の状態で、不足分の総額は７０００億円を超える。
There's no easy way out of this. As a proposal to make it easier for funds in crisis to dissolve, an expert panel to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare suggested reducing the amount of money that pension funds must return to the government, and eliminating any joint responsibility for repayment among member companies.
妙案があるわけではない。厚生労働省の有識者会議は、危機的な基金を解散しやすくするため、国への返還金の減額や加入企業の連帯返済の廃止などを打ち出した。
How, then, would the gaps left by money that has not been recovered be filled? Reserve funds from public pensions, the panel said. But would subscribers to employee pension plans who have nothing to do with the scandal accept such an idea?
しかし、穴が開いた部分をどうするかといえば、公的年金の積立金で埋めるというのだ。まったく関係のない一般の厚生年金加入者はこれを受け入れるだろうか。
The panel was unable to reach a clear policy on reform that would lower the 5.5-percent projected rate of interest and slash the pension payments that retirees receive, by postponing topics for future deliberation or presenting them with both their pros and cons.
その一方で、予定利率（５．５％）を引き下げたり、ＯＢの年金受給額を減額したりする改革案は検討の継続か両論併記にとどまり、明確な方針は示せなかった。
This may be due in part to precedents in which reductions in pension payments have not easily been accepted, as welfare pension funds serve as a part of an employee's retirement package.
厚生年金基金には退職金の一部という面もあり、容易に減額を認めなかった判例があることも影響しているのだろう。
However, unless pensioners who are receiving the third-tier of their pension schemes at high guaranteed yields share in the pain, it will be difficult to convince employee pension subscribers who will suffer the brunt of the damage.
しかし、高い予定利率の３階建て部分を受給しているＯＢが痛みを分かち合わなければ、とばっちりを受ける厚生年金加入者の納得は得られないのではないか。
When the workforce was much larger than the pensioner population, pension management went smoothly and reserve funds just kept growing.
現役世代が年金受給世代よりはるかに多かったころは年金の運用実績も良く積立金は増えていく一方だった。
In contrast, our rapidly-aging society requires us to cut into our reserves bit by bit.
今は積立金を少しずつ取り崩しながら超高齢化を乗り切っていかねばならない。
To ensure the survival of public pension plans, we must quickly give up on funds that are unsustainable.
公的年金の持続可能性を損なわないためには、「代行割れ」の基金に早く見切りをつけることだ。
And if anyone is to decide who must endure the inevitable pain of this situation, it should be our politicians.
誰かが痛みを引き受けないといけないならば、「決められる政治」の出番ではないか。
All pension funds are suffering from a shrinking work force and a growing population of pensioners.
Unless the economic situation undergoes dramatic improvement, provision of pensions at 5.5-percent estimated yield will leave the government even more financially strapped.
現役が減りＯＢが増えているのはどの基金も同じで、経済状況がよほど改善しない限り５．５％の予定利率で支給し続ければ財政が苦しくなるのはわかりきっている。
It is time for the government to begin fundamental reforms, including the complete abolishment of welfare pension funds.
厚生年金基金制度そのものの廃止も含めて抜本的な改革に着手すべきだ。
毎日新聞 2012年07月16日 02時32分
Editorial: Pension system must be drastically reformed, welfare pension funds axed
社説:厚生年金基金改革 決められる政治の出番
The alleged misappropriation of at least 100 billion yen of welfare pension funds by asset management firm AIJ Investment Advisors Co. has people worried about the survival of public pensions. Those concerns are a bit off the mark, however.
１０００億円以上もの厚生年金基金を消失させたＡＩＪ投資顧問事件で公的年金の存続を心配する人がいるが、それは違う。
Welfare pension funds are a third tier of pensions set up individually by corporations in addition to the two-tiered public pension scheme, comprised of a basic pension and an employees' pension. The ongoing scandal should not have any effect on public pensions, and any losses incurred by welfare pension funds should be dealt with by member companies.
厚生年金基金とは、基礎年金（１階）と厚生年金（２階）の上に企業が独自に設けた３階部分を指す。１、２階部分の公的年金には本来影響がなく、被害を受けた企業が自己責任で処理すべきものなのである。
The problem is that many of these funds cannot dissolve even if they want to, because they manage portions of the employees' pension on behalf of the national government. Furthermore, because many of the funds affected by the scandal are comprised of small- to mid-scale businesses in depressed industries, forcing repayment could push the companies themselves into bankruptcy. Demanding other fund members to take joint responsibility could even set off a chain of bankruptcies.
問題は、２階部分である厚生年金の一部を国から預かって代行運用しており、そこに穴が開いているため基金を解散したくてもできないことだ。もともと不況業種の中小企業が寄り集まった基金が多く、無理に返済を迫れば企業本体が倒産しかねない。共同で運用している他企業に連帯責任を求めれば連鎖倒産の恐れが出てくる。
The AIJ scandal is characterized by welfare pension funds that were lured by the sweet promise of high yields, after which they were dragged deeper and deeper into trouble. Of 578 welfare pension funds in Japan, some 40 percent now lack the cash necessary to manage a portion of employees' pensions; the total deficit comes out to over 700 billion yen.
危ない高利回りの甘言にだまされた基金がますます泥沼に引きずり込まれたのがＡＩＪ事件である。現在５７８の基金の約４割が、必要な積立金が不足する「代行割れ」の状態で、不足分の総額は７０００億円を超える。
There's no easy way out of this. As a proposal to make it easier for funds in crisis to dissolve, an expert panel to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare suggested reducing the amount of money that pension funds must return to the government, and eliminating any joint responsibility for repayment among member companies.
妙案があるわけではない。厚生労働省の有識者会議は、危機的な基金を解散しやすくするため、国への返還金の減額や加入企業の連帯返済の廃止などを打ち出した。
How, then, would the gaps left by money that has not been recovered be filled? Reserve funds from public pensions, the panel said. But would subscribers to employee pension plans who have nothing to do with the scandal accept such an idea?
しかし、穴が開いた部分をどうするかといえば、公的年金の積立金で埋めるというのだ。まったく関係のない一般の厚生年金加入者はこれを受け入れるだろうか。
The panel was unable to reach a clear policy on reform that would lower the 5.5-percent projected rate of interest and slash the pension payments that retirees receive, by postponing topics for future deliberation or presenting them with both their pros and cons.
その一方で、予定利率（５．５％）を引き下げたり、ＯＢの年金受給額を減額したりする改革案は検討の継続か両論併記にとどまり、明確な方針は示せなかった。
This may be due in part to precedents in which reductions in pension payments have not easily been accepted, as welfare pension funds serve as a part of an employee's retirement package.
厚生年金基金には退職金の一部という面もあり、容易に減額を認めなかった判例があることも影響しているのだろう。
However, unless pensioners who are receiving the third-tier of their pension schemes at high guaranteed yields share in the pain, it will be difficult to convince employee pension subscribers who will suffer the brunt of the damage.
しかし、高い予定利率の３階建て部分を受給しているＯＢが痛みを分かち合わなければ、とばっちりを受ける厚生年金加入者の納得は得られないのではないか。
When the workforce was much larger than the pensioner population, pension management went smoothly and reserve funds just kept growing.
現役世代が年金受給世代よりはるかに多かったころは年金の運用実績も良く積立金は増えていく一方だった。
In contrast, our rapidly-aging society requires us to cut into our reserves bit by bit.
今は積立金を少しずつ取り崩しながら超高齢化を乗り切っていかねばならない。
To ensure the survival of public pension plans, we must quickly give up on funds that are unsustainable.
公的年金の持続可能性を損なわないためには、「代行割れ」の基金に早く見切りをつけることだ。
And if anyone is to decide who must endure the inevitable pain of this situation, it should be our politicians.
誰かが痛みを引き受けないといけないならば、「決められる政治」の出番ではないか。
All pension funds are suffering from a shrinking work force and a growing population of pensioners.
Unless the economic situation undergoes dramatic improvement, provision of pensions at 5.5-percent estimated yield will leave the government even more financially strapped.
現役が減りＯＢが増えているのはどの基金も同じで、経済状況がよほど改善しない限り５．５％の予定利率で支給し続ければ財政が苦しくなるのはわかりきっている。
It is time for the government to begin fundamental reforms, including the complete abolishment of welfare pension funds.
厚生年金基金制度そのものの廃止も含めて抜本的な改革に着手すべきだ。
毎日新聞 2012年07月16日 02時32分
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